Images from the scene revealed Col. Manpreet Singh’s wife, sister, mother, and other relatives in tears.
New Delhi: The six-year-old son of Colonel Manpreet Singh, one of the three slain in a battle with terrorists in Kashmir’s Anantnag, saluted as his father’s body arrived at his home in Mullanpur in the Mohali district of Punjab. He was dressed in military camouflage. The two appeared clueless of the tragedy that had befallen the family as they stood side by side, mimicking the salute. Locals supported the kids as a large crowd gathered to pay their final respects to the hero.
Visuals from the scene showed that Col. Manpreet Singh’s wife, sister, mother, and other family members were inconsolable.
On Wednesday night, after the army and police had conducted a joint operation in response to specific intelligence concerning terrorists, Colonel Manpreet Singh, 41, died from gunshot wounds. He was the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles (19 RR) and a recipient of the renowned Sena Medal (Gallantry).
Wednesday’s gunbattle with terrorists in the upper reaches of the Kokorenag area of the valley resulted in the deaths of three police officers: a colonel, a major, and a deputy superintendent.
Major Ashish Dhonchak’s body was also brought to his native village in Panipat as thousands of mourners accompanied the grieving family and officers on their final journey. Major Dhonchak and Colonel Singh led a search column and moved through the entrances and difficult terrain of the forests when they came under heavy fire.
His body arrived at his Panipat town residence this morning, and after a wreath-laying ceremony and gun salute, it was driven to his native Binjhol village for final rites in an Army vehicle.
The major’s home in the town was eight kilometers away, and it took the funeral procession almost three hours to travel that distance to his home in the village of Binjhol while mourners gathered to bid him a sad farewell.
A sizable crowd attended the funeral of Himayun Muzamil Bhat, 33, a deputy superintendent with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Wednesday in Budgam. Police Chief Dilbag Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir paid tribute to the police officer.