ROHTAK/JAMMU: The mortal remains of Major Sanjeev Lathar, who was among three officers killed in an army chopper crash at Sukna military camp near Siliguri in West Bengal on Wednesday, were cremated with full state honours at his native village of Budha Khera in Julana town of Jind district.

MANOJ DHAKA/HTA coffin carrying Major Sanjeev Lathar’s mortal remains arrive at his native village Budha Khera in Julana, Jind, on Friday.

Due to bad weather, his body reached the village a day late on Friday, where all residents gathered for his cremation. Among them were children who skipped school to bid a tearful adieu to their village’s hero by raising slogans feting his bravery.

Major Lathar is survived by his parents, wife Shalini, daughter Suhana, 8, and Pari, 2. They are settled in Bhiwani. “My son was a lion. If I had another son, I would have sent him to the army too to serve the country. I had spoken to Sanjeev a day before the fateful incident. He told me he would be promoted soon,” said Major Lathar’s mother, Santosh.

Major Lathar was in the 54 Gorkha regiment and was presently serving as an aviation instructor at Siliguri. His promotion to lieutenant colonel was due next year. He had joined the NDA in 2000, from where he got commissioned in the army in 2004.

Haryana cooperation minister Manish Grover announced 50 lakh relief for the family. JAMMU OFFICER CREMATED WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

Amid a pall of gloom , Major Arvind Bazala was cremated with full military honours in RS Pura town on Friday.

Major Arvind Bazala died when a Cheetah helicopter crashed at Sukna Military camp in West Bengal on Wednesday.

Amid heart rending scenes and inconsolable family members, Arvind’s pyre was lit by his younger brother Ankush Bazala.

The parents were visibly shocked after hearing the news. It was a distressful moment for all the family members, including the parents, wife and the younger brother.

The final journey of the soldier was attended by a swarm of people from all walks of life that included BJP minister Sham Choudhary, Jammu deputy commissioner Simrandeep Singh and senior army officers.

Major Arvind Bazala was son of TR Bhagat, who is a LIC agent and Santosh Bhagat, who is an assistant manager in J&K Bank. His younger brother, Ankush Bazala is an engineer.