The residents of Odisha’s Nayagarh on Thursday paid their final respects to Jitu Behera, an Indian Army jawan who passed away in Jammu and Kashmir on Republic Day.
Behera, a 31-year-old native of Anandapalli village, was stationed in the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district when he succumbed to a suspected heart attack on January 26. His mortal remains were flown back to his home state on Wednesday for the final rites.
Draped in the tricolour, Behera’s body was escorted to his native village, where he was consigned to flames with full state honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour performed by the Odisha Police.
The funeral was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Nayagarh Collector Madhumita Rath, as well as senior representatives from the Odisha Police and the Indian Army.
“The government will provide all possible support to the family,” Rath said.
Taking to his official X account, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “I am deeply disturbed to learn of the untimely demise of Brave Soldier Jitu Behera from Anandapalli village in Nayagarh district, who was serving in Jammu-Kashmir. Losing a son from Odisha, who dedicated himself to the nation’s security, is an irreparable loss for our state and country.”
“His dedicated service and unparalleled patriotism in the Indian Army will forever remain a source of inspiration for the youth. In this hour of profound grief, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, while praying to Lord Jagannath for the peaceful repose of the departed soul,” the CM said.
