The family members of Indian Army jawan Mandeep Singh, whose body was mutilated after being killed by Pakistani terrorists, on Saturday demanded that Pakistan be taught a lesson for harbouring terrorists. His brother Sandeep Singh demanded that the family wanted 10 Pakistani heads for the price of one.
Terrorists, aided by the cover fire by Pakistani Army, on Friday night crossed the line of Control (loC) and killed sepoy Mandeep Singh and mutilated his body in Macchil sector of Kupwara district. The barbaric incident sparked shock and outrage in the entire country and a pall of gloom descended on his native village in Haryana.
The family members of the 30-year-old martyr were inconsolable. Several women from Aantehri village in Kurukshetra reached the martyr’s house and tried to console Mandeep’s widow. The couple had got married two years ago, family members said. Mandeep’s widow Prerna is a Head Constable with Haryana police and posted at Shahbad Markanda in Kurukshetra.
Mandeep’s father said the Indian Army should give a befitting reply to Pakistan.
“It was his duty, he has done it. He sacrificed his life. We should give a befitting reply to Pakistan,” he said, adding that he got the news of his son’s death when army personnel visited him at his home at 1 am. Prerna said Pakistan must be taught a lesson for harbouring terrorists.
“Pakistan should be taught a lesson once for all so that no other family of a soldier has to go through such pain,” she said breaking down several times.
She said that Mandeep had come for vacation six months back. “He was supposed to visit home again on Diwali but his leave was cancelled in view of the tension on the border at Machil sector.”
Kurukshetra’s Deputy Commissioner Sumedha Kataria also visited the jawan’s home and offered her condolences. The martyr’s neighbours described him as a “go getter” who always had a smile on his face.
Subhash, husband of the Sarpanch of the village, said Mandeep was a helpful person who always offered help to anyone who approached him in need.
“I am always of the view that the human rights of soldiers should enjoy precedence over human rights of anybody else”, he said.
Mandeep’s sacrifice came within a week after Sushil Kumar (47), a BSF constable was martyred in Jammu district. He also hailed from Kurukshetra district and belonged to Pehowa town here.
Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal described the killing of Mandeep Singh of the 17th Sikh Regiment, as a cowardly act by the terrorists.
In a condolence message issued here, the Chief Minister said that such nefarious designs of evil forces would not succeed. The martyrdom of Mandeep Singh would inspire many others to protect our motherland.
The Chief Minister said that a financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh would be given to the next of kin of Mandeep Singh. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that his soul might rest in peace.
