Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Dajiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Feb 13: Citizens gathered at the War Memorial near Kadri park here on February 13 and paid homage to the martyrs, Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad and 8 other soldiers who lost their lives in Siachen avalanche recently.
The ceremony was organized by the Dakshina Kannada Ex-Servicemen's Association, Mangaluru under the aegis of Shastavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple Trust, Lions Clubs International, District 317 D and Rotary Club.
Addressing the gathering, Brigadier T N Rai said, "The Siachen Glacier is the highest and coldest battlefield in the world at an average altitude of 20,000 feet. We need to remember the sacrifice of these soldiers. A soldier kills the enemy not because he hates him but he wants to protect us. Soldiers from four different states have lost their lives in this incident. In Siachen Glacier they cook food in one utensil and eat in one plate because there is no water, and ice needs to be melted. Then why are people of different states fighting down south? There is conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on Cauvery issue and so on. We need to remember the sacrifice of these soldiers who have laid down their lives for our tomorrow."
Lion Kavita Shastri, governor of Lions Club said, "These soldiers have given up their lives so that we can live our tomorrow. Let us not sympathize their demise, instead let us empathize. We cannot sacrifice ourselves like these soldiers have for the country. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of these soldiers."
The other soldiers who lost their lives in Siachen avalanche were Subedar Nagesh, Havaldar Elumalai, Lance Havaldar S Kumar, Lance Naik Sudheesh, Sepoy Mahesha, Sepoy Ganesan, Sepoy Rama Moorthy, Sepoy Mustaq Ahmed and Sepoy Nursing Assistant Suryawanshi.
Col N Sharath Bhandary, coordinator of Dakshina Kannada Ex-Servicemen's Association, Maruthi G Nayak, inspector, Mangaluru east police station, Arjun Rai, assistant coordinator Shasthavu Shree Bhoothanatheshwara temple and others were present.