Seven security personnel, including one officer of the National Security Guard, were killed in the counter-offensive against the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase.
The martyrs included a Garud Commando from IAF, 5 personnel of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) and an NSG personnel.
A member of NSG’s Bomb Disposal Squad, the 35-year-old commando was killed while defusing a grenade at the scene of the attack. Born in Bangalore, he used to frequently visit his home state of Kerala. He was married in his village in Palakkad district three years ago. He is survived by his wife Radhika and 2-year-old daughter.
Singh was from Ambala. Hit during the initial round of gunfire, he continued to fight but died before medical help arrived. He was married a mere 45 days ago. He joined the army six years ago after completing his graduation. His father Sucha Singh, a farmer, described him as an intelligent and bright young man who passed the Air Force entrance exam in his first attempt. Even though his family is deeply shocked to learn of his death, his father has said that he is proud that his son gave his life for his country.
Photo: ANI
The 51-year-old member of the army had won gold and silver medals at the international level during the Commonwealth Games and was well known as a champion shooter. The DSC is a specialised unit that provides security at the defence ministry sites.
Photo Courtesy: HT
Havildar in the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Sanjeevan Singh Rana, 50, of Siyunh village in Shahpur of Kangra district, died after he was injured critically. Sanjeevan had retired from Army’s Dogra Regiment in 2007 and joined the DSC. He was transferred to the Pathankot air base from Jammu two years ago. Sanjeevan is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
Photo Courtesy: HT
Havildar Jagdish Chand (48), hailing from Gola village of Sihunta teshil in Chamba district. Jagdish also retired from the Dogra regiment in 2009 and joined the DSC and was transferred from Leh to Pathankot a few months ago. He had come to his village on a 10-day leave and returned to join duty only a day before the attack.
The martyr is survived by his wife a son and two daughters.
Photo: ANI
Kulwant joined the army when he was 19. He retired in 2004 and joined the DSC the same year. He was recently posted in Pathankot from Odisha. In the last week of December, he took a four-day leave to spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Sepoy Mohit Chand was also among the martyrs who died fighting the terrorists.
