Martyr Jiwan laid to rest with military honours

In an emotional farewell, Army soldier Jiwan Singh, 28, from Rohan village in Sirsa, was laid to rest with full state honours on Friday evening following his martyrdom in a terrorist attack in Gulmarg on Thursday night. Serving in the Rajputana Rifles since 2016, Jiwan was known for his unwavering dedication to the nation.

His body arrived in the village on Friday evening, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects. In a moving gesture, Jiwan’s four-year-old daughter performed his last rites, leaving many in tears. His family, including his wife Komal and mother Golo Kaur, were inconsolable, while his father, Sukhdev Singh, expressed both pride and heartbreak over his son’s sacrifice. “I am proud that my son gave his life for our country,” he said, though visibly shattered.

Jiwan, the primary breadwinner of his family, leaves behind two young daughters, aged four and two. Coming from a modest background, his commitment to the Army was driven by a deep love for his country and a determination to support his family. Just before the attack, Jiwan had spoken to his father about the upcoming harvest — a memory Sukhdev now treasures.

Jiwan’s uncle, Dharam Singh, a retired Army head constable, received the news of his nephew’s death early Friday morning. Dharam expressed frustration over the ongoing threats soldiers face in Kashmir, urging the government to strengthen measures against terrorism.

Rohan village turned out in large numbers to honour Jiwan, a source of pride for his community. Among those who paid tributes to the martyr were former MLA Balkaur Singh and BJP leader Jagdish Chopra, who praised Jiwan’s courage and assured his family of their support. “Jiwan’s sacrifice is a loss, but it brings pride to the village and the nation. His bravery will be remembered forever,” they said.

As Jiwan’s body was laid to rest, his memory left an indelible mark on his community, inspiring those he left behind. His legacy as a soldier and a hero symbolises his deep love for his country and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect it.