Guwahati: The quiet lanes of Pub Makra village in Assam’s Chirang district bore witness to a profound sorrow and an even deeper pride today as the mortal remains of Sepoy Sunilal Muchahary arrived home. Draped in the tricolour, his coffin was carried through the very paths where he had walked as a boy, now lined with bowed heads and silent tears. The air hung heavy, thick with the unspoken grief of a community honouring its fallen son.
Sepoy Sunilal, a dedicated soldier of The Madras Regiment, tragically succumbed to a deadly landslide while posted in a high-altitude operational area at Chatten in North Sikkim. The arduous search for his body spanned nine long days, a testament to the unwavering commitment of Army teams who battled incessant snow, rain, and treacherous terrain. Their tireless efforts, employing modern radar equipment and engineering tools, finally bore fruit, allowing them to bring him home with the full dignity of military honours.
Born on May 20, 1990, in Pub Makra village, Bijni Tehsil, Sunilal enlisted in the Indian Army in June 2012. His motivation was clear: to serve his nation and provide for his family. For nearly 13 years, he exemplified discipline and pride in uniform, undertaking duties in some of the most challenging and sensitive regions of the country, enduring harsh weather and constant peril.
Those who knew him best describe Sunilal as a quiet and humble individual. He was a man of few words, yet his actions spoke volumes, demonstrating an inherent strength. Among his comrades, he was renowned as a reliable and trustworthy soldier, always ready to lend a hand. A skilled marksman and a talented sportsman, Sunilal frequently represented his unit in various sporting competitions, often bringing home medals and moments of joy to his battalion.
He never sought the spotlight, preferring to simply get on with his duty. Even in the direst of circumstances, he maintained a remarkable calm and focus. One of his colleagues fondly recalled, “Sunilal bhai never complained. He just did his duty—always ready, always strong.”
The landslide that claimed his life was sudden and unforgiving, engulfing their post without warning. The subsequent Army search operation was intense, with specialized teams utilizing dogs, radars, and advanced rescue gear meticulously combing the affected area, determined to recover their brother-in-arms. His eventual discovery, while heartbreaking, brought a much-needed sense of closure.
His mortal remains were flown to Assam, where a solemn gathering awaited. Villagers, schoolchildren, family members, and government officials converged to offer their final goodbyes. Military officers rendered a final salute, a poignant tribute to his sacrifice. His family, though grieving, stood with remarkable strength, bolstered by the unwavering support of neighbours and even strangers. “He always wanted to serve the nation. That was his dream,” a cousin shared, articulating the deep respect and pride that permeates the village.
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