KOSOVO, Nov 13: A remembrance service was held in Kosovo to honor the first British soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.
Among the many reflecting on the solemn occasion organized to mark the 25th anniversary of their deaths was one very proud serving Gurkha soldier, Corporal Bishwraj Rai, whose personal connection to the tragedy rekindled childhood memories of the loss of his uncle, Staff Sergeant Balaram Rai.
According to a press statement issued by the British Army, the ceremony took place in the Negrovce region of Kosovo, where Corporal Bishwraj Rai laid a wreath in memory of his uncle, who was among the first British soldiers to lose their lives during the onset of British peacekeeping operations in 1999.
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The wreath carried a heartfelt message: "In honour and gratitude for your sacrifice, we remember your courage and dedication. From all ranks of the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles."
The statement reads, “Staff Sergeant Balaram Rai, along with Lieutenant Gareth Evans, were part of the 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, who tragically lost their lives while attempting to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from a school in the village of Orlate, located about 22 kilometers west of Pristina. The two soldiers were killed in June 1999 as they worked to help the school by removing dangerous explosive devices left behind from the conflict. One of the devices detonated, taking their lives.”
Corporal Bishwraj Rai, who was serving with Tamandu Company of the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles in Kosovo as part of the British Army’s Strategic Reserve Force, reflected deeply on the impact the loss had on his family. At the time of the tragedy, he was just nine years old.
“I remember when we heard the news of the incident. My uncle and a troop commander had lost their lives while clearing UXOs. They were trying to help the school by making it safe, but one device exploded,” he recalled. “It was a very sad moment for me as my uncle was the reason I wanted to join the British Army Gurkhas. His sacrifice inspired me. Since that moment, I have heard so much about this country, and finally, I joined the British Army and came to Kosovo with my regiment, 2 RGR,” the statement quotes Rai as saying.
Corporal Rai expressed the deep emotions he felt as he stood in the very place where his uncle lost his life. "When I landed here, it was very emotional for me. This is where my uncle lost his life. I feel proud to be here and to remember him by laying this wreath."
Today, the legacy of the Kosovo conflict lives on through the NATO mission, KFOR (Kosovo Force), which was established to maintain a safe and secure environment for the region and to ensure freedom of movement. This mission is a reminder of the sacrifices made 25 years ago and the ongoing peacekeeping efforts.
