Junagadh: The mortal remains of soldier Rakesh Dabhi, a native of Chorwad in Junagadh district, who lost his life along with two other soldiers in an avalanche at Siachen in Ladakh, were brought home today with full military honours. Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects, raising slogans of “Shaheed Veer Amar Raho” as the entire village mourned the loss.

Rakesh Devabhai Dabhi had joined the Indian Army two years ago under the Agniveer scheme and was serving with the Mahar unit in Leh. Three days ago, he and two other soldiers were killed in an avalanche at Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. Rakesh Dabhi’s body was received at his residence with full military honours, where army personnel offered a salute. His funeral procession was attended by thousands of people. Residents from Chorwad, Gadu, Visanvel, Kanek, and Jujarpur villages also paid their respects.

A crowd lined the 6-kilometre route from his residence to the cremation ground. From young children to elders, everyone offered floral tributes to the martyred soldier. The entire village was immersed in grief, and family members and well-wishers were visibly emotional throughout the ceremony. DeshGujarat