Brig Sant Singh cremated with military honours

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, December 10

The mortal remains of Brig Sant Singh (retd), one of the country’s most highly decorated soldiers who had passed away on December 8 at the age of 94, were consigned to the flames with full military honours here today.

A large number of relatives, friends and well-wishers attended the funeral. He had been decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award, twice for his actions in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.

A ceremonial guard was provided by his unit, 5 Sikh Light Infantry, which reversed arms as a mark of respect, while buglers sounded the Last Post. The Commanding Officer and the Subedar Major of the battalion were also present. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Brig Sant Singh had commanded this battalion that had played a key role in wresting the difficult OP Hill feature in Jammu and Kashmir back from Pakistan after the ceasefire post-1965 war. A contingent from a Dogra battalion based locally acted as the pall bearers.

Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, KJS Cheema, represented Parkash Singh Badal and Brig JS Arora (retd), Director Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, represented Defence Services Welfare Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon.

Brig Sant Singh, who hailed from a village near Kotkapura in Punjab had settled in Chandigarh after retirement and was actively engaged in welfare issues of ex-servicemen and gallantry awardees. He also served as a nominated member of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

Meanwhile, in his condolence message, Badal said Punjab had lost its brave son, who would always remain a source of inspiration for future generations. Recalling his gallant actions, the Chief Minister said everyone was indebted to this great son of the soil, who always remained on forefront to defend his border.