Several hundred citizens on Friday bid tearful adieu to slain Indian Army Major K P Vinay, who was killed in a gun-battle with militants in Kashmir.

The body of Major Vinay was brought to the city by a flight on Thursday night. The casket was taken in an ambulance from Begumpet airport to the Major's residence at Bhavani Colony in Rajendranagar area of Greater Hyderabad. 

Neighbours, relatives and people from all walks of life converged at the slain Major's residence and paid homage to him. Ministers Dr G Chinna Reddy and Ms P Sabitha Indra Reddy laid wreaths on the major's body.

Later, the casket wrapped in the tricolour carrying the slain major's body was loaded on an army truck.

Hundreds of locals and others participated in the funeral procession. Waving the national flag, they raised patriotic slogans hailing the sacrifice of the young army officer while fighting the militants in Kashmir last Tuesday.

The last rites were performed at Amberpet crematorium with full military honours and amidst chanting of Vedic hymns.

Text: Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad | Photograph: Snaps India