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Journalism of Courage
A hushed sadness prevails in Badinpur, village of Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab where dreams of home renovations and marriage now lie beneath a tricolour-draped flag. Sepoy Harminder Singh, aged 27, soldier of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, paid the ultimate price during Operation Akhal in Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on August 8 when militants lobbed a grenade amid intense gunfire. He was enrolled in army in December, 2016.
His mother, Gurpreet Kaur, spoke to the mediapersons through tears, “Harminder had thought of getting his house renovated and we were also insisting him to get married… he had told me that whenever he will come on holiday, he will surely think about marriage… but who knew that he will come wrapped in a tricolour.”
Village sources mention that Gurpreet remains inconsolable, and his father, Jaswant Singh, along with his sister, are both battling serious health issues for long now deepening the family’s sorrow.
On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, the family was mourning over the loss of their son.
His uncle, Darshan Singh, said, “Our government should take strict steps to deal with terrorists… the army should be given a free hand to combat terrorists… our young bravehearts are getting martyred.”
And Harminder’s friend Gurminder Singh, said, “He used to inspire others to work towards fitness and get enrolled in army… he was an inspiration to all of us… we are proud of his bravery but at the same time we are in grief over losing him.”
Harminder will be cremated on Sunday morning in Badinpur, with full military honours.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a heartfelt post on X, solemnly said: “In an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam… the tragic news was received of the martyrdom of soldier Pritpal Singh… and Sepoy Harminder Singh from the village of Badinpur… We express our heartfelt condolences to the families. We salute the spirit and bravery of the soldiers… an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore each will be provided to the families.”
The Chief Minister added, “Their dedication and bravery will always be remembered,” and reaffirmed Punjab’s unwavering support for the bereaved in this time of grief. Meanwhile the operation Akhal has been continuing in Kulgam since August 1.
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