Kargil martyr’s memorial built

The martyr’s father, Vishnu Karbhari Sonawane, told The Indian Express

that he was proud of his son’s martyrdom and wanted youths to follow his example of sacrificing their lives for the country.

However, he said that the martyrdom of Suresh had led to the breakup of the family. He pointed out that the war widow, Surekha Suresh Sonawane, left the house and joined her parents, taking away her only son and all the money which poured in from all sides, including the state and the central governments. He said that over the past one year, she did not bother to visit her in-laws. "My greatest joy today was that I could see my grandson after a year" Vishnu said amid tears. His grandson, Krishna, is 18 months old. He further pointed out that the anguish of not being able to meet their grandson was so much that his wife, Chhayabai could not tolerate it and she committed suicide by jumping into a well on November 26 last year. The war widow did not even visit the family to attend the funeral or the "teraava" rituals on the 13th day after the death. Vishnu now lives with his other son, Kailas, who is mentally retarded. The family received about Rs 24 lakh, including compensation, insurance, PF, gratuity anddonations from various governments and voluntary agencies. Visnhu further said that Surekha, advised by her mother and maternal uncle, pocketed all the money. She is currently working as a clerk with the Chandwad panchayat samiti’s public works department and staying seperately.

"I have no complaint against the Government, as we have received our dues" he said, "but my only question is that how could the wife of the soldier be sole beneficiary of compensation?" He pointed out that Surekha was just a matriculate when Suresh had married her four years ago. "I encouraged her to study further and she later passed the higher secondary examination" Vishnu said, pointing out that after seeing the money coming into her hands, Surekha parted. "I don’t want money" he said, "my only wish is that a road, or a school or an institution be named after my son. And let the money go to my grandson when he grows up. Why should Surekha’s relatives get the benefit of my son’s martyrdom?" He pointed out that he was not interested in fighting over the money, but whenever he saw or heard that his daughter-in-law’s brothers or relatives were buying vehicles etc, it hurt him. He said that from the begining he used to tell all those concerned that the entire money shouldnot be handed over to Surekha and thatit should be deposited in the name of the child.

Vishnu owns about six acres of dry land which is not enough to support his family. His eldest son, Kailas is mentally abnormal. The death of Chhayabai has left Vishnu shattered. "I will now spend my life roaming around" he said," I have lost interest in life."

According to officials of the district Sainik Kalyan Board, however, the war widow after much persuasion agreed to share the family pension. The pension of Rs 3,560 per month was divided, her in-laws got Rs 1,424 while she got Rs 2,136 per month. But domestic tensions prevailed.