Ahmedabad: Thousands of people gathered all across the route of final journey of martyr Army jawan Mahipalsinh Vala in Odhav area of the city today. Many were wearing t-shirts with his photo. A 25-year old Vala was part of 34 Rashtriya Rifles. He was among three Army jawans martyred during exchange of fire with terrorists in Kulgam area of Jammu & Kashmir. Gujarat Chief Minister visited the residence of martyr jawan and paid condolences to his family. The Chief Minister also paid respect to mortal remains of martyr jawan, who is originally from Mojidad village of Surendranagar district.

People could be seen gathered atop terraces and on both sides of roads on the route from the residence of Mahipalsinh Vala to crematorium. They were chanting patriotic slogans. The atmosphere became quite sad especially when a pregnant widow of Mahipalsinh’s yet to be born child paid respect to her late husband.

Gujarat Chief Minister, local BJP MLA, BJP MP, city BJP chief, Chairman of Standing Committee of AMC, city Mayor among others paid respect to mortal remains of martyr. A full guard of honor was given to martyr jawan at Lilanagar crematorium in the evening.

Martyr Mahipalsinh Vala was killed in action in Kashmir.

“Operation Halan Kulgam. On specific inputs regarding the presence of terrorists on higher reaches of Halan in Kulgam, operations launched by security forces on August 4, 2023. In exchange of firing with terrorists, three personnel sustained injuries and later succumbed. Search operations are continuing,” Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted.

Army while paying tributes to valour and sacrifices of soldiers identified them as Havildar Babulal Haritwal, signalman Vala Mahipalsinh Pravinsinh and rifleman Waseem Sarwar of the 34 Rashtriya Rifles.

Late jawan had visited his home about a month ago for baby shower (Srimant) function of his wife. He spoke to his wife over telephone on August 4 lastly. Vala joined Army at the age of 19 according to his relatives and friends. He was just 25 when he martyred. His earlier postings were in Guwahati, Jabalpur and Chandigadh before he was posted to Jammu & Kashmir. His birthday was on August 15. His friend told media persons that he had planned to join the Army when he was in school itself. A shopkeeper whose shop is located near Vala’s house said Vala would motivate children in the area to join Army in future.

DeshGujarat