Vijeta Mandavgane, the wife of martyr Ninad Mandavgane who died in an IAF helicopter crash in Jammu and Kashmir, gave a strong message to people who are venting their anger on social media over the India-Pakistan conflict.
Vijeta said that instead of having a war of words on social media, people should join the armed forces if they truly want to serve the nation.
“We don’t want a war. You don’t know the damages of war. We don’t want more Ninads to go. Social media warriors, please stop. If you want war, go to the front,” she said.
"There is a lot happening on social media and on TV. Media acts responsible and sometimes don't. You shout slogans. Instead of that, if you truly want to bring about change, for my Ninad, for WC Abhinandan and the martyrs, do a small thing. Either join the forces or make your family members join the forces. If you can't, then at least bring about small changes around you to help the nation. You can keep your surroundings clean, not litter the roads, not urinate in the public, not harassing girls," Vijeta told reporters, as quoted by NDTV.
The mortal remains of pilot Ninad Mandavgane were consigned to flames with full military honours in Nashik on Friday, 1 March.
Mandavgane and six others died on Wednesday, when the IAF chopper crashed in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, the helicopter crashed in an open field near Garend Kalaan village in Budgam around 10:05 am. Besides its pilots, four others onboard and a local resident died in the incident.
Mandavgane's body was brought to Ojhar airport from New Delhi by a special IAF plane on Thursday night. Air Force officials, including Air Commodore Samir Borade, commanding officer of the IAF Station Ojhar, and Nashik Collector Radhakrishna B paid tribute to the pilot there.
The body was later taken to his residence in DGP Nagar locality in Nashik.
A large number of people gathered at the crematorium on Friday to bid adieu to the departed soul. When the body was brought to the crematorium around noon, people present there raised slogans of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.
Mandavgane's father Anil, mother Sushma, wife Vijeta and their two-year-old daughter, his relatives and other people attended the funeral. Before the funeral pyre was lit by Mandavgane's father, the Nashik unit of IAF and city police gave a 21-gun salute.
(With inputs from NDTV and PTI)
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