Lance Naik cremated with full state honours at Kaithal village

The mortal remains of Lance Naik Narendra Singh Sindhu (28), a brave son of Rohera village in the district, were cremated with full state honours on Wednesday. Wrapped in the Tricolour, his body was brought to his native village, where thousands of villagers, relatives, ex-servicemen, officials from the Army and district administration and leaders of political parties gathered to pay their tributes.

Lance Naik Sindhu attained martyrdom on Monday during an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam, J&K. When his body arrived at the village, “Bharat Mata ki jai” and “Shaheed Narendra Singh Sindhu amar rahe” filled the air.

Since his younger brother is in the US, his cousin, Rohtas, performed the last rites. The Army accorded a guard of honour and a senior officer presented the National Flag to the martyr’s father, Dalbir Singh — a farmer, who stood tall with tears in his eyes and pride in his heart. “I am proud of my son’s sacrifice. He has brought glory to our family and the nation,” he said, saluting his son.

Lance Naik Sindhu joined the 3 Raj Rifles in 2017 and was posted to the National Rifles unit in Srinagar four years ago.

Narendra’s maternal uncle and ex-serviceman, Azad Singh, said Narendra was on patrol duty with his unit when terrorists ambushed them at around 11 am. Despite being grievously injured in the firing, he continued to fight before succumbing to his injuries in hospital.  He is survived by his father, mother Roshni Devi, his younger brother, and two married sisters.

At the cremation, SDM Ajay Singh paid floral tributes on behalf of the district administration. He said as per the orders of CM Nayab Singh Saini, the martyr’s family would be provided a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore, a government job, and the government school in the village would be renamed after Lance Naik Sindhu.