Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Dec 26: The funeral of Anoop Poojary (31), a brave soldier from Beejadi, Kundapura, who was martyred in a military vehicle accident near the Line of Control in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, was held with full state honours at Beejadi beach on Thursday, December 26.
Anoop's mortal remains were brought in an open vehicle, passing through Koteshwara, before being taken to Beejadi, where the final rites were conducted at his family home. As the body arrived, his wife, mother, and siblings were overwhelmed with grief.
The melancholic cries from his family echoed throughout the village, marking the profound loss of a beloved family member. Anoop's death left his family and the entire village in mourning.
On behalf of the district administration, additional deputy commissioner Mamatha Devi, additional superintendent of police S T Siddalingappa, assistant commissioner Mahesh Chandra, Kundapura taluk Tahsildar Shobhalakshmi, and Kundapura police DySP Belliappa, along with officials from various departments, paid their respects and honored the martyr. Udupi district police paid tribute by firing three rounds in the air.
A public viewing was arranged at Beejadi Padushala, where local dignitaries, including MP Kota Srinivas Poojari, former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Shetty, former MLA K Gopal Poojari, and several others, came to offer their respects.
The final rites were performed with full government honors at Beejadi beach, with religious rituals observed, and Indian Army personnel fired in the air as a tribute to Anoop.
As the funeral procession moved along National Highway 66, people lined the streets with rangolis, banners, and cutouts of Anoop to honour him. Many also travelled in vehicles to join the procession and pay their respects. Local businesses in the Beejadi area were closed as a mark of respect.
Anoop Poojary, who had served for 13 years in the Indian Army, had recently returned home on leave in December. He spent time at the Koteshwara festival and celebrated his daughter’s birthday before returning to duty. Just three days after returning, he was tragically killed in the accident. His parents, Chandu and Narayana Poojari, have decided to build a memorial for him at Beejadi beach in his memory.
Anoop had served in Jammu and Kashmir for two years and had also been posted in Himachal Pradesh. After an attack in Poonch, he was stationed there for over a year. Despite his plans to relocate to Gujarat after finishing his assignment in Kashmir, he tragically lost his life during this short leave. His wife, Manjushree, recalled how Anoop had always expressed his commitment to completing his military service and how concerned he had been when he hadn’t received his regular updates.
Anoop’s legacy lives on, as his commitment to the country continues to inspire his family and the community.