India-China tension: Soldier from Tamil Nadu who was killed in Ladakh, was to retire in a year from Army

Palani, a 40-year-old havildar with the Indian Army who was killed along with another soldier and an officer in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday night, belonged from a nondescript village in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district.

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Palani, who joined the Indian Army at the age of 18 and has been in service for the past 20 years, hailed from Kadukalur village in Tiruvadanai taluk of the backward Ramanathapuram district. The army man is survived by his wife Vanathi Devi and children—Prasanna and Devi.

Villagers said the deceased army man’s relative, Idhayakani who is also working with the Indian Army, conveyed the sad news to Vanathi Devi and other family members. Local media reported that Palani spoke to his wife a week ago and told her that he may not be able to call for a few days due to the situation in the area where he was posted.

Idhayakani said Palani was passionate about serving the Indian Army and it was on his advice that he joined the force, albeit in the administrative department. The family is waiting for Palani’s mortal remains to reach the village for last rites.

The entire political leadership of the state led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami paid rich tributes to Palani’s sacrifices for the country with the government announcing a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to his family. Palaniswami said a family member will be provided with government job based on their qualification.

Opposition Leader M K Stalin, AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran, PMK founder S Ramadoss were among the political leaders who condoled Palani’s death.