Debashish Biswal, an Army jawan from Odisha, was martyred in a terrorist attack in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. On Saturday, his mortal remains arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, where a guard of honour was given. Governor Ganeshi Lal, several dignitaries, and senior Army officials paid their respects to the slain soldier. Biswal’s wife also paid tribute to him at the airport before accompanying the body to his native village in Puri district.
The body was taken in a procession to his village, Khandayat Sahi, where the last rites will be performed. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for Biswal’s family members. Several leaders, including Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal, also paid their last respects to the martyred jawan at the airport.
Lance Naik Debashish Biswal hailed from Alagum Khandayat Sahi near Sakhigopal and is survived by his wife and a 7-month-old baby. Twin City Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi, who was present at the airport, said that the body was received with full state honour. He added that the country would always remember the supreme sacrifice made by Biswal and that he is the pride of Odisha.
