Udayamperoor (Kochi): Hundreds thronged the town of Irinjalakuda to pay last respects to Lance Naik K M Antony Sebastian, who was martyred during unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Pakistan army, on Wednesday. He was laid to rest at Irinjalakuda Muriyad Emperor Emmanuel Church with full military honours.

Son of the late Karukayil Michael and Sheela, Sebastian died at the Krishna Ghati Sector (Mendhar) on the Line of Control on Monday.

The mortal remains of the soldier, which landed at Kochi international airport at 8 am on Wednesday, were brought to his house ‘Yeshubhavan’ at Udayamperoor.

Sebastian, who had joined the Army in October, 2002, was planning to call it a day after completing 16 years in the service in March next year. Several Army officers, social, cultural and political leaders visited his house to pay last respects.

The family first received information by Monday evening that Sebastian has been injured. Brother-in-law Johns got the death confirmed as he called back.

His wife Anna Diana Joseph and son Aidan are yet to come to terms with the tragedy. The 7-year-old stays close to his mother, unable to comprehend what's going on. He studies in Class II at the Prabhat School. Even the townfolks could not believe the news of the tragedy.

Unprovoked firing

Around 5.15 pm on Monday, Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation, an army spokesperson said.

While Sebastian was killed, another jawan Havildar Mari Muthu D was critically injured.

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