HUBBALLI, KARNATAKA : It is a saga of brave sacrifice for martyr Hanumantappa Koppad of Betadur village of Kundagol taluka in Dharwad district, who died in a Delhi Army hospital yesterday, after miraculously surviving a Siachen avalanche on February 3 which killed 10 Indian soldiers.
The body was brought to the city yesterday and it was kept for public view to help people pay their homate. Later it will be taken to his native village in a procession. But burial will take place in the afternoon.
Thousands of people made a beeline at the Nehru Maidan in the city where the body of Koppad was kept for public viewing. Born in a poor family Hanumantappa Koppad had great ambition to serve the nation by joining Indian Army. After Pre-University examination he did not continue his education but flew to join the army core. His had the support of his family and friends for his great cause.
His 13 year long service in the army has never been a bed of roses. He was allotted the toughest job for about ten years. But he never hesitated to dedicate his service for this tough job. He was ready to take his work as challenge. During 2003 and 2006 he was deputed to fight against terrorism in Mahor in Kashmir. Those four years were a testing time for his bravery and he withstood the challenge.
He also served in Kashmir valley on his own desire from 2008 to 2010 and worked in National Rifles. His exhibition of courage in curbing terrorism was appreciated in Army circles. He dedicated his service in North Eastern states to fight against ULFA and NDFB terrorists, thus he was recognized as a specialist in curbing terrorism during 2010 and 11.
Hanumanthappa was posted Siachin Glacier location during the last August. He was posted to guard Sonam area in the Glacier which is situated at 19,600 feet height. He had to work at a place where the temperature was below 40 degree Celsius. The wind speed in the Glacier was 100 KM per hour.
But he never was hesitant to serve even the odd conditions. Only two days before the tragedy in the Glacier he had called his mother and wife stating that he was safe. But he had only said that he had been working under extreme cold. (AGENCIES)
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