Sepoy from Lakshadweep killed in Sikkim landslide laid to rest
Kochi: Lakshadweep native sepoy Sainudheen PK, who was killed in the landslide in Chatten in north Sikkim, was laid to rest on Monday evening after his body was brought to his native Androth in Lakshadweep.
Sainudheen's body was recovered on Sunday after eight days of search efforts by
Indian Army
. On Sunday, a ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at the Bengdubi military station in Darjeeling, West Bengal on Sunday. At Androth in Lakshadweep, Indian Navy rendered a guard of honour ahead of the funeral on Monday.
Born on Dec 20, 1991, Sainudheen joined Indian Army in March 2012. Over the past 13 years, he served the army across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the Siachen Glacier.
"Sepoy Sainudheen PK embodied the finest traditions of Indian Army — quiet professionalism, absolute integrity, and unmatched dedication. Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us," his commanding officer said.
"His final journey — traversing nearly 2,500km from Chatten in north Sikkim to his native island of Androth in Lakshadweep — was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-services operation involving Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, supported ably by the local administration," a Defence PRO statement read.
Army Aviation helicopters and Indian Air Force aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey.
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