The brave soldier's body was brought here by a special army aircraft from Leh amid a heavy downpour and was received by his family and top civil and Defence officials.

Capt Kalia's mortal remains would be taken to Nangal, where his parents presently live, and then to his native place Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh, where the last rites would be performed with full military and state honours.Recalling the years spent with `Vippu' (Capt Kalia's pet name), his elder brother Flight Lieutenant Aman Kalia said he would always cherish the memories of his brother. ``I will never forget our last meeting on May 24 when Vippu had come home for a break shortlybefore he was recalled to Kargil,'' Flt Lt Kalia said.

Capt Kalia, leading a team of 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry battalion and paratroopers on June 9, evicted intruders from a key position in Batalik sub-sector, killing 25 infiltrators.