Handwara Heartbreak: Mothers, Kids Teary Eyed Salute To Martyred Soldiers

When a martyr's body comes home wrapped in a tricolor it doesn't just spark immense grief, but a sense of pride, honour and patriotism too. The pictures of loved ones bidding adieu to men in uniform who sacrificed their life in the line of duty is what immense pain and courage look at once. You can't help but weep looking at these pictures. Colonel Ashutosh Sharma was among five security forces personnel killed during an encounter with terrorists in north Kashmir. The second Commanding Officer of the 21 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life while combating terrorism. The powerful images of his family as they salute goodbye to him made it to social media and the nation mourned these bravehearts as well.

As the whole country is busy figuring out its life under a lockdown, we often forget to spare a thought for our soldiers. Do we think of them enough, one wonders? These wives and daughters salute their fathers, sons, husbands as they sacrifice life for the country fighting terrorists in encounters.

There are no words!
There never are...

RIP Brothers 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LsN21uRCdm

— Lt Gen Satish Dua🇮🇳 (@TheSatishDua) May 5, 2020

Also: Photographer Garima Dixit On Why Army Wives Are A Courageous Lot

“Late Col Ashutosh Sharma SM and his team were leading a counter-terrorist operation in village Chanjimul, District Kupwara. In a valiant effort to save innocent civilian lives, while putting their own lives in grave danger, they eliminated two terrorists in the operation. In the ensuing firefight, Late Col Ashutosh Sharma SM, Late Maj Anuj Sood, Late Naik Rajesh Kumar, Late Lance Naik Dinesh Singh and Late Sub Inspector Sageer Ahmed Qazi made the supreme sacrifice in service to the Nation,’’ the army said in a statement.

“The mortal remains of the martyrs were taken for last rites to their native place, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and remains committed to their dignity and well being,’’ the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded them for their bravery. A lot of citizens have taken on social media to commend them and salute them for laying their lives in the service of the nation.

Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2020

While we are proud of these soldiers who laid down their lives to protect the country, we also hope that God gives strength to the family members to live their lives sans them.

Also: Army Wives On The Risks Of Being In The Line Of Duty