An Army Brave who died in Battle

ALL FOR VALOUR

My husband was on leave when he was suddenly called for duty. We did not know that he lost his life. It was after one week that we were informed that he was no more. A policeman from Amguri Police Station came to deliver the news. It was, of course, very devastating for us.

For the residents of Jhanji, Amguri, a village in the historic Sivasagar District of Assam, the date 18 November 2001 will be forever engraved in their memory. They lost a beloved friend and a dedicated Army jawan. He was none other than Late Naik Subedar Pallab Jyoti Phukan who was posted in Jammu and Kashmir. He died while on duty on 18 November 2001, in the Pakistan India conflict. He was serving in 9 Assam Regiment. It's been ten years since Phukan bravely gave his life to save the nation. But he continues to exist in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, and co-workers. For his village, his service to the nation is a source of pride and inspiration.

He was called for duty, when he was with his family on a vacation. He was only 45 years old when he died. Who knew that would be the last time that he would come home. Niva Phukan, his wife, is proud of her martyred husband. She is still able to recall the events when they learned of his passing. She tells Melange about her late husband.

Late Pallab Jyoti Phukan belonged to Jhanji village at Amguri in Sivasagar District of Assam. It was not until one week of his demise that the family were informed about his death.

The late martyr has left behind two daughters and a son. His younger daughter was only 1 year old when this tragic incident happened.

Recollecting the memories, she says, "It was just another morning for us. My husband was on leave when he was suddenly called for duty. We did not know that he lost his life. It was after one week that we were informed that he was no more. A policeman from Amguri Police Station came to deliver the news. It was, of course, very devastating for us. We suddenly lost the most important person in our lives. My children were very small, our youngest daughter was only one year old. My eldest daughter was 10 years old and my son was 5 years old, when their father died. They barely remember the face of their father. The body was brought home by Army personnel and they took care of the last rites."

She said that the government helped her with \financial aid. The Army also took care of all the finances. She states that she particularly did not face any difficulty in raising her children and in maintaining the family. With the help of her neighbours and her caring family she was able to take care of her family and the education of her children. Her eldest daughter and son are married. Her son now runs a business. While her younger daughter is still studying. She gets the family pension also. He is the first martyr in the area, and was a very respected person. All the villagers came to see him when they heard the news about his demise. More than twenty years after his passing, she finds it bearable to reflect on her husband's commitment to the country. She feels very fortunate and his sacrifice is continually praised by the family.

Late Pallab Phukan was very fond of singing Bihu songs. When he was at home for his holidays, he loved singing and dancing to the sound of the dhol along with his friends. According to Niva Phukan, her late husband was a very happy-go-lucky person. Additionally, he was very cordial with his neighbours. He was incredibly helpful and encouraging. He cherished his family and was never reluctant to shoulder any duties. When he visited for the holidays, his friends and neighbours used to come and see him. Even now, members of his platoon phone them and inquire about how they are doing. They get frequent visits from his friends too. She also shares, they could never go on any trips. Whenever he came come for vacations it was for a very short time. And he loved to spend time with his friends and family. He was a very family-oriented person and always thought about the wellbeing of his family.

When he was homeon leave, he loved to do farming in his fields. He would go to the fields and helped the workers in their work. He was not a picky eater and would always relish the food I cooked. I do not recall any particular food which he disliked.

She recalls, how he was a lovely person and cared for her. He loved spending time with his kids and family. His friends and family miss him a lot.

"I feel sad for the loss, but I am proud that my husband died for the country. When I am called to meetings, I get so much respect. It is only possible because of my husband's sacrifice towards his country. As a wife, I still remember him and see him in my dreams. As a mother, I always wanted my children to join the armed forces following the footsteps of their father. And if given an opportunity, I would have sent my kids to the Army to serve the country like their father."

Lastly, she adds that, earlier they used to communicate through letters as there was no phone. When he was home for the last time, he was on leave. But he was suddenly called away for duty. That was the last time I saw him and heard about him. It was only after one week that we were informed about him.

We have not made any memorial in his name nor has any street been named in his memory. But we are planning to make the gate of our local naam ghar in his name as a memorial to the late martyr. Although it has been 21 years since his death, we still fondly remember him.

His children are also very proud of their father.

Pallab Jyoti Phukan has done everything possible to serve the country. His commitment to the country will serve as an example for his children, his friends, and everyone else. His remarkable contribution to the nation should be acknowledged. Pallab Jyoti Phukan's name is revered for the tremendous sacrifice that he made for the country.

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