JAMMU, April 25 -- The army paid tributes to Fazal Hussain Tahir, a key figure in Operation Sarp Vinash, during his last rites at his native village, Murrah in Poonch district. Tahir, 62, passed away on April 22 in Uttarakhand. "He was a symbol of courage and unity, playing a pivotal role in the successful operation that eradicated terrorism in the Hill Kaka and Murrah areas of Jammu and Kashmir in 2003," said defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. Operation Sarp Vinash was a major operation by the army in 2003 in the Hill Kaka area. In more than four phases, troops eliminated over 65 Pakistan-backed terrorists and destroyed several terror hideouts and caves, breaking the back of insurgency in the Pir Panjal region. "His mortal remains were transported to Murrah late at night and the army organised his last prayers," said the spokesperson. The ceremony was conducted with military traditions. htc...