Kerala soldier Mithilaj laid to rest with full military honours in Kozhikode

A soldier from Kozhikode who died of a heart attack while serving in Bhopal was laid to rest with full military honours on Thursday. Mithilaj, 36, a native of Karamoola near Karassery, was buried at the Karamoola Juma Masjid cemetery after a morning of public tributes.

According to officials, Mithilaj, son of Kunjali of Kurambra, suffered sudden chest pain during his morning exercise in Bhopal. He was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved.

His mortal remains were flown from Bhopal and arrived at Kozhikode International Airport on Wednesday evening. The body was then taken to his home at Karamoola in a funeral procession that set out from Nellikkaparamba at around 8 p.m.

On Thursday morning, the body was placed at Karamoola Azad U.P. School, where Mithilaj had studied, for the public to pay homage. The school declared a holiday until noon to allow people to gather. Hundreds from different parts of the region came to pay their last respects.

A military contingent led by Major Rinub carried out the ceremonial honours. Thiruvambady MLA C.K. Kasim, Karassery grama panchayat president G. Abdul Akbar and several other elected representatives were among those present.

The official ceremonies and special prayers concluded by around 9.30 a.m., after which the mortal remains were taken to the cemetery for burial.