Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday mourned the sacrifice of the Bravehearts of Handwara encounter while announcing a job to a family member with Rs 10 lakh financial aid to the next of kin of Naik Rajesh Kumar, a soldier who hailed from district Mansa of Punjab.
As news of the martyrdom of the four Indian Army soldiers and one J&K policeman came in the morning, an anguished Capt Amarinder joined the nation in saluting the bravery and valour of the martyrs, and prayed to God to "grant strength to their families in this time of grief."
The five security personnel, including an Army Colonel and a Major, were martyred in an encounter with terrorists, who had taken some civilians hostage in a house.
The chief minister described it as a ghastly and cowardly act by the terrorists, who continued to be pushed in by Pakistan from across the border despite the whole world, including the two nations, currently engaged in a bigger war against the coronavirus.
Read: J&K: 16-hour standoff ends, Army CO, Major among 5 killed in gunfight
While terrorism could not be condoned at any time, resorting to such an act at a critical time like this showed a total lack of shame on the part of Islamabad, which seemed hell-bent on exploiting the opportunity for their own gains, said Captain Amarinder.
India would not take such attacks on its security personnel, he said, warning that notwithstanding the COVID battle at hand, nobody should make the mistake of trying to take advantage of our country’s perceived vulnerability at this difficult time.
Meanwhile, extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of Naik Rajesh Kumar of 21 RR (Rashtriya Rifles, parent unit 3 GUARDS ), the chief minister said that his heart went out to them.
He announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the next of the kin of the martyr, including Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia and Rs 5 lakh in lieu of plot, in addition to a government job to one eligible member of the victim family, as per the state government’s existing policy.
The body of the martyr will arrive in his village on Monday where he would be cremated with due honours, keeping the COVID safety protocols in mind, said an official spokesperson.
Also Read: Col killed in Handwara was a two-time gallantry awardee for counter-terrorist ops
