Border Security Force (BSF) trooper injured in Pakistan sniper firing on Friday on the international border in Kathua district, succumbed to critical injuries in the hospital on Sunday.
Police said the BSF constable, Gurnam Singh, who was injured in Pakistan firing in Bobiya area of Hira Nagar sector, succumbed in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu city.
Following the sniper injury to their trooper, the BSF had launched an offensive in which, it claimed, seven Pakistan Rangers and a militant were killed on Friday.
Gurnam Singh belonged to Bhalesar village of RS Pura in Jammu district.
The BSF will recommend Gurnam Singh’s name, who was instrumental in repulsing a major infiltration bid along the border, for the highest gallantry award posthumously.
Asked if Gurnam's name would be recommended for the highest gallantry award, Additional Director General (ADG) BSF Western Command, Arun Kumar told reporters:
Absolutely the gallantry award would be a lesser possible award for him as he deserves much more... but we will be recommending for that.
Mandeep Singh and Gurjeet Kour, brother and sister of the deceased trooper have alleged that despite a critical head injury, their brother was not shifted for specialised treatment to a neurological facility outside the state.
We want a good hospital to be in place, where all essential facilities will be present.Kulbir Singh, Gurnam Singh’s father
Family members of the jawan urged the government to put in place a separate hospital for treatment of injured BSF soldiers, reported ANI.
Only demand from Modi government is a separate BSF hospital, we’re worried about all our sons, they should get good treatment.Jaswant Kaur, Gurnam Singh’s mother
The BSF had said it was prepared to provide all assistance to its trooper and his family, but would go by medical advice regarding the shifting of the injured trooper to a hospital outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh was given an emotional adieu by the BSF today during a wreath laying ceremony held at the BSF frontier headquarters in Jammu, in which several senior officers of the BSF and the local police paid homage.
Senior BJP leaders were also present on the occasion.
(With inputs from IANS and ANI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)