The mortal remains of the Martyr Sepoy Gurtej Singh, 22, were consigned to flames on Friday at his native village Birewala Dogran village in Budhlada sub-division of the district. Gurtej was killed during a violent clash near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China at Galwan valley in Ladakh.Gurtej’s father and brothers lit the pyre, a contingent of the army gave a gun salute to the martyr, prior to which bugles sounded the Last Post.Finance Minister Punjab Manpreet Singh Badal laid a wreath on the behalf of the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government. “I am here to pay homage to Gurtej on the behalf of Punjab Government and Punjab people. I salute all the mothers of Punjab and India, who bravely send a piece of their heart to sacrifice their lives for the country,” said Manpreet Badal, reminding country people that India got freedom by sacrificing their sons.On being asked by media persons about compensation given to the family, Finance minister said that though the loss suffered by the family was immeasurable and could not be compensated with money, the Punjab Government will provide Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia compensation, along with a government job to a next of kin of the deceased to help the family to alleviate some of their sufferings.
A number of people, who poured in from different parts of the district gave a tearful adieu to the Martyred Sepoy Gurtej. Slogans like “Shaheed Gurtej Singh Amar Rahe” “Inquilab Zindabad” reverberated the air as Gurtej’s coffin, draped in tricolour was taken to the cremation ground in the presence of army officials, who paid floral tributes to him.Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mansa Mohinder Pal paid floral tributes to the martyr on the behalf of Governor of Punjab VP Singh Badnore. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mansa Dr Narinder Bhargav laid a wreath on the behalf of Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta led Punjab Police.MLA Budhlada Budh Ram and MLA Mansa Najjar Singh Mansahia also paid homage to the martyr by laying a wreath. Army officials also paid floral tributes to the Martyr.Congress leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi also send a written a message to extend condolences to the family of the martyr. Meanwhile, Gurtej, who had joined the Army in 2018 was the youngest among his three brothers and had completed his 12th class in the non-medical stream.On the occasion, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Budhlada Sagar Setia, Congress leaders including Ajit Inder Singh Moffar, Ranjit Kaur Bhatti, Manju Bansal, Kulwant Rai Singla and Vice Chairman Safai Karamchari Commission Punjab Ram Singh Sardulgarh among other prominent persons were present.