Ludhiana, June 23
Army jawan Swaranjit Singh, who was killed after a vehicle carrying Army personnel fell into a gorge during an avalanche in Leh, was today cremated at this native village of Salaudi Singha, Khanna, with full military honours.
The body of Swaranjit, wrapped in the Tricolour, was brought in an Army vehicle today. Villagers in large numbers reached there to share the grief of the bereaved family.
Swaranjit’s younger brother Sarabjit is also serving in the Army. He was asking the villagers to take care of his family as the death of his brother could not discourage him to leave the Army, rather he would continue to serve the country as Armyman.
“My brother joined the Indian Army in 2008 and a year later I, too, joined the force. Since our family was suffering from the financial crunch and we both brothers also wanted to serve the country, we joined the Army. Swaranjit was to retire next year, but he left us too early,” his brother said as he tried to control his emotions.
“Though I lost my son and nobody can bring him back, I still feel proud to be the father of an Armyman who lost his life while serving the Army and the nation,” said an inconsolable father.
Sarpanch Mandeep Kumar said the village would look after the deceased’s family and even a memorial in the name of Swaranjit would be built in the village.
Police officials were also present on the occasion.
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