Chandigarh, September 26
The terror attack on an Army unit in Jammu has shattered a family in Chandigarh, which lost its only son, Lt Col Bikramjeet Singh. The 37-year-old officer was the second-in-command of 16 Cavalry that came under militant attack today.

Bikramjeet is survived by wife Navneet, eight-year-old daughter Ramneet (both staying with him in Samba) and his parents, Maj Paramjit Singh and mother Luvpreet. They had last met their son about two months ago when Bikramjeet came to Chandigarh.

His mortal remains were flown to the Chandimandir military station this evening and the cremation, with full military honours, is scheduled to be held in Chandigarh tomorrow.

As relatives and well-wishers poured in to offer their condolences to the bereaved family, the local police cordoned off the Sector 18 residence of the family, allowing entry to only relatives and Army officers.

A large number of Army officers, friends and representatives of the local administration visited the family.

Navneet’s parents, who reside in Mohali, also reached the departed officer’s residence on coming to know about the tragedy. The Army moved the family to Chandimandir, where the officer’s mortal remains would be kept overnight. Brig RS Mann from Western Command Headquarters had been detailed to accompany the family and ensure all logistical support.

Major Paramjit had retired from his last posting at Ambala and the family is said to have moved to Chandigarh about 30 years ago, according to family friends.

Bikramjeet was commissioned into the Army about 14 years ago.