Bihar Regiment Soldier Hare Ram Kunwar Cremated with Full Military Honours in Bhojpur
Hare Ram Kunwar, the 38-year-old jawan from the Bihar Regiment's fourth unit who was among the ten Indian Army personnel who tragically lost their lives in an accident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, was laid to rest with full military honours on Saturday. The solemn ceremony took place at Mahuli Ghat in Bihar's Bhojpur district, where grief-stricken family members and fellow soldiers gathered to pay their final respects.
Heart-Wrenching Scenes as Family Bids Farewell
The cremation was marked by deeply emotional moments as Kunwar's family struggled to come to terms with their devastating loss. His elder son, 11-year-old Priyanshu, lit the funeral pyre, recalling his father's aspirations for his children. "Papa always asked us to study hard and become a big officer. He had talked to me during his last visit to our home in December," the young boy shared, highlighting the soldier's dreams for his family's future.
In a particularly poignant moment, Kunwar's eight-year-old younger son gave a final salute to his father's mortal remains on the banks of the river Ganga at Mahuli Ghat. This gesture, filled with both respect and sorrow, moved everyone present to tears.
Army Pays Tribute to Fallen Comrade
Before the body was consigned to the flames, Indian Army personnel accorded a ceremonial guard of honour to their fallen colleague. This military tribute underscored the respect and honour due to a soldier who had served his nation with dedication. The soldier's body, wrapped in the tricolour, was brought to Nathmalpur village under the Barhara block of Bhojpur district by Army jawans earlier on Saturday.
Family's Emotional Breakdown
The arrival of the body triggered an outpouring of grief among Kunwar's loved ones. His mother, Shanti Devi, who had spoken to him just a few hours before the accident, fainted upon seeing her son's remains. The soldier's wife, Khushboo Devi, also nearly collapsed, sobbing inconsolably as she questioned the sudden turn of events. "What happened to your promise that you would always look after me and our children? Now how will I raise the children alone?" she cried out in anguish.
Turning to an Army jawan, Khushboo Devi expressed her fears for the future, saying, "My children have become orphans. Who will take responsibility for them?" Her words highlighted the profound impact of Kunwar's untimely death on his family's stability and dreams.
Military Career Cut Short
Hare Ram Kunwar had been recruited into the Danapur-based Bihar Regiment in 2009 and was due to retire in 2028. His promising career was tragically cut short, leaving his family to grapple with an uncertain future. The accident in Doda has not only claimed a brave soldier but has also shattered the aspirations and security of his loved ones.
Political Tributes
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha paid tribute to the departed soldier in a post on social media platform X on Saturday, acknowledging his service and sacrifice. This gesture from a political leader reflects the broader recognition of the soldier's contribution to the nation.
The cremation ceremony at Mahuli Ghat served as a sombre reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian Army personnel and the enduring grief borne by their families. As the flames rose, they symbolised not just the end of a life but the beginning of a challenging journey for those left behind.
