"While politicians are dividing us, terrorists seem to have united us." This message was being circulated on WhatsApp for a couple of days and a true reflection of it was seen in Kolkata on Saturday as the bodies of the two martyred CRPF jawans from West Bengal — Bablu Santra and Sudip Biswas — arrived in the city. Leaders and supporters of political parties across the board gathered to pay respect.
The bodies were brought in a special Indian Air Force aircraft at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport at 3:15 pm and were placed at a raised platform. Officers of not only the CRPF but also the Army, Air Force and state police top officials paid their respect. People had gathered in thousands since morning at the airport to catch a glimpse of the coffins of their heroes.
Leaders from all political parties placed wreaths on the coffins before they were given a guard of honour and then taken to their residences — Santra's at Paschim Bauria in Howrah district and Biswas' at Tehatta in Nadia district.
At Paschim Bauria, on the three km stretch of narrow lane off the highway which leads to Santra's residence there were over one dozen spots where people had gathered with flowers, Santra's pictures and placards since 10 am.
Thousands of people from the locality and adjoining villages have gathered at the ground in the vicinity of the two-storey building where the Santras were supposed to move in next month.
The Santras had stayed away from media for the whole day saying that they were too heavy for words. The one time that his mother Bonomala Santra talked to mediapersons, she said, "I don't want another war. It will take away children from many mothers like me. But something definitely needs to be done to those who are responsible for the massacre."
As the gun salute was carried out, thousands of hands help up cell phones with the flashlights on and it was a true goodbye to their local hero while others who had witnessed a gun salute in real life for the first time, captured it on their phone.
On the other hand, the body of Biswas reached Hanspukuria ground of Nadia district at 9 pm. People in thousands have reached the place. People who did not even know him but learnt about the attack come to pay their homage.
Biswas' family members demanded justice but at the same time did not want a war between the two countries.
All Come Together
- The bodies of soldiers were brought in an Indian Air Force aircraft at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport at 3:15 pm.
- Leaders from all political parties came together and placed wreaths on the coffins.
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