'Will Salute His Coffin': Braveheart Brijesh Thapa's Father Says Son Always Wanted To Join Army

Colonel (Retd.) Bhuwanesh Thapa, the father of Captain Brijesh Thapa who was killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Doda, said that he is proud of his son. The retired colonel also mentioned that he would salute his coffin like a soldier when it arrives in their hometown of Darjeeling, West Bengal.

While speaking to News18, Col (retd) Thapa said, “I could not believe when I was informed that he was no more. He came home in March and stayed for only 15 days. Though I am sad, but am proud of my son that he gave life for mother India. Am proud of him. I will remember him like this. Tomorrow when his body will come, I will salute him as a soldier.”

Captain Brijesh grew up in defence atmosphere as his father was in the Army. Col (retd) Bhuwanesh further said that his son always wanted to join the Indian Army. “He used to wear my Army uniform and roam around in his childhood days. Even after he had done his engineering, he still wanted to go to the Army. The only sad part is we won’t be able to meet him again; otherwise, I am happy that he sacrificed his life for his country,” he said.

His mother Nilima Thapa, who was inconsolable since the news came of his son’s death, said that she is proud of her son, who laid down his life for the country. The Captain told his mother on Sunday that he had to go up the hills for an operation and then she had cautioned him to take care of himself. This was the last communication between the Captain and his family.

“He won’t return to us. At 11 pm, we received the news. He was a very decent guy. We used to tell them that life in the Army is tough,” she said.

State chief minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed condolence and said, “Sad to know that Brijesh Thapa, a young Army officer from Darjeeling sacrificed his life in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir. My sincere condolences,” she said in a post on X.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista also expressed condolence on the Captain’s death and said, “Entire Darjeeling is mourning today for Captain Brijesh, we are proud of our Gorkha bother. I am with the family, Gorkha brother has again given his blood for Nation”.