Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 16: The CoBRA commando of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who was released recently by the Naxals from their captivity in Chhattisgarh, received a red carpet welcome on reaching his hometown here today.
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Constable Rakeshwar Singh Manhas (CoBRA commando) accompanied by a 7-member delegation comprising media persons, social workers and police officers from Chhattisgarh, arrived this morning at Satwari Airport in Jammu, where local CRPF officers and his family members gave him a rousing reception.
He was garlanded by the CRPF officers and relatives at Airport from where he left for his home in a CRPF vehicle. On arrival at Kangra Fort near his home in Barnai, where an impressive function was organized by the family members to celebrate the occasion, the Jawan was given a red carpet welcome by the band team of CRPF.
The Jawan was welcomed by his mother, wife and sisters by applying ‘tilak’ on his forehead. Thereafter, he was seen taking blessings of all elders from his family and village. The village was wearing a festive look as the jubilant relatives put garlands of flowers and currency notes to the Jawan.
Hundreds of people including relatives and neighbours were present on the occasion to welcome the CoBRA commando. A feast was organized on the occasion to celebrate safe return of the Jawan from the captivity of the Naxals. The function was also graced by senior officers of CRPF and SDPO Domana Kosheen Koul.
Speaking to Excelsior, Manhas said that he has got a second life and he is very thankful to every one including media, CRPF authorities and the Government who did their best to release him from the captivity of the Naxals. “I am really happy to be with my family. Thanks to all for their efforts for my safe release,” he added.
“I was told on day one by the Naxals that you will be released soon without any harm. So, I was cool but was concerned also thinking that my family members will be worried about me,” he said, adding after getting released from the Naxals’ captivity, he was eager to meet my family and that moment has come now.
Son of the soil, Manhas was abducted by Naxals during the Bijapur ambush on April 3. He was released on April 8 with the efforts of the local media and social workers, who acted as mediators between Naxals and the Chhattisgarh Government.
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