Punjab CM Channi announces Rs 50L, govt job for Poonch martyrs’ kin

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 11

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday announced an ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh and a government job for a member each of the bereaved families of Naib Subedar Jaswinder Singh, Naik Mandeep Singh and Sepoy Gajjan Singh, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Extending his sympathies with the bereaved families, the Chief Minister said their utmost dedication to defend country’s unity and integrity would inspire fellow soldiers to perform their duties with far more devotion and commitment.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who also holds the Home portfolio, today condemned the terror attack in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, that left five Army personnel, including three from Punjab, dead.

Randhawa issued directions to the Punjab Police to maintain high alert, especially in the border areas.

He said the neighbouring country was not desisting from mischief and that the Indian Army was capable of meeting any threat or challenge to the nation.

He mourned the death of the soldiers and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He said his party and government stood by them in the hour of grief and their sacrifices would not go in vain.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, too, mourned the demise of the five army personnel. He urged the state government to provide at least Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job to a family member of the three martyrs who hailed from Punjab. He said the news of encounter had shocked every Indian, particularly Punjabis, as the nation had lost five brave soldiers.

Another Sikh soldier, Sepoy Saraj Singh, martyred in the gunfight, belonged to Akhtyarpur Dhaukal village in Shahjahanpur (UP).

Planned to celebrate birthday back home

Batala: Naik Mandeep Singh, 30, of Chattha Kalan village in Batala died in an encounter with insurgents in J&K. He is survived by his mother Manjit Kaur, wife Mandeep Kaur, and two sons — Mantaj Singh, 4, and Gurkirat Singh, who is just a month old. The deceased’s birthday falls on October 16 and his family was expecting him to join them before that. Officials say his cremation will take place on Tuesday with full Army honours. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ishfaq said all arrangements for cremating the soldier’s body had been put in place. TNS

Third in family to join Armed forces

Kapurthala: Naib Subedar Jaswinder Singh, 39, of Mana Talwandi village in Bholath area was the third member of his family to join the Army. His father Capt Harbhajan Singh had retired from the Army and passed away of Covid-19 a few months ago. His elder brother Rajinder Singh too had served the Army. His family was engaged in agriculture. Sarpanch Balbir Singh said: “It is a setback for the entire village. Jaswinder used to meet all whenever he returned home.” He is survived by his wife Sukhpreet Kaur, son Vikramjeet, 13, and daughter Harnoor, 11. TNS

Son of farmer, Was to return on Oct 13

Ropar: Sepoy Gajjan Singh, 27, from nearby Pachranda village was one of the four sons of farmer Charan Singh. He was married just seven months ago. According to a relative, Gajjan had talked to his wife on the phone just two days ago and informed her that he was scheduled to visit his family on October 13. The family, however, got the information from the Army authorities about his martyrdom on Monday evening. His mortal remains will reach the village on Tuesday, it was learnt. He is survived by his wife Harpreet Kaur. TNS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.