Tribune News Service

Bhara (Bhaderwah), Nov 22

Indian Army today dedicated a goodwill park as a tribute to the late Naib Subedar Chuni Lal at his native Dhara village of Bhaderwah in Doda district.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh inaugurated the park.

Chuni Lal is the most decorated soldier, as he was awarded Sena Medal in 1987 for his bravery in Siachen, Vir Chakra in 2000 for his fight against militants in Poonch along the LoC and highest peace time gallantry award Ashok Chakra (posthumous) for his act in Keran sector along the LoC in 2007.

He was an indispensable part of the eighth battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, former colonel of the regiment, said they were proud of Naib Subedar Chuni Lal for his contribution to the Inidan Army. “Seeing the morale of soldier’s parents and his wife, it gives us strength to work with more passion.”

“No one in the Army has been awarded like him and I salute him,” he added.

The park has a statue of the martyr, a children park, a fountain and an open gym to improve the overall ambience of the park.

GOC 16 Corps, GOC Delta force, Doda DC, Doda SSP and civil administration officials were present. Hundreds of people from Bhara village and adjoining villages had come to witness the event.

Decorated soldier

• Sena Medal in 1987
• Vir Chakra in 2000
• Ashok Chakra (posthumous) in 2007