'Centre must give befitting reply to those responsible'

Kolkata: The family members of two CRPF personnel from Bengal who were among the 42 martyred in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, demanded that the Centre must give a befitting reply to those who had carried out the dastardly act.

What has heightened the tragedy for Bengal is the fact that the body of one of the victims is yet to be found. A search operation is being carried out in this regard.

The two martyrs from Bengal were Bablu Santra and Sudip Biswas. Santra was a head constable with CRPF's 35 Battalion, while Biswas was a constable with the 95 Battalion. Santra hailed from West Rajbangshipara village in Howrah district. His mortal remains are likely to reach Kolkata on Saturday.

Santra's wife Mita broke down in tears as the news of his death arrived at his locality on Thursday evening. A pall of gloom has descended on the family members, as well as their neighbours.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called up the family members of Santra and assured them of all necessary assistance. She also directed the local MLA to keep in touch with the family. Santra's wife has urged the Centre not to spare the terrorists who have masterminded the atrocious incident.

Biswas hailed from Hanspukur village of Tehatta in Nadia. Sanyasi Biswas, the martyr's father, echoed the words of Santra's wife saying that the Centre must take stern steps against those who had caused the tragedy.

"Our jawans have laid down their lives in previous terror attacks as well. The Centre must take stern action against those responsible," Biswas said. His son had joined the CRPF around five years ago. The family members said that he was supposed to visit his home in a few days. The family members were also looking for a bride for him.

"I talked to my son two days ago on phone. During the conversation, he told me that his leave has been granted and he would soon come back to us. He will never return," said the bereaved father in tears.

His body, which remains untraceable, is suspected to have been mangled with the debris of the vehicle that was blown up by the suicide bomber. Defence ministry authorities have said that search is being conducted to trace the mortal remains of Biswas. The Chief Minister has sent some of the state ministers to the houses of the martyrs.

A search is on to find out the 'standard operating procedure' and the ID card which is generally kept within the bulletproof cap of the soldiers. The rescue team has been looking for the ID card to identify the body of Biswas.

A special prayer was organised at the headquarter of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at Mayapur, for the martyrs of Pulwama.