Chennai, Aug 12 (BPNS)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakhs to the family of the soldier, Lakshmanan. D (24) was killed in an encounter with terrorists at Pargal in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The mortal remains of Lakshmanan are expected to arrive at his hometown in Padupatti, Thummukkundu in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, and Tamil Nadu Governor, R.N. Ravi expressed condolences to the family of the soldier who was a rifleman in the Indian army.

The hometown of Lakshmanan, was in a pale of gloom after the news broke out that he has lost his life in the encounter at Rajouri.

R.K. Mukundasamy, a local farmer in Thummukundu panchayath while speaking to IANS said, “Lakshmanan and his twin brother Ramar were hard-working youngsters and both wanted to join the army. Lakshmanan did his Bcom while Ramar completed a BBA course. While Lakshmanan got into the service and joined Army in 2019. Ramar is looking after the family’s agriculture.”

The local people said that the mother of Lakshmanan, Andal was inconsolable after the news of his killing was conveyed to her.

His brother Ramar told media persons that their parents, father Dharmaraj and mother Andal had given full freedom for them to pursue their choicest profession. He said that Lakshmanan regularly calls home and when the news was conveyed to his mother, she was inconsolable and was hugging at the photograph of Lakshmanan.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi in a condolence message said, “ The nation will always be indebted and grateful for his devotion of duty and supreme sacrifice for sovereignty and integrity of the nation.”

He said,” In this hour of enormous grief, I pray to the Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and give his family strength to bear this irreparable loss.”