Samba/Jammu BuzzBytes, Nov 18:
A somber atmosphere enveloped the border village of Abtal Katalan in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, as hundreds gathered to console the family of Head Constable Joginder Kumar, who lost his life in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh. The heart-wrenching scene unfolded as the family awaited Kumar’s mortal remains, set to arrive later in the day.
Kumar’s Sacrifice:
Head Constable Joginder Kumar (45), a resident of Abtal Katalan village, succumbed to injuries in a blast in Gariaband district after the conclusion of Chhattisgarh’s assembly elections’ second phase. The attack occurred while a polling team, escorted by security personnel, was returning after conducting voting.
Family Legacy of Service:
Hailing from a family dedicated to national service, Kumar’s father and elder brother retired from the Army, while his two younger siblings are serving in the ITBP and CISF. The tragic news left the village in mourning, with villagers gathering to console Kumar’s mother and wife, who were inconsolable.
Father’s Pride, Plea for Support:
Despite the profound grief, Kumar’s father, Dileep Singh, a retired Army personnel, expressed both sadness and pride. He remarked, “I am sad about the passing away of my son but at the same time I am also proud that he laid down his life in the service of the nation.” Singh called for government support for Kumar’s nine-year-old son left behind.
Questions on Naxalism:
While expressing pride in Kumar’s sacrifice, his elder brother Jagdish Raj questioned the persistent issue of Naxalism. He emphasized the challenges faced by security personnel deputed on election duty without adequate knowledge of the terrain. Raj urged the government to find a permanent solution to the longstanding Naxal problem.
ITBP Pays Tributes:
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) paid homage to Head Constable Joginder Kumar, stating, “Director General of ITBP and all other ranks salute the braveheart who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.” The force expressed unwavering support for the bereaved family.
The village of Abtal Katalan stands united in grief, reflecting on the sacrifice made by one of its own in the service of the nation.
