Body of major killed in Kashmir brought to Gujarat

Body of a major from Gujarat who was killed in a fierce gun battle near the LoC in Kupwara district of North Kashmir was brought here tonight. Major Rishikesh Vallbhbhai Ramani(27) of the 23 Punjab Regiment and one of his colleague were killed in the gun battle when army confronted a group of heavily-armed militants at Gulab Post, 130 kms from Srinagar when they were attempting to sneak into the valley from across the border near the Keran sector of Kupwara district on Sunday.
       
In the ensuing gun battle three militants were shot down by Ramani and his collegue. Twenty Seven-year-old major was the eldest child of his parents, who are residing in Vikram Park Society in Bapunagar area of the city, sources close to the family said,
adding that he has a younger sister.
       
Sources said that his father Vallabhbhai was in a state of shock and not in a position to speak. His mother was not informed about Ramani's death until a few hours before arrival of the body from New Delhi, they said.
       
The family doctor was called in before Ramani's mother was told about her son's death, they added. One of his cousin brother said that he had talked to Ramani the night before and the news of his death.
       
Ramani hails from Nava Vagania village of Bagasra taluka in Amreli district of Saurashtra region.