Niali: Jitendra Behera, father of martyred jawan Manoj Behera, keeps telling journalists who visit him following the martyrdom of his son in Kashmir: “I feel proud of my son. He has attained martyrdom for the motherland. But those who are responsible for the attack that claimed more than 40 lives should be paid back in same coins.”
Not only Jitendra but also the villagers of Gajabar in Ratanpur panchayat under Niali block want a befitting reply to Pakistan. The entire village is mourning the martyrdom of Manoj following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The villagers are in tears and they have stopped cooking.
Manoj, who was the only son of Jitendra, always wanted to do something for his motherland. He joined the CRPF in 2006 after completing his studies. They were men with dreams for their families.
In 2017, Manoj married Ililata from Somnathpur village under Nischintkoili block in Cuttack district. They have a daughter. He came to his house December 24. After celebrating his daughter’s birthday January 16, he returned to duty February 6.
He talked last to his wife on the afternoon of February 14. During his brief conversation, he assured his mother and wife not to worry for him. Manoj had said he would return after one or two months to complete the construction of his house.
“Manoj had told us that he would call by evening, soon after joining work in Srinagar. But we received a call from his superior instead, and it was to inform us about this terrible news,” said his wife.
“Manoj could not keep his words,” says his father.
He has left behind a toddler. What moved everyone is the reaction of Manoj’s daughter who is yet to understand why people are visiting their house and why her mother, grandfather, grandmother are crying. After seeing them crying, she too has started to cry without knowing the reason behind it.
Emotions are running high followed by a burning desire for vengeance. “We want strong retaliation from the government. There should be another surgical strike. How long will we lose our people to terrorist attacks from across the border?” a villager asked.
PNN