Pilot to be cremated today

Squadron Leader Ahuja hadbeen based at the Bhisiana Air Force station for the past two years. Ahuja’s brother-in-law Neelkanth, accompanied by the deceased’ five-year-old son Ankur, told The Indian Express that Ahuja had joined the National Defence Academy in 1982. His father, a retired employee of the railways, had been instrumental in getting him to join the NDA after completing his 10+2 from St John’s in Kota, Rajasthan.

“I’m not sure if he was the best cadet, but he was certainly one of the best,” Neelkanth said, adding, “He was somebody who loved flying and really enjoyed his life.”

Ajay married in 1990. His wife Alka, who teaches at a school, and his son were with him through his posting at the base. Tight security prevented the media from speaking to the commanding officers or members of the family.However, the feelings of the Air Force personnel were summed up in an incident one of them narrated. “I have known Ajay and family throughout their stay in the base. Today, earlier in the day, a member of the media who hadbeen allowed to speak to the family over the phone expressed his sympathies at the tragedy that had befallen the family. As soon as he put the phone down we upbraided him for what he had said. We in the Air Force don’t want expressions of sympathy from civilians. We would rather be told of the pride that the nation takes in our efforts.”