Hamirpur, December 31

The mortal remains of Varun Kumar, a jawan who died battling freezing conditions at the Siachin Glacier, were consigned to flames here today. The 35-year-old soldier was from Dulehra village and posted in Jammu and Kashmir. He was reportedly stuck in a snowstorm and brought to the base hospital for treatment but could not survive. His body arrived here in the afternoon and was cremated with state honours. The Subdivisonal Magistrate and Tehsildar paid homage to the soldier while a contingent of the Army was also present. — OC