Debashish’s sacrifice will remain etched my people’s memory

By Sukanta Kumar Mohanty

Puri/Bhubaneswar, April 21: Debashish Biswal, one of the five army personnel who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, had planned to celebrate his first wedding anniversary on May 12.

 Perhaps, it was not in his luck and he was destined to die as a martyr.

The residents of Aluguma, the native village of Debasish in Odisha’s Puri district, have slipped into a state of deep shock ever since the army authorities officially confirmed the death of the brave-heart on Thursday evening.

“Around 10.30 am on Thursday, Debashish had called up me and his wife Sushree Sangita. We briefly talked to him as we were in college. He even had a brief video-call with his wife. He said he was missing his two month-old daughter and was desperate to see her,” said the martyr’s cousin sister Madhusmita Biswal.

Lance Naik, Debashish Biswal from Alagum near Sakhigopal in Puri district is survived by his wife and a three-month-old baby.

He had booked his train ticket and was scheduled to arrive at his village on May 10, said Madhusmita.

BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda expressed grief over Jawan’s death and wrote, “My heart goes out to the families of our soldiers who lost their lives in the terror attack in Poonch, J&K. Deeply mourn and send my heartfelt condolences. Praying for the safety of the injured brave-hearts who survived the attack.”

Similarly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote, “The news of the martyrdom of Odisha’s hero Jawan Debasis Biswal in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir is very sad. His sacrifices for the safety of the country will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to the family members at such a sad time.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the martyrdom of 5 Jawans including Debasis Biswal of Sakhigopal area of Puri district of Odisha in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The sacrifice of these brave Javanese will not go in vain,” wrote Dharmendra Pradhan.

 “Condolences to the bereaved family along with wishing the immortal soul peace. May Lord Sri Jagannath grant infinite patience and courage to the family during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he added.

A teary-eyed Dilip Biswal, brother of Debasis said, “He was one of the brightest children of this village. Everyone knew he was born for something big since his childhood. He was the pride of our village.”

“We will not get a son like him anymore. We can never forget him,” said Biswal’s mother Shantilata as tears continued to flow from her eyes.