VELLORE: Subedar G Annamalai, who died while rescuing landslide victims in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on August 18, was laid to rest with full military honours at his native village, Periyapalayambakkam, near Kaniyambadi on Friday.
The mortal remains of Subedar Annamalai (48), of 201 Engineers Regiment was brought to his village by road from the Chennai Airport early on Friday morning. The villagers from in and around Periyapalayambakkam gathered in large numbers and paid tributes to the martyr, whose body was draped in the Tricolour. Minister K C Veeramani, Collector R Nanthagopal and revenue officials paid tribute to the martyr. The minister handed over a cheque for `10 lakh as solatium that was announced by the State government to the kin of the Subedar.
Army officer from Dakshin Bharat area paid floral tributes to Annamalai during the cremation ceremony. Gun salute was also accorded to the gallant officer.
A wreath laying ceremony was organised in Chennai Airport on Thursday night. Brigadier KS Selvan, Commander, Station Headquarters Chennai, laid the wreath on behalf of Southern Army Commander and Colonel AS Paul, Adm Commandant, laid wreath on behalf of the General Officer Commandant, Dakshin Bharat Area. On behalf of 201 Engineers Regiment, 4th Battalion of Madras Regiment and Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board also laid the wreaths.