In a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt, Lt Gen BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander along with Shri Dilbag Singh, Director General of Police Jammu & Kashmir and all ranks paid homage to the Bravehearts on behalf of the proud nation.
Late Grenadier Ravi Kumar Singh and Late Grenadier Prashant Singh were leading the search team in pursuit of terrorists who had opened indiscriminate fire on a joint checkpoint of the CRPF and the JK Police at Kreeri in Baramulla District on 17 Aug 2020. The Bravehearts were the first to come into contact with the terrorists during the pursuit. In the ensuing firefight, three terrorists were eliminated, however, Late Grenadier Ravi Kumar Singh and Late Grenadier Prashant Singh sustained gunshot wounds. Despite being grievously injured, they continued to fight. They were subsequently evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
Late Grenadier Ravi Kumar Singh was 26 years old and had joined the Army on 20 Jun 2013. He belonged to Village Gaura of Sadar Tehsil, Mirzapur District in Uttar Pradesh and is survived by his wife, Smt Priyanka Singh and a daughter.
Late Grenadier Prashant Singh was 25 years old and had joined the Army on 23 Sep 2014. He belonged to Village Gawana of Paonta Sahib Tehsil, Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh and is survived by his parents.
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Late Havildar Rajendra Singh, 39 years, while on a patrol along the Line of Control was caught in a severe snow blizzard on 08 Jan 2020 in Rampur Sector of North Kashmir. He lost his footing and fell down a deep gorge. Owing to the inclement weather, heavy snowfall and high altitude mountainous terrain, multiple rescue attempts made subsequently had failed. The teams were unable to reach the spot which had got buried under snow owing to the severe winters through the season. The mortal remains of Havildar Rajendra Singh were finally recovered on 15 Aug 2020, while still buried under two feet of snow.
Hailing from Village Ambiwala of Dehradun District, Uttrakhand, Late Havildar Rajendra Singh had joined the Army in 2001. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
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He was enrolled in the Garhwal Regimental Centre on 10 Dec 2001 and after completion of his training, joined his parent unit 11 Garhwal Rifles. He displayed his mettle by doing extremely well in the unit in various appointments. His competence and excellence saw him rise during his service. This brave son of the soil displayed immense physical & mental strength until the end.
The mortal remains of the Bravehearts were taken for last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Army salutes their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.
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