Army Chief calls on Col Vasanth's family

Bangalore, Aug 18 (UNI) Army Chief Gen J J Singh today called on the family of Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, who laid down his life in a fierce encounter with terrorists near Line of Control in Uri sector of North Kashmir on July 31.

Gen Singh, accompanied by his wife, spent more than 30 minutes at the residence of Ms Subashini, wife of Col Vasanth, who was staying with her parents. He spoke at length with Ms Subashini, her two daughters and parents of Col Vasanth.

Col Vasanth, who was conferred Ashok Chakra posthumously, was commissioned into nine-Maratha Light Infantry battalion in June 1989.

Praising his gallant services, Gen Singh had said yesterday, ''Col Vasanth led from the front and laid down his life after ensuring that all the terrorists, who tried to infiltrate, were killed.'' Col Vasanth's father N K Venugopal, who spoke to the media after the General left the house said, ''I am happy that the Indian Army Chief visited us today. The General told us that he could offer whatever we need. We do not want anything, as we are ready to live with what ever we have. But I am satisfied as the country has recognised my son's services,'' he said.

UNI