In a somber turn of events, we pay tribute to the unwavering courage and sacrifice of two valiant soldiers, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak, who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Their lives were dedicated to safeguarding our nation, and their ultimate sacrifice has left a void that can never be filled.
#WATCH | Son of Col. Manpreet Singh salutes before the mortal remains of his father who laid down his life in the service of the nation during an anti-terror operation in J&K’s Anantnag on 13th September
The last rites of Col. Manpreet Singh will take place in Mullanpur… pic.twitter.com/LpPOJCggI2
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
A Hero’s Return: Colonel Manpreet Singh
The Homecoming
The mortal remains of Colonel Manpreet Singh, a brave warrior who met his fate in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Anantnag region of Jammu and Kashmir, have now returned to his home in Mullanpur, Mohali district. It was a moment of profound sorrow as the entire area bore witness to the heart-wrenching scenes of his family’s inconsolable grief.
A Salute to a Father
Amidst the poignant sights that unfolded in Mohali, the most heart-rending was the sight of Colonel Singh’s 6-year-old son, dressed in a soldier’s attire, giving his beloved father one last salute. The image of a young boy bidding farewell to his hero father is a testament to the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the families they leave behind.
An Emotional Farewell
At Colonel Manpreet Singh’s residence in Mullanpur, a steady stream of mourners gathered to pay their respects. His grief-stricken mother stood anxiously at the doorstep, waiting to receive her son’s lifeless body. Colonel Singh, a third-generation soldier, leaves behind not only his mother but also his wife, a two-year-old daughter, and the young son who bravely saluted his father for the last time.
Major Ashish Dhonchak: A Life Remembered
The Final Journey
Major Ashish Dhonchak, another brave soul who lost his life in the same firefight, arrived in Panipat, Haryana, where his final rites are set to take place. Major Dhonchak had been planning to relocate to a new house in Panipat in October, as his family had been residing in rented accommodation.
Overwhelming Grief
As Major Dhonchak’s mortal remains were transported to his Panipat residence in an Army vehicle, a multitude of people gathered to pay their respects. His family members were overwhelmed with grief as his body arrived at their Panipat home. The final journey to the cremation grounds, with full military honors, is scheduled to take place shortly. Major Dhonchak’s family includes his wife, a two-year-old daughter, and three sisters.
Anantnag Encounter: A Tragic Loss
Tragically, the nation mourns the loss of three brave Army personnel, Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak, along with Deputy Superintendent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Humayun Bhat, during a confrontation with terrorists in the remote Kokorenag area of the valley.
Colonel Singh, who served as the commanding officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat, sustained critical injuries during the gunfight that erupted in the Garol area of Anantnag district on a fateful Wednesday morning. Despite valiant efforts and medical treatment, all three officers tragically succumbed to their injuries.
In this moment of grief, we remember the valor and commitment of these brave souls who laid down their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifices will forever be etched in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved families of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent Humayun Bhat. May their souls rest in eternal peace.