My husband loved the army. He always looked forward to going back after the end of his holidays. He used to come once a year for a month or so. He had always wanted to be a soldier and used to tell me about his life serving on the border.

My loss is immense but I know he did such a great task for the country. Everyone in my village speaks so highly of him, they all say he was such a brave man. He truly was.

My son wants to join the army as an officer. He has to live up to his father's name. My son says – 'Mujhe daddy ka badla lena hain' (I want to avenge my father's death). My husband also wanted my son to join the army. I am not scared that my son could face the same fate, because his father wanted him to join the army. That was his wish.

I was married to him for 20 years and now that he has gone I have to live for my children, their studies and their lives.

I get a pension of Rs 15,000 every month and have received around Rs 15 lakh compensation from the government. They say the remaining money will come to me in a few months. It would be nice if the government could sanction a gas agency or petrol pump to us, it would be of help to us.

The people of his regiment have helped us very much and remember us. But only I know what my grief is.

Mrs Chinta Devi spoke to Archana Masih

Image: Chinta Devi, Naib Subedar Chuni Lal's wife of 20 years
Photograph: Archana Masih

Must Read: 'Before he fell he told his men: Don't leave them'

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