29-year-old Army man from Samana dies during crossfire with militants in J&K

Ravneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Patiala, July 7

The news of the death of Naik Rajwinder Singh (29) of Dodra village of Samana came home to grieving parents and family on Tuesday.

The Army jawan was killed during crossfire with militants in Pulwama of Jammu and Kashmir is now the topic of talk in the town for his bravery.

The 29-year-old’s father said he was proud that his son laid down his life for the country.

Rajwinder Singh had enrolled in the Indian Army in 2011. Survived by his father Avtar Singh, mother Mahinder Kaur and wife Gurpreet Kaur, he had not visited home in the last six months.

He was supposed to visit home in March but could not come due to the imposition of lockdown.

Inconsolable, the mother said she could not believe her son had died during the crossfire.

Avtar Singh, his father said, “My son has attained martyrdom. This has brightened the name of our village and the state.”

The family had had a word with him on Monday evening after which they said the cross firing took place.

Government officials said Rajwinder had earlier served in Nagaland and had remained in the Ghatak Platoon as well.

He later volunteered to be posted for counter-terrorist operations in 53 Rashtriya Rifles and got posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh later announced ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh and job for a member of his family.

Member Parliament Preneet Kaur, Cabinet Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and officials of the district administration also consoled the family.