Vikasnagar, Uttrakhand: On the 6th of April 2010, Naxalites inflicted heavy casualties on CRPF and District Police forces in Tadmetla Village, Sukma District, Chattisgarh. In this coordinated attack, 75 Jawans of CRPF and 1 Jawan of District Force embraced martyrdom. It's been more than 10 years, the loss and pain are still evident among the grieving families.
Tikam Singh Chauhan's martyrdom
This is the story of martyr Tikam Singh Chauhan and his family. Tikam Singh Chauhan of Jamuba Village, Chakrata Tehsil in Dehradun was born in a family of five sisters and two brothers. At the age of 18, he joined the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF). He got married to Kamlesh Chauhan in April 2009. Next year, in January 2010 he was blessed with a boy. The boy was around 2.5 months when Tikam Singh Chauhan was martyred on 6th April 2010. He was among the ill-fated CRPF patrolling party that came under the Naxalite attack in Tadmetla Village.
10 Years and plenty of ups and downs for the family
Teary-eyed, Kamlesh Chauhan, the wife of Tikam Singh Chauhan explained that in 10-years, the family has gone through plenty of ups and downs. During the period, she also received job offers, but due to family responsibilities, decided to help his son to join the CRPF or Indian Army as an officer.
Help and support from the government and CRPF
Kamlesh Chauhan further added that the government and CRPF officials have helped the family during the crisis. The government and CRPF continue to provide for education expenses, pensions, canteen card, railway pass, etc. She further added that CRPF officials frequently visit the family to take care of the welfare needs. She wants her son to get a good education and join the CRPF as an officer.
Son too wants to join CRPF like father
Tikam Singh's wife Kamlesh Chauhan lives with her mother-in-law, Burgi Devi, brother-in-law, and his 11-year-old son. Amar Singh, the only son of martyred Tikam Singh studies in class 5 in Vikas Nagar. The 11-year-old boy never saw his father alive but wants to follow in his father's footsteps and join the CRPF as an officer.
Full of pride on son's martyrdom
The family of Tikam Singh still cries when recalling the fond memories of their loved one. They are filled with pride for the supreme sacrifice of Tikam Singh Chauhan in the service of the nation. It's been one decade with lots of changes but the pain, tears, and struggles are motivating the family of Tikam Singh to keep moving forwards and look towards the future.
