Moga jawan killed as Pak shells Rajouri posts

A pall of gloom descended on Jaspreet’s native village Talwandi Mallian in Moga. “We received a call from a senior army officer who told us about Jaspreet’s death,” said the slain jawan’s younger brother Kuldeep Singh.

A soldier was killed and another injured as Pakistan army pounded forward post along the line of control in Nowshera sector of Rajouri on Tuesday.

Jaspreet had last visited his home in December last year for marriage of his elder sister. (HT Photo)

Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said Pakistani troops started unprovoked firing on Indian posts around 1.45 pm hours. “The Indian side retaliated strongly. In the exchange of fire, sepoy Jaspreet Singh, 25, a resident of Moga in Punjab, was grievously injured and later succumbed to his injuries”, said the spokesperson.

A pall of gloom descended on Jaspreet’s native village Talwandi Mallian in Moga. “We received a call from a senior army officer who told us about Jaspreet’s death,” said the slain jawan’s younger brother Kuldeep Singh.

“He (Jaspreet) had recently completed three years in the Sikh Light Infantry regiment and was planning to come home on July 29,” he said.

“He told us that he will soon get a permanent posting in Jalandhar. We were so happy,” said Kuldeep. Jaspreet’s father Sarwan Singh, who is working as a mason, was in a deep shock.

Kuldeep said the body is expected to arrive in two to three days after which they will perform the last rites. Jaspreet had last visited his home in December last year for marriage of his elder sister.