CRPF jawan, martyred in Kupwara encounter, leaves behind two kids
In a fierce gunbattle with terrorists in Kupwara of Jammu and Kashmir, India lost four security personnel. A CRPF inspector, a jawan and two officers of J&K police were martyred in the encounter which lasted for 60 hours. The mortal remains of the jawan, Vinod Kumar, will be brought to his native village Patla, near Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Here's his story.
Backstory: "Dead" terrorist woke up to attack forces
Security forces launched an operation on learning that terrorists were hiding at a house in Kralgund village of Langate area. After taking a break several times, the terrorists started firing at forces as soon as they approached the house. Reportedly, a terrorist, who was presumed dead, rose from the rubble and fired at forces, taking them by surprise. Two terrorists were killed too.
Martyred jawan was first in his family to join forces
Vinod, the youngest one among his six siblings, was the first one in his family to join the forces. His brother Joginder told HT, Vinod attempted for the Indian army initially, but later joined CRPF. Their mother passed away two years ago while their father died last year. Vinod is survived by his wife and two children, aged eight and four.
Vinod never spoke about his operations, reveals brother
The 32-year-old came home in February and returned on duty a week before the Pulwama attack of February 14, in which 40 soldiers were martyred. Joginder said his brother never spoke about his operations. "He had last talked to his wife on Friday, after which he went for the encounter. The CRPF officials said his body will arrive on Sunday," Joginder added.
Locals bid adieu to another brave soldier few days ago
The mood in the area is grim. Just a few days ago, mortal remains of Ajay Kumar arrived at his home in Basatikri village. Ajay, a member of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, was martyred in an encounter after the Pulwama attack. His last rites were performed with full state honors on February 19 at Patla inter-college grounds. Vinod and Ajay went to college together.
Terrorism should be weeded out completely, feel residents
The residents want the government to take strict action against terrorism. A local named Yogendra Balhara said many young men from the area joined the forces and the government must crack down on terror activities. "One more of our brave men has laid down his life for the country. We want concrete steps to be taken by the government," Balhara said.
