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R.I.P. |
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Aug 23, 2011, GURDASPUR: The mortal remains of Lieutenant Navdeep Singh, who laid down his life fighting terrorists during an anti-infiltration operation along LOC in Gurez Sector of north Kashmir on Saturday, was cremated at the Batala Road cremation grounds on Monday, with full state and army honors.
Amid loud chants of "Navdeep Singh Amar Rahe" and shower of flowers by the crowd, it seemed all roads here led to the cremation ground, which delayed the funeral ceremony by at least two hours.
But his son`s death has not weakened the martyr`s father even a little bit. Joginder Singh, father of Lt Navdeep Singh, said, "Though he won the battle with terrorists, he offered his life for the nation. He is a great martyr. I would feel proud to send my younger son Sandeep Singh to serve in Indian Army."
Army officials presented a guard of honor as Navdeep`s body was brought to the cremation ground, wrapped in the national flag, while 16, J&K Light Infantry regiment paid a gun salute in his honor.
Army officials said the entire anti-infiltration operation was planned and led by the young officer in which a group of militants from POK were intercepted along Kishanganga river, which is the de facto line of control (LoC) at many places. A fierce encounter and gun battle ensued, in which 12 terrorists were killed, but not before seriously injuring the officer, who went down fighting till his last breath, upholding the values and ethos of "Service before Self" of the Indian Army.
The entire operation saw 12 hardcore militants being killed besides recovery of arms, ammunition and a large quantity of war-like stores.
Brigadier Ram Somtia said, "On Friday night, Navdeep Singh knew that some terrorists were trying to infiltrate through Kishanganga river. Navdeep, along with his team, killed 12 terrorists but unfortunately, he succumbed to death. Navdeep had shown great courage which washed away the terrorists` intentions to intrude into India."
A large number of people belonging to various walks of life, including senior army and civil officers, attended the funeral ceremony. Station commander, Tibri Cantonment, J C Rangra, Brigadier commander Harjinder Singh, Brigadier Ram Somtia, education minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Gurdaspur MLA Gurbachan Singh Babhehali and Pathankot MLA Master Mohan Lal were among those who offered floral tributes to the departed soul.
Meanwhile, Punjab government and senior Army authorities have announced Rs 2 lakh cash reward, A Rs 5 lakh plot and employment as class one officer to an eligible member of the family of the deceased.