Mortal remains of Maj. Varadarajan consigned to flames

The mortal remains of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was killed in a gunfight with guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir, were consigned to the flames with full military honours here Monday.

Hundreds of people, including relatives, friends, and military and government officials, paid a tearful farewell to the 32-year-old army officer.

Varadarajan of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles was killed along with a soldier in a gun battle with separatist guerrillas in Karewa Manloo village in Kashmir's Shopian district. Three guerrillas were also killed.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

The slain officer's body reached here Sunday night and was kept at his residence for people to pay homage.

In his condolence message to Varadarajan's father Raghavachari Varadarajan, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah said he was grieved to hear that Major Varadarajan lost his life while bravely fighting militants.

Rosaiah said the nation, especially the Indian Army, has lost a brave and young promising officer and his death was an irreparable loss.