A tribute to Gorkha martyr in J&K by comrades and seniors

Kolkata: Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar lived by the motto ‘Kayar Hono Banda Marno Ramro (Better to die than to live the life of a coward)’ till he breathed his last while fighting terrorists along the Line of Control (LAC) in Tangdhar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was given a befitting tribute by comrades and seniors at the Badami Bag Cantonment in Srinagar.

Magar, a ‘Ghatak’ commando of the unit, was part of the team that thwarted an infiltration bid and shot dead four terrorists. In the process, he was martyred. A battle hardened soldier with 18 yrs of distinguished service, Magar had also been actively involved in two previous operations in the same area in which seven terrorists were killed.

The warrior hailed from Sauni village in the Falpa district of Nepal and was a true embodiment of the martial and yet mirthful character that is common to all Gorkhas. It was his ilk that made the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once famously remark, “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he’s either lying or he’s a Gorkha”. The Gorkha Rifles is one of the finest regiments of the Indian Army, many units of which have their recruitment base in Nepal as part of a Britain-India-Nepal tripartite agreement signed at the time of independence in 1947.

Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar a Gorkha martyr given tribute by comrades and seniors

The 37 years old martyr, son of a farmer, is survived by his wife Devi Resmi Magar and two children aged 13 and 10 years. His son is named Dol Bahadur and daughter Yogita. Paying glowing tributes to the hero, Lt Gen Satish Dua, commander, Chinar Corps, said: “The nation shall remain indebted to his sacrifice and the present generation as well as posterity will continue to draw inspiration from him.” Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, he reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to their well being.