Kerala bids adieu to Major Manoj

Thiruvananthapuram: The mortal remains of Major K Manoj Kumar, who was killed along with 18 others in the massive blaze at the Central Ammunition Depot in Maharashtra's Pulgaon were consigned to flames with full military honours here Friday.

The body of the soldier was brought to his home here this morning from Pangode military hospital to enable the family and public to pay their last respects.

The remains were later taken to Shanti Kavadam, the state-owned electric crematorium, where the last rites were held before it was consigned to flames.

The late Major's widow Beena, 12-year-old son Vedhant, and other family members were among those present at the crematorium.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan placed a wreath on the body.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala was also present.

The body was brought to Kerala yesterday and kept overnight at the Pangode military hospital.

Major K Manoj Kumar was among the 19 army personnel killed in the massive blaze at the Asia's biggest Central Ammunition Depot at Pulgaon on May 31 in Wardha district of Maharashtra.