Event to commemorate army veteran held in Kochi

Kochi, Jul 20 (PTI) An event to commemorate late Colonel Jojan Thomas, a recipient of Ashok Chakra posthumously, was held at Bolgatty Palace here on Sunday on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary.
    Titled "Smeithi", the event was organised by his wife Beena Thomas, close family members, friends, fellow officers, and admirers who paid tributes to the brave soldier who laid down his life for the nation, a defence statement said here.
    Col Jojan was killed in action on 22 August 2008 in Machal Sector Kupwara, Kashmir in a fierce anti-terrorist operation.
    A Commanding Officer of 45 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion then, he eliminated three dreaded terrorists single handedly in that operation, it said.
    The event here was marked by reflections on Col Jojan's life of courage and selfless service, the statement said.
    Member of Parliament Hibi Eden, former union minister and BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrashekhar, former army commanders and many senior military dignitaries also attended the event.
    Gallantary Award winners and Veer Narees including Major Ravi and Mrs Jalaja Vishwanathan were honoured during the event.
    Families of two soldiers who were killed in action along with Col Jojan Thomas in the same operation were also honoured, the defence statement added.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)