Shernagar, Uttar Pradesh:
Shernagar, a small village in eastern Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, has a tradition of sending its sons to the Indian Army. It takes pride in the 15 men who have served the armed forces.
On Wednesday, the mourning here for its brave martyr, Lance Naik Hemraj Singh - who was killed by Pakistani troops on Tuesday - is layered with tributes to his valor and courage.
Lekhraj Singh, Hemraj's uncle, who has served as a hawaldar in the Indian Army is proud that his nephew laid down his life in defense of the country. "Two of his companions came from Agra and gave the news that my nephew had lost his life for the country. We felt extremely sad that he is no more, but we are proud that he has become a martyr," he says.
Eleven years ago, the 32-year-old jawan, who hails from a family of small-time farmers, had enlisted to serve the Indian Army, inspired to defend the country.
Part of the 13 Rajputana Rifles regiment, Hemraj dreamt of a brighter future for his three children; the oldest is seven, and the youngest is just three.
He was saving up to buy a small house near Kosi, so that his children could have access to better schools. Their future, his widow Dharmbti Hemraj says, is now uncertain. "I don't know who will take care of my children now," she grieves.
Proud as they are of their jawans, the residents of this village are also angry about the horror of Hemraj's death, as reports suggest he was tortured by Pakistani troops before being killed. One resident said, "Even after this, if nothing happens, poor farmers and our young men will not come forward to join the army."
Instead of welcoming Hemraj on his next vacation break, the village said a final goodbye to its brave martyr.