Somir Ranjan Sarma – Died fighting terrorists

ALL FOR VALOUR

We received monetary aid from the Army at the time of his death. But although they promised that they will give me a gas agency and a petrol pump, but till date I have not received any information regarding this. I even went to the office of his regiment. They did say that they will provide me with the same, but I am yet to get the benefits.

Somir Ranjan Sarma was on duty when he lost his life on May 9, 2002. The young martyr was only 23 years old, when he lost his life during Operation Parakram. He was posted in Pathankot in Punjab.

Operation Parakram was a standoff between India and Pakistan, and it was launched by India after 29 people were killed at the hands of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in a terrorist attack outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on October 1, 2001. India's immediate reaction was to insist that unless the US was able to rein in Pakistan, it would be forced to take matters into its own hands, which might be a setback to the US-waged Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While President Musharraf immediately complied by condemning the act as one of terrorism, the Talibanised militants attacked the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001. Enraged, the Government of India launched Operation Parakram, an operation that ordered the general mobilisation of the Army for war on December 18, 2001. When Operation Parakram was called off on October16, 2002 without meeting its professed objectives, it left many questions unanswered.

For the family of Somir Ranjan Sarma, the news came as a shock. His mother, Madhuri Sarma, shares her sorrowof losing her son with Mélange.

Somir Ranjan Sarma belonged toAkhaiPuthia of Sivasagar District in Assam. He was posted in the 85th Armoured Regiment, which is part of the ArmouredCorps of the Indian Army. He left behind his younger brother, and his parents.

His mother recalls, "My son was posted in Pathankot and he was on duty in Operation Parakram. I received news about his death by a phone call. He died on May 9th, and the very same day I was informed about it. After four days we received his body. The officers from his regiment handed over the body to us with full honours and respect. Twenty-one bullets were fired into the air as a mark of respect to my late son. They even helped me conduct his last rites. He had come home just a month ago before his day. Who knew that would be the last time I saw my son."

Somir Ranjan Sarma was a very good person and loved by all the villagers. According to his mother, he was only 23 years old when he died. She says, "When my son died, the villagers cried along with our family. They came in large numbers to bid farewell to my son. They even provided us with the vegetables, and other essentials that were needed to conduct the last rites. They even helped me with everything so that our family could finish the rituals smoothly without any hindrance."

She adds, "My son just joined the Army when he lost his life. This was his first job. Within 28 months of his joining, I lost my son."

At present, Madhuri Sarma lives with a daughter whom she has adopted and is in class 9. She lives in Sapekhati in Sivasagar. Somir Ranjan Sarma loved his family. Being the eldest son, he loved his family and was very responsible.

According to his mother, "My son was a very good boy. He cared for his family very much. I am lucky that he was born as my son. He was very loving and respectful towards his elders and younger ones. God blessed me with such aadorable son."

She adds, "We received monetaryaid from the Army at the time of his death. But although they promised that they will give me a gas agency and a petrol pump, but till date I have not received any information regarding this. I even went to the office of his regiment. They did say that they will provide me with the same, but I am yet to get the benefits. The Assam government too has not given anything."

Madhuri Sarma further states, "After my elder son's death, I had to face a lot of difficulties. My relationship with my family got estranged. So, I live alone now with my adopted daughter. My family drove me out of the house, because I sent my son to the Army. They still blame me for his untimely death. They said that I have not shared with them the monetary benefits. As I did not receive help from the Army, in this old age I have to live with my adopted daughter. I have suffered a lot. My younger son also does not live with me. I am now all alone after losing my son."

She adds, "My son loved his fellow villagers very much. He was such a good boy. Whenever someone fell ill in the village, he was the first one to go to their aid. If he got to eat something delicious, he would share it with his friends, before eating it himself. He loved everyone equally, old and young alike. He was forever ready to stand with everyone in their need. He was the first martyr of our village. On the day of his death, the whole village went into darkness, as they lost a very bright son"

As a martyr's mother, Madhuri Sarma continues to receive the dependent pension. She is invited to several events organised by the armed forces and his unit till date. She said that on January 7^{th last} she was called to meet the Governor of Assam. "As a memory I have nothing of my son. I am very proud of my son and his work and I am a very lucky mother. I just wish that the Army keep their promise and provide me either a petrol pump or a gas agency. That could be like a memorial of my son and his last sign. My younger son could also eke out a living from the gas agency or petro, while I am alive. I will be very happy, if they comply with this simple wish of mine."

The late martyr continues to live in the memories of his loved ones. They still remember him as the brave heart who courageously gave his life fighting the terrorist. He is an inspiration to his family and his fellow friends and villagers. Her profound pride in giving birth to such a brave son can be based on the fact that if she could, she would have sent her younger son too to serve the nation and his motherland. Twentyone years have passed since her brave son lost his life, but for his family he continues to live on in their memories.