The Indian Army officials and jawans pay tribute to two soldiers who were martyred during Kupwara an encounter at a wreath laying ceremony in Srinagar on Sunday. (PTI photo)
Gunner Sahadev Maruti More was to get married next week, having delayed the wedding to allow his bride complete her education, but fate willed otherwise and he achieved martyrdom with his best friend 'Masterji'.
Mr More and Naik Shankar Chandrabhan Shinde, who were martyred in an encounter with terrorists in Kupwara district of north Kashmir yesterday, were best friends and died as such.
"They lived like buddies, they served like buddies and (as) buddies they embraced martyrdom in the highest traditions of the organisation and nation they served and died for," an Army official said.
"And in this sacrifice, they redefined camaraderie," the official added.
Mr More (26), fondly called 'Maurya' by peers, came from a humble family of farmers in Bijapur, Karnataka, he said. He is survived by his old parents and was about to leave for home in a week's time, the official said, adding he had insisted on delaying the wedding so his prospective bride could complete her education.
Mr Shinde (34), from Nashik in Maharashtra, had been deployed as a UN peacekeeper in South Sudan during the turbulence in 2012 where he had discharged his duties with aplomb, he said.
"His exceptional instructional capabilities and tactical acumen had earned him the nickname 'Masterji'," he said.
"Though coming from two different parent units (Infantry and Artillery) with almost ten years separating them in age and service, they began their tenures in the 41 Rashtriya Rifles unit together in June 2015," he said.
During this short span, the two had also carved a niche for themselves as sharp scouts and had been part of numerous operations, he said.
The Army paid homage to both of them in a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment.
Saluting the heroes, Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Satish Dua said the duo have inspired an entire generation of soldiers.