Leaders unite in grief, pay tribute to Wg Cdr Syal

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, November 26

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by three Cabinet ministers, senior leaders and local MLAs, visited the residence of Wing Commander Namansh Syal at Patialakad village in Nagrota Bagwan subdivision on Wednesday to offer condolences to the family of the martyred Indian Air Force pilot. Syal lost his life during the Dubai Air Show last week, a tragedy that has sent ripples of grief across the state and beyond.

The CM met the bereaved family and assured them that the entire state stands with them in this moment of immeasurable loss. He said the sacrifice of Wing Commander Syal, an exceptionally skilled and courageous officer, would forever remain a matter of pride for Himachal Pradesh and the nation.

Sukhu was joined by Health Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil, Agriculture Minister Chandra Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, HPTDC Chairman Raghuveer Singh Bali, MLA Suresh Kumar and MLA Kamlesh Thakur, all of whom conveyed their heartfelt condolences.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also visited the family, accompanied by BJP legislators. He described Syal as a “highly talented and courageous pilot” whose loss was deeply felt across the country. Jai Ram said the sorrow evident in the eyes of the parents and the silence that filled their home were “truly heart-wrenching”, adding that the nation would remain eternally grateful for Syal’s supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Jagannath Syal, father of the martyr, said the overwhelming global tributes for his son, messages from pilots in over 80 countries, a special aerial salute by Russian pilots and even the cancellation of an air show by American pilots, reflected the profound respect India’s armed forces command worldwide.