Ludhiana, July 29
City residents who had cheered Ishmeet Singh as Voice of India today were in deep grief as the news of his tragic death in the Maldives, by drowning in the sea, reached here late evening. Ludhianvis literally wept at the untimely death of their hero.

Apart from friends, relatives and fans, scores of residents rushed to his house in Model Gram to offer condolences to the parents of the 19-year-old singing sensation. People in disbelief were glued to TV sets when the channels flashed the news.

His father Gurpinder Singh Sodhi and mother Amritpal Kaur were shocked. Huddled in an inner room of their house, they were inconsolable even as a stream of visitors offered their condolences.

His mother and elder sister required medical assistance as they fell unconscious. His father said Ishmeet did not know swimming.

All his young friends were crying in one corner or the other of the house. Visitors broke down when they tried to console them.

Ishmeet had enthralled city doctors just two days ago at a function in DMC hospital. His fans, young and aged, had flocked to seek his autograph. No one had thought that it was his last performance in the city. He had said he would soon return for many functions, but destiny had other plans.

Chandigarh, July 29
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has decided to keep all its educational institutions closed tomorrow as a mark of respect to Ishmeet Singh, who died in Maldives today.

Talking to The Tribune, DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna said the death of Pride of India in such tragic circumstances had come as a shock not only to the Punjabi community but had sent shock waves throughout the world.

Sarna demanded an inquiry into the drowning accident.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Voice of India Ishmeet Singh.

Badal said Ishmeet Singh would be long remembered as he did proud not only Punjab alone but also the entire nation.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and public relations minister Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned his death.