In grief, martyr kin’s humble plea

RS Pura (J&K), October 23

Even as his mother resolved not to shed tears, Gurnam Singh’s distraught family said the Border Security Force jawan, who succumbed last night to his injuries sustained during cross-border firing, would have been alive had he been provided better medical facilities.

The 26-year-old, who the BSF said would be recommended for a gallantary award and whose injury led to the strong retaliatory firing that left seven Pakistan Rangers dead, was being treated at GMCH in Jammu.

Gurnam’s father Kulbir Singh said had there been a separate hospital for BSF personnel at RS Pura, proper treatment could have been provided to him. “There is only one government hospital here at Bakshinagar. Now, we demand  a separate health care system for BSF troopers,” he said.

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The family has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get a hospital set up for the BSF.  Gurnam’s sister Gurjeet Kaur said, “We are proud of his sacrifice. We prayed for his recovery, but it did not happen. A proper health care system for the BSF is our only request.”

“For 51 hours, we were told an air ambulance was being arranged to shift Gurnam to New Delhi. But nothing was done. Why was no specialist called from outside?” asked TS Tony, Gurnam’s uncle and a local political leader.

BSF ADG Arun Kumar, however, claimed it was arranged, but Gurnam died in the night itself. — TNS/PTI