Martyred Col cremated, daughter lets out war cry

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 29

Eleven-year-old Alka Rai, daughter of Colonel M N Rai who was killed in a gunbattle with militants on January 27, today tried to  overcome her personal grief by letting out the fierce war cry of the Gorkhas — ‘Jai Maha Kali,  Ayo Gorkhali.’  Colonel Rai (39), an officer of the 2/9 Gurkha Rifles, was commanding the 42 Rashtriya Rifles when he was killed.

The shout, from the young girl, even moved battle-hardened Army men. Amid the grief, the tender but firm voice broke the silence and bystanders realized what had happened when she uttered the final words.

Colonel MN Rai was killed in Pulwama district in South Kashmir while leading his quick response team from the front. A day earlier, he had been honoured for his bravery and awarded a Yudh Seva Medal on the Republic Day in recognition for his capability and success as a Commanding Officer.

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, himself from the Gorkha Rifles (4/5 GR), placed a wreath as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to the officer at the Delhi Cantonment. The Army Chief assured the family of all help.

The officer is survived by his wife, two daughters and six-year-old son. The brave officer was given a gun salute. The funeral pyre was lit by the officer’s elder brother Col D N Rai, who is also from the Gorkha Rifles. The officer’s younger brother YN Rai, an officer with the CRPF, was also present. Among others present included members of Col Rai’s regiment and Rashtriya Rifles unit besides top officers from the army headquarters.

“He was a very brave officer having been awarded Yudh Seva Medal on January 26. And it is an example of his leadership that the moment he got the information about two terrorists in that area, he took charge”, the Army Chief said.