In Telangana, people and leaders across the party lines paid tributes to martyed Army officer Col Bikkumalla Santhosh Babu, who made his supreme sacrifice for the country during a violent face-off with Chinese troops. The officer hailed from Suryapet town close to Hyderabad. The information about his martyrdom was conveyed to his wife Santhoshi who stays in Delhi and parents who reside in Suryapet.<br />'' <br />''According to Defence authorities, Colonel B Santosh Babu, Commanding Officer of the 16th battalion of Bihar Regiment was martyred in the stand-off with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday night. The army officer was survived by wife, a four-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter. The only son of retired bank manager, Upender and homemaker Manjula, he was due for transfer to Hyderabad in next few months. Grieving Mother, Manjula said they are shattered on losing their only son but also feel proud that he sacrificed his life for the country.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Telangana government has deputed a Minister to be present as the state representative, for receiving the mortal remains of the departed Army officer and till the completion of the funeral. Governor Dr Tamilisai Sounderarajan and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhra Rao have expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Col. B Santosh Babu. In separate statements, they saluted the brave soldier who gave his live to the country and stated that his sacrifices will always be remembered by the nation.</span><br />