AMBALA: The mortal remains of Havildar Nirmal Singh, who was martyred at the age of 37 in Jammu and Kashmir, were cremated with full state honours on Friday. The Havildar made the supreme sacrifice during firing by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.
Army officials said Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch and the Indian side responded in a fitting manner. Havildar Nirmal, who was posted with 10 JAK Rifles, was critically injured after being hit by a sniper from the Pakistan side. He was declared dead in hospital.
His mortal remains were flown from Rajouri to the Air Force Station, Ambala Cantt on Friday afternoon. From here, the body was transported in a military truck to his native village of Jansui in Ambala district, Haryana, under the supervision of Army officials.
A large gathering of people from the village and surrounding areas assembled to pay respects to the departed soul. Youths in the district escorted the soldier’s remains with a cavalcade of motorcycles, carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans against Pakistan.
Havildar Nirmal is survived by his mother Bhajan Kaur, a brother, wife Gurwinder Kaur, daughter Harmandeep Kaur (9) and son Vanshdeep Singh (4). It was little Vanshdeep who performed the last rites of his father along with his family members. Nirmal’s mother Bhajan Kaur said, “I am proud of my son. May all mothers get such sons. He had the spirit to serve the nation since childhood and was inspired to join the Army by his grandfather Bhagwan Singh. He joined the Army in 2003. He was dedicated to service of the country. His colleagues say that their unit has suffered a heavy loss with his departure.” Nirmal Singh belonged to a farmer’s family and his grandfather retired from the Army.
Ambala DC Ashok Kumar Sharma, SP Hamid Akhtar and SDM Sachin Gupta were among those who reached to offer their condolences. Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel and mayor Shakti Rani Sharma were also present.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar tweeted, “A heartfelt tribute to Havildar Nirmal Singh Ji of Jansui village of Ambala, who was martyred in a cowardly attack by Pakistan in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Son of Haryana has joined those brave people, examples of whose bravery will be given. We are proud of you.”