Sahebganj (Jharkhand): Sepoy Kundan Kumar Ojha, who lost his life during a violent stand-off between India and China in the Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh, was cremated with full state honours in Dehari village of Sahebganj district in Jharkhand on Friday.
People gathered outside the residence in large numbers in order to catch a glimpse of the slain soldier for the last time as the tricolour-wrapped coffin was brought out of the ambulance by the army personnel.
Even as they struggled to come to terms with the shocking news and grieved over the lives cut short, family members of the soldier said they were proud of his sacrifice.
"'Abhi to Ladakh mein banni, aur chhuti mili taab betiki dekhe aai' (I am in Ladakh now, will come as soon as I get leave)," were his final few words to Bhawani Devi on June 7, the braveheart's cousin Prabhat Kumar said.
Ojha's parents were too overcome with emotion to even speak. "He always had the passion to join the Indian Army. He used to wake up at 3 am to start his daily exercises as part of his preparations," his cousin said in a choked voice.
READ: Galwan Valley Clash: People in 2 Bengal villages wait patiently for their fallen heroes
Ojha was a native of Dehari village in Sadar block of Sahebganj district under Mufasil police station limits. Kundan was attached to Bihar Regiment Katihar in 2012 and got married in the year 2017.
His wife gave birth to a baby girl 19 days ago. As per his father, who is a farmer by profession, stated that Kundan last visited his home five months ago and he had a word with him over a call 15 days back.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15.
Both India and China are currently engaging in diplomatic and Army-level talks regarding the situation.
