Family of Punjab's Sangrur martyr was planning to solemnize marriage

The news of the death of Sepoy Gurbinder Singh reached his native village Tolawal in Sangrur district in Punjab this morning.

Punjab India-China-Stand-Off Sepoy-Gurbinder-Singh
The family was planning to solemnize the marriage of martyr Sepoy Gurbinder Singh (22), who died in "hand-to-hand" fight with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, during his vacations in November.

He is among four soldiers belonging to the state who attained martyrdom.

Extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced ex-gratia compensation, along with a government job to a next of kin of the deceased.

The news of the death of Sepoy Gurbinder Singh reached his native village Tolawal in Sangrur district in Punjab this morning.

"We were informed in the morning that Gurbinder has attained martyrdom and his body will reach his native place either late this (Wednesday) evening or tomorrow (Thursday)," his elder brother Gurpreet Singh told the media.

He's survived by his elderly parents, two brothers and a sister. He was the youngest among the siblings.

Class XII pass out Gurbinder had joined the Indian Army just two years ago. He got engaged three months back.

Last time he spoke to his family on the phone 20 days ago.

"In his last telephonic conversation 20 days ago he informed us that the mobile connectivity in the valley, where he is posted, is poor," said Gurpreet Singh.

Labh Singh, father of the brave heart, said the marriage was planned in November during his vacations.

His son belonged to 3 Punjab regiment.

Sunam Subdivisional Magistrate Manjit Kaur said the body would reach the village on Thursday.

Twenty soldiers were killed in fighting with Chinese troops, the Indian Army said.

Paying tributes, the Chief Minister said he paid his respects to Punjab's martyrs -- Naib Subedars Mandip Singh and Satnam Singh and Sepoys Gurbinder Singh and Gurtej Singh.


The loss suffered by the families was immeasurable and could not be compensated with material things, but the compensation and the jobs would help alleviate some of their sufferings, said Amarinder Singh.

The Chief Minister said Cabinet ministers would represent the state at the martyrs' funerals, which will be held with full Army honors in their native villages.

He directed the respective district administrations to make all arrangements, befitting the occasion, for receiving the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

While one family member each would be given a government job in all the four cases, the families of Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh and Naib Subedar Satnam Singh will be given Rs 12 lakh compensation each in line with the government policy, on account of their married status.

Mandeep hailed from Seel village of Rajpura Tehsil in Patiala district and Satnam Singh belonged to Bhoj Raj village in Gurdaspur Tehsil, an official spokesperson said.

The families of the two unmarried martyrs -- Sepoy Gurtej Singh of Bire Wala Dogra village in Budhladha tehsil in Mansa district and Sepoy Gurbinder Singh will be given Rs 10 lakh each as compensation (Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia and Rs 5 lakh in lieu of land).

Director-General of Police Dinkar Gupta said, "As a police force of a border state, which has given its blood for protecting the integrity of our great nation, we value courage and sacrifice."

(With Inputs from IANS) 

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