Meghalaya: Martyred Soldier given full state honours

Shillong, Dec 2 (UNI) Havildar Hempiar R. Marak, 45, who died while on duty along the Line of  Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, was buried with full state honours at his native Salpara village in Meghalaya’s North Garo Hills district, on Thursday.
The soldier, who belonged to 59 Field Regiment Artillery of the Indian Army, deployed along
the LoC in Kashmir, died on November 28.
The mortal remains of Havildar Marak was brought to his house late Wednesday night in an army vehicle. Hundreds of villagers flocked to the venue where the body was lying in state to offer flowers and prayers.
Army personnel gave a guard of honour to their fallen comrade and carried the coffin of Havildar Marak from the centre of the village to the cemetery where he was laid to rest in the presence of family members, neighbours, relatives and the people of the area.
Additional Superintendent of Police North Garo Hills district B Kundu and magistrate P K Sangma represented the state during the guard of honour and offered floral wreaths on the coffin holding the mortal remains of the brave soldier.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has expressed grief over the demise of an army soldier.
“My deepest condolences to the family of Havildar Hempiar R Marak who died while on duty in the LoC in Kashmir. He is being laid to rest at his native village in north Garo Hills district today. Salute him for his service to the nation,” the chief minister tweeted.