Martyred Rewari grenadier was praised for courage 2 months ago

Ravinder Saini
Tribune News Service
Rewari, February 18

Sepoy Hari Singh (26) of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost his life in an encounter with terrorists at Pulwama district in Kashmir in the wee hours on Monday, was awarded a commendation letter by his commanding officer two months ago when he had shown exemplary courage during a special operation which led to the arrest of two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants in Kashmir on November 13, 2018.

A resident of Rajgarh village on the Haryana-Rajasthan border, Sepoy Hari Singh belonged to an Army family. His late father Havildar Agdi Singh served in the Grenadiers, while his uncle Vijay Singh retired as havildar and cousin Sunil Kumar is a serving havildar with the Central Reserve Police Force.

“Hari Singh was so passionate about the Indian Army that he started preparing to join the Army after matriculation instead of pursuing higher studies. His dream came true in 2011 when he got selected in the Army but the year also gave him a major setback as he lost his father during the training period,” the martyr’s cousin Ranjeet said, adding that he was the only brother of three sisters. The sepoy had got married in 2016 and was blessed with a boy in April 2018.

Rajesh Bholu, a close friend of the slain sepoy, said the latter had called him up three days ago and asked him to buy a toy for the 10-month-old Lakshya. “Hari was very patriotic since childhood and always talked about the condition of Kashmir when he came to the village. He motivated me to join the Army saying that no other service is bigger than fighting for the nation,” said Bholu, who is preparing for recruitment into the Army.

Govardhan, sarpanch of Rajgarh, said the soldier’s mother and wife had not yet been informed about his martyrdom. “We have just told them that Hari Singh has suffered injuries during an operation,” he said, adding that the body would be brought to the village on Tuesday.

Told  friend to buy toy for son 3 days ago  
A close friend of the martyred sepoy, Rajesh Bholu, said the soldier had called him up three days ago and asked him to buy a toy for his 10-month-old son Lakshya. 

CM expresses grief
In a condolence message, CM Manohar Lal Khattar, saluting the bravery of Sepoy Hari Singh, said soldiers from Haryana had always made sacrifices for the country. 

Commendation letter to braveheart in Nov 2018

Dear Hari

This achievement exhibits your uncanny courage and professional skill which has made proud every member of 20 Grenadiers family. We are proud of your valour and this motivational result would encourage all ranks of our battalion.

Colonel RB Alavekar, Commanding Officer, 20 Grenadiers