PARNAPALLE (KURNOOL):Amid full-throated cries of Parnapalle Muddubidda Amar Rahein  (long live beloved son of Parnapalle) and  Bharata Maata Muddubidda Amar Rahein (long live beloved son of Mother Bharat), the casket carrying the mortal remains of Siachen martyr Syed Mustak Ahmed was lowered into the grave at Parnapalle village in Bandi Atmakur mandal on Tuesday.

Sepoy Syed Mustak Ahmed was among the 10 jawans who died after an avalanche struck Sonam base post on Siachen Glacier on February 3. The mortal remains of the martyr were airlifted from Delhi in a special Air Force copter on Monday. The casket was brought to the village in a special vehicle from Hyderabad.

Family members, relatives and countless people who gathered to receive the mortal remains, broke down. Large numbers of people from Parnapalle and neighbouring villages milled in to pay their respects.

‘’He has rendered a great service to the nation. He made the supreme sacrifice. We are proud. He promised to take good care of us too”, the inconsolable parents of the martyred hero said.

At around 12.30 pm, the body was taken in a procession to the Muslim burial ground, where police paid a ceremonial gun salute. Deputy Chief Minister KE Krishna Murthy laid a wreath on the martyr’s mortal remains and assured all support to the family of Mustak. “Ahmed is a real hero and everyone is proud of his courage and great sacrifice’’, he said.  On the occasion, the Deputy CM handed over a cheque for Rs 25 lakh to the family members towards ex-gratia. Also, the government promised a job to Mustak’s wife, pension to his parents and a house site near Parnapalle.

Meanwhile, the army officials who were present at the funeral informed that the Centre has announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to the bereaved family. MLC Silpa Chakrapani Reddy, district collector Ch Vijaya Mohan and others were present.