Chandigarh: The hometowns of Col. Manpreet Singh, recipient of the Sena Medal, and Maj. Aashish Dhonchak, both of the 19th Rashtriya Rifles, who gave their lives safeguarding Indians from terrorists in Anantnag on Wednesday, were shrouded in mourning.
Major Dhonchak is from Panipat, Haryana, while Colonel Manpreet Singh is from Mohali, Punjab.
We last had contact with Col. Manpreet Singh at 6:45 a.m. and learned of his injury at 3 p.m. Greatness embodied in him. The Sena Medal was presented to him for his service last year. Colonel Manpreet Singh’s brother said to the media, “I salute him.”
His mother, wife Jagmeet Grewal, and two children, a girl aged six and a boy aged two, live in the Mohali area close to New Chandigarh.
Major Dhonchak joined the India Army in 2013 and is the only brother of three sisters; he plans to return home for his birthday next month.
His wife Jyoti and their daughter Vamika, who is now three years old, will miss him terribly.
Villagers and neighbours heard about his death and flocked to his Sector 7 home.
After Lal Chand’s retirement from National Fertilisers Ltd., he moved his family into leased housing.
The journalists were informed by Major Dhonchak’s grandpa that he was a bright guy who gave his life for his nation.
With tears in his eyes, he said, “Everyone in the village will wait for the arrival of his mortal remains.”
Col. Manpreet Singh’s wife, Jagmeet, teaches economics in the Panchkula district for the state of Haryana.
Col. Manpreet Singh was critically wounded while leading his soldiers from the front.
“Punjab Police salutes our martyr Col. Manpreet Singh & Maj. Ashish Dhonchak of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, and DSP Humayun Bhat of J&K Police who lost their lives in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in #Anantnag, #JammuKashmir,” the police force said on X.
The country will always be grateful to them for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Our soldiers have always struggled to protect the integrity and togetherness of
India, in the Armed Forces as well as the Police,” it emphasised.
