Kolhapur martyr cremated, thousands bid adieu

MUMBAI: Thousands of villagers today bid a tearful adieu to soldier Rajendra Narayan Tupare, who was killed in firing by Pakistani Rangers along the LoC in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The mortal remains of the soldier were cremated at his native place Karve village in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district with full military honours.

The martyr's nine-year-old son Aryan performed the last rites.

The village is observing a spontaneous shutdown for the next two days as a mark of respect for the soldier and to register their protest against Pakistan for repeatedly violating the ceasefire.

State Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, who is also district Guardian Minister, paid homage to the martyr and assured the family of all help.

The martyr's body was flown to Belgaum last evening and reached his native village today.

The state government has announced Rs 15 lakh assistance for the martyr's family.

Two army jawans were killed and five others -- two soldiers, two civilian women and a BSF officer -- were injured as Pakistani army fired along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati and Poonch sectors on Sunday, violating the ceasefire.