Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 19

It was a sombre occasion today with grief and sorrow palpable in the air  as coffins of the soldiers killed in Sunday’s Uri attack lay in a row in an open ground at Badami Bagh, the 15 Corps Headquarters.The ceremony  was led by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. While paying her homage, she expressed grief over the tragic loss. Due to the large number of coffins, not seen by the Army in many many years, the wreath-laying ceremony was held in the open ground.“It was a heart-wrenching scene to see 17 coffins at the same time,” said an official who attended the ceremony. “Thoughts go out to the families of martyrs who were in their early 20s or mid 30s,” he said.The Army and the state government gave a befitting farewell to the bravehearts. Laying a wreath on behalf of the Army, Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chinar Corps GOC, paid rich tributes to the gallant soldiers.Officials from the state government, administration and other security agencies joined in paying their last respects to the martyrs.Chief Secretary BR Sharma, Home Secretary RK Goyal, DGP Rajendra Kumar, senior police officers Gopal Reddy, SP Vaid, Dilbag Singh and  L Mohanti, Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan and IB Joint Director Harmeet Singh were present.