Punjab announces Rs 50 lakh ex gratia for Ladakh martyr

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 50 lakh, along with government job to a family member, of Lance Naik Saleem Khan, who was martyred while serving the nation at Sheok near the India-China Border.

ChandigarhPunjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, here on Saturday, announced Rs 50 lakh ex gratia along with a government job to a family member of Lance Naik Saleem Khan, who laid down his life in the line of duty in Ladakh.

Extending sympathies to the kin of the 24-year-old Patiala youth, martyred at Sheok near the India-China Border, the Chief Minister said the state government would provide all possible help and support to them.

"Saddened to hear about the demise of Lance Naik Saleem Khan in Ladakh. He belonged to Mardaheri village in Patiala district. My sincere condolences to his family. The nation salutes the brave soldier. Jai Hind!," the Chief Minister earlier tweeted.

Lance Naik Khan of the Bengal Engineer Group became a battle casualty on June 25 while patrolling at a river close to LAC in the Ladakh sector.

His mortal remains were laid to rest with full military honours at his village. Cabinet Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot represented the state government in paying homage to the fallen soldier, who is survived by parents, a married sister and a brother.

IANS