Thousands of villagers from neighbouring areas swarmed Vaghela's house since Thursday night. Chanting Shaheedon Amar Raho, they had come to witness the last journey of a war hero.

Gloom descended on the village after news of Vaghela's death. But villagers spared no chance to help his family, providing everything, from food to consolation. But even in the mourning, there was pride, devotion to a hero, and patriotism evident on people's faces. Said social worker and former MLA, Gangaben Vaghela, ``Dinesh has brought honour to this village. But this is not the end. There are three more youths from this village fighting the enemy in Kargil.'' In the village, the atmosphere was of devotion. At the main square, where the soldier's body was to be kept for people to pay homage, young boys played devotionaland patriotic songs on public address systems.

Said an Army officer: ``It seems this village is celebrating Independence Day. I am glad that even in this remote area, people show pride in our soldiers.''

When the funeral procession started from Vaghela's house, people could not control their emotions. Young boys from the village distributed Indian flags and shouted slogans like ``Pakistan murdabad'', and ``Nawaz Sharif Murdabad''. Banners and placards read: ``Dinesh Vaghela Amar Raho'' and ``Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Salam''.

Commented a jawan who had come to accord a gun salute at the cremation, ``This is not a death. Dinesh has attained martyrdom, the dream of every soldier.''

During the last rites, police had a tough time keeping the crowds away from the cremation site. As Vaghela's brother Naresh lit the pyre, an Army team accorded a gun slute. The crowds shouted: "Alvida Dinesh, Tum Amar Raho''.