Shimla, Jun 20 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday visited martyr Ankush Thakur's house in the Hamirpur district and announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the next of kin.

Sepoy Ankush Thakur, 21, of Punjab Regiment died during the clashes between India and China in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh.

The Chief Minister met father and other family members of the martyr and expressed condolences.

The Chief Minister said the state was with them in this hour of distress. He announced that a gate would be constructed in honour of the martyr at his native place Karohta. The village primary health centre and the road leading to village would be strengthened.

The Chief Minister said the sacrifice of soldiers would not go waste and the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would give a befitting reply to the nefarious designs of the enemy.

Ankush Thakur was the third generation armyman. He joined the Indian Army in 2018.

His father Anil Thakur and grandfather had also served in the army. The younger brother of the martyr is studying in Class VI.