Ladakh Clash: Two Mourning Villages In Odisha Feel Proud Of Martyrs

Bhubaneswear: The martyrdom of two sons of soil from Odisha in the clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh has sent a shockwave in their villages in the state.

The two martyrs are Sepoy Chandrakanta Pradhan (28) from Biarpanga village under Raikia block of Kandhamal district and Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren from Champauda village under Rairangpur sub-division of Mayurbhanj. They were among 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh on Monday night.

Nuduram had joined 16 Bihar Regiment while he was pursuing Plus Two in Rairangpur college in 1997. Known as a brave man, he had lost his parents in an early age while his elder brother and sister have also expired. His wife and three daughters are staying in a rented house in Rairangpur for education of the children.

Nuduram was sincere in his duty and worked in a dedicated manner, his elder brother said. “We feel shattered after receiving the message about his martyrdom. He was an asset for the family and pride of the village,” he said.

While his family, friends and the villagers are proud of the supreme sacrifice made by 43-year-old Nuduram for the motherland, they will miss him to a great extent, he added.

For Chandrakanta’s father Karunakar Pradhan, it is a colossal loss. “My son was highly sincere towards his duty. He was courageous and hard working,” said Karunakar.

The unmarried 28-year-old son of Kaurnakar was the principal earner in the family. He has two younger brothers and an elder sister, besides his mother. He had joined the Army in 2014.

“We feel proud that he has laid down his life for the motherland. We are waiting for his body to perform the last rites,” said Karunakar in a chocked voice.