Army rescuers find mom’s photo next to martyr’s mortal remains

Bengaluru, March 23: Madras Regiment's 'Veer Thambi' Sepoy Vijaya Kumar K, who was martyred in an avalanche strike triggered by a mild earthquake in Kargil Sector on March 17, worshipped his mother more than anyone else in this world.

His undying love for his mother was evident from the fact that the rescue team found a photograph neatly preserved from next to his body.

"We were all moved after seeing the photo of his mother next to him. He was a cheerful and witty boy, who was extremely fond of his parents. He was very close to his mother Muttukutty," an Army official said. His father Karuthapandian P, is a farmer.

Indian Army's rescue teams dug out the mortal remains of 23-year-old soldier on the third day (March 20), under 12 feet of snow. Despite extremely hostile weather, the teams with the help of avalanche rescue dogs, deep penetration radars and metal detectors combed the area in search of the Sepoy.

Hailing from Vallaramapuram village of Thirunelvelli district in Tamil Nadu, Sepoy Vijaya is survived by his parents and two younger sisters.

He enrolled into the 21 Madras Regiment when he was 21 years old and was an active member in all activities during his training period.

"He was simply outstanding in his overall performance, thereby becoming cynosure of all eyes during recruit training at the Madras Regimental Centre. The individual joined his Battalion on September 6, 2015," says the official.

Sepoy Vijaya was mentally prepared to take on the challenges after his battalion moved for the field assignment in the Kargil Sector.

"Calmly and stoically he went about preparing himself physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. Posted to a Rifle Company, Sepoy Vijaya ventured to serve on a difficult post located at approx 17500 feet," says the official.

Army says this area remains isolated and inaccessible to the rest of the world nearly for six months every year during winters, covered by 10-15 feet snow.

"He was inducted onto the post in December 2015 and his unflinching commitment was a testimony to his upbringing, personal values and professional grooming. Sadly, he was washed away in an avalanche for almost one kilometer on the night of March 17," adds the official.

On Tuesday, Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh paid homage to Sepoy Vijaya during a wreath-laying ceremony held at the Base Hospital Delhi Cantonment.

Army had planned to airlift mortal remains of the brave soldier to Thiruvananthapuram by Tuesday night and then to be taken to his native by road.

According to Army officials, the cremation ceremony with full military honours had been planned tentatively on Wednesday.

OneIndia News