Remains of Major Amit consigned to flames at native village

Jhajjar: The mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal of 21 Para who was killed on Wednesday in an encounter with militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district, were consigned to flames at his native village Surheti here this evening with full military honours.

People from all walks of life attended the last journey of the Major and paid rich tributes.

Maj Deswal of 21 Para SF was killed in a gunbattle with Zeliangrong United Front militants in forested Nungba area during a combing operation undertaken by Rashtriya Rifles and Special Forces.

Ankit Deswal, Amit's younger brother, lit the funeral pyre amid the chants of 'Major Amit Amar Rahe'.

Haryana minister O P Dhankar, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, local MLA Geeta Bhukkal and other senior officials from army and civil administration were present and paid their tributes.

The body of Maj Deswal was brought in a chopper from Delhi to Jhajjar police lines. From police lines, his body, wrapped in a tricolor, was taken to his home.

Amit, who is survived by wife - Neeta and 3-year-old son Arjun - belonged to a family of armymen.

His father - Rishi Raj - is a retired Subedar, his uncle Shamsher and brother-in-law Sanjeev are also serving in Indian Army. His grandfather - Nathu Ram - had also been in army.

Amit had last visited his home in February to attend his brother's marriage.