A sombre atmosphere enveloped the village of Ratta Khera in Sirsa district as thousands gathered on Tuesday to bid a final, tearful farewell to Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Surjeet Singh. The 32-year-old soldier tragically lost his life in a road accident while on duty in Rajasthan, leaving his family, community, and the nation in mourning.
A Nation's Tribute to a Fallen Soldier
The last rites of Surjeet Singh were performed with full state honours, a testament to his service and sacrifice. A large contingent of BSF personnel, led by Commandant R.S. Kataria, was present to render a ceremonial salute to their departed colleague. The poignant sound of the bugle playing the last post echoed across the village, followed by a gun salute that honoured the braveheart's commitment to the nation.
Senior police and civil administration officials from Sirsa also joined the grieving family and villagers to pay their respects. The sheer number of attendees, which swelled into the thousands, underscored the deep impact of the young jawan's untimely demise and the high regard in which he was held.
The Tragic Incident in Rajasthan
Surjeet Singh's journey was cut short on Monday due to a fatal road accident. The soldier was serving with the 21st Battalion of the BSF and was stationed in Rajasthan's Srikaranpur area near the India-Pakistan border. While on active duty, the vehicle he was travelling in met with a serious accident, leading to his immediate death.
Following the accident, his body was initially taken to a hospital in Srikaranpur. It was then transported to his native village in Haryana, allowing his community and loved ones to pay their final respects. The BSF authorities and local administration worked in coordination to ensure his remains were brought home with dignity.
A Community United in Grief and Pride
The funeral procession in Ratta Khera village was a powerful display of both collective sorrow and pride. Villagers, friends, and family members walked alongside the flower-bedecked vehicle carrying Surjeet Singh's mortal remains. Chants of "Surjeet Singh Amar Rahe" (Long Live Surjeet Singh) and patriotic slogans filled the air, creating a moving tribute to the fallen hero.
Surjeet Singh is survived by his parents, wife, and young children. The family, while devastated, expressed pride in his service to the country. Leaders and representatives from various social and political organizations also visited the family to offer condolences and support during this difficult time. The state government has assured the family of all possible assistance and support following the tragic loss.
The death of Jawan Surjeet Singh is a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by personnel of the Border Security Force and other armed forces every day, even in circumstances not directly related to combat. His sacrifice while on active duty reinforces the unwavering commitment of these brave individuals to their nation.
