Shillong, September 14: The native places of Col Manpreet Singh, a recipient of the Sena Medal, and Major Aashish Dhonchak of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles were enveloped in sorrow following their ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation against terrorists in Anantnag.
As per IANS, Col Manpreet Singh hailed from Mohali, Punjab, while Major Dhonchak was from Panipat, Haryana.
Speaking to the media, Colonel Manpreet Singh’s brother recounted their last conversation with him at 6.45 a.m. They received the devastating news around 3 p.m. that he had been injured. He remembered his brother as a remarkable individual, emphasizing that he had been awarded the Sena Medal for his dedicated service.
Colonel Manpreet Singh’s family, including his mother and wife Jagmeet Grewal, along with their two young children, lives near New Chandigarh in Mohali district.
Major Dhonchak, who had joined the Indian Army in 2013, was the only son among three sisters. He is survived by his wife Jyoti and their three-year-old daughter Vamika.
As word of Major Dhonchak’s passing spread, villagers and neighbors rushed to his residence in Sector 7. His father, Lal Chand, had moved to a rented house after retiring from National Fertilizers Ltd.
Major Dhonchak’s grandfather expressed pride in his intelligence and the sacrifice he made for the country, tearfully mentioning that the entire village would await the arrival of his mortal remains.
Col Manpreet Singh’s wife, Jagmeet, is an economics teacher employed by the Haryana government, stationed in Panchkula district.
Col Manpreet Singh had been leading his troops courageously when he sustained critical gunshot wounds.
“Punjab Police pays tribute to our martyrs, Col. Manpreet Singh & Maj. Ashish Dhonchak of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, and DSP Humayun Bhat of J&K Police, who lost their lives during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in #Anantnag, #JammuKashmir,” Punjab Police stated in a post on ‘X.’
“The nation will remain indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice. Our fighters have always fought for safeguarding the unity & integrity of India, both in the Armed Forces & the Police,” the statement added.