AGARTALA, Jan 11 (TIWN): Balamdina Ekka, wife of 1971 war martyr Albert Ekka, and the eight-member team from Jharkhand got warm reception by the Army in Agartala on Monday at the graveyard of Albert Ekka on Monday at Duklli. Balamdina Ekka has gone with the state team to offer prayers at the graveyard of her husband, Albert Ekka, who attained martyrdom in 1971 and was awarded the highest military award of the soil, Paramvir Chakra, posthumously.

The state team, which includes tribal advisory committee (TAC) member Ratan Tirkey and deputy secretary with the state government, George Kumar are staying at the state guesthouse from where the Army will be arranging for their trip to Dulmi village. Ekka's body is buried here at Dukli.

Major Maity of Assam Rifles has been coordinating their tour and has assured cooperation to ensure that Balamdina Ekka and accordingly she paid her tributes to her late husband at the burial.

Priest from Gumla also accompanied the team to carry out the rituals that have remained pending all these years since the body was not brought back to Ranchi after Albert Ekkas death. Balamdina was happy over the way Army treated her as a VIP guest.

At the place where his body was buried, a house owner who stays there expressed happiness over the issue that the graveyard of the brave soldier is in house and it a moment of a pride for the house owner.

Ekka, with 14 Guards, was awarded the country's highest gallantry award Param Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery and fearless determination in the Battle of Gangasagar on the Eastern Front with then Eastern Pakistan.

Balamdina Ekka, said that he was a true patriot and his life is an inspiration for all of us, especially the youth who should take inspiration from his sacrifice and we should remember that it is the country which comes first.