IAF officer bids final goodbye to husband Namansh Syal killed in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show

Kangra bid a solemn, tear-filled yet proud farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show. His mortal remains arrived this afternoon at Kangra Airport from Sulur Air Base, Coimbatore. His wife Afshan Akhter—herself an officer of the Indian Air Force—and their young daughter stood brave yet heartbroken as the Tricolour-wrapped coffin was received.

Minister for AYUSH, Youth Services and Sports Yadwinder Goma; Nagrota Bagwan MLA and HPTDC Chairperson Raghubir Singh Bali; Shahpur MLA and Vidhan Sabha Chief Whip Kewal Pathania; along with the Deputy Commissioner and senior military and civil officers, were present to pay homage.

From the airport, the mortal remains were taken to his native village, Patialkhad near Yol, where the last rites were performed with full military honours. Hundreds of residents thronged the route, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” their voices echoing through the valley in a moving tribute to their fallen hero. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as the martyr’s mother clung to the coffin of her only son, inconsolable in her loss. In a moment that left everyone present humbled, his wife, in full uniform, offered a final salute to her husband—a gesture symbolising both love and unshakeable service to the nation.

AYUSH Minister Yadwinder Goma laid a wreath on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh government, calling the loss “unbearable for both the state and the country.” He assured the grieving family of the government’s unwavering support. Former Speaker and Sulah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar described Wing Commander Syal as an exceptionally skilled pilot whose loss is “a great setback to the nation.”

Civil officials, senior military officers and a large contingent of ex-servicemen gathered to pay their respects. Col Gopal Guleria, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, commended the Air Force unit at Yol for its meticulous and dignified arrangements.

In the hills of Kangra, the nation saluted one of its finest—Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a brave son of Himachal whose legacy of courage and duty will forever inspire generations