A heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Mullanpur of Mohali district in Punjab as the six-year-old son of Colonel Manpreet Singh, who lost his life in a gunfight with terrorists in Kashmir’s Anantnag, offered a poignant salute to his father’s casket, clad in a miniature military uniform. Standing beside him, his two-year-old sister mimicked the gesture, their innocence a stark contrast to the tragedy that had befallen their family.
The brave display by the young children was witnessed by a somber crowd that had gathered to pay their last respects to Colonel Manpreet Singh. His wife, sister, mother, and other family members were inconsolable, their grief visible through tearful expressions.
Colonel Manpreet Singh, a distinguished military officer at 41, served as the commanding officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles (19 RR) and had received the prestigious Sena Medal (Gallantry). His life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to gunshot wounds during a joint operation by the army and police, prompted by specific intelligence about terrorists in the region.
The gunfight, which occurred in the rugged terrain of the Kokorenag area in the valley, also claimed the lives of Major Ashish Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent Himayun Muzamil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Major Dhonchak, who led a search column alongside Colonel Singh and faced heavy fire, was honored with a solemn ceremony as his body reached his hometown of Panipat. Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects, and the funeral procession covered a distance of approximately eight kilometers from the town to his native Binjhol village.
The funeral of Deputy Superintendent Himayun Muzamil Bhat in Budgam also drew a large gathering, reflecting the profound loss experienced by the community. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Police Chief Dilbag Singh were among those who paid tribute to the dedicated police officer.
The tragic loss of these courageous individuals underscores the challenges and sacrifices faced by those dedicated to maintaining peace and security in conflict-prone regions. The poignant image of the young son saluting his fallen father serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of their service and the enduring resilience of their families.
Sources By Agencies
