Kerala pays tearful homage to slain soldier

A tearful crowd bid an emotional farewell to Malayalee soldier martyred in militant ambush on an army convoy at Pampore on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Saturday. 

The dead body of Naik (Gnr) Ratheesh C, 35, a native of Kodolipram in Kannur was brought to his home village from Srinagar on Monday morning. Hundreds paid last respect to the deceased when the body was brought to his house in Kodolipram. Mattannur town and surrounding areas observed hartal in respect of the martyr. The mortal remains of the soldier reached Kozhikode International Airport on Monday 8 am and was taken to Mattannur for public homage.

Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally paid last respects to the slain soldier on behalf of Kerala Government. 

Ratheesh, who joined Army in 2001, was among three soldiers killed in an attack by militants at Pampore.  Ratheesh, son of late Raghavan and Omana, is survived by his wife Jyothi and a four-month-old son Kashinath.  

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• Malayalee soldier killed
• Jammu and Kashmir
• homage to soldier