Mohali, India – The nation mourns the loss of Colonel Manpreet Singh, a valiant officer of the Indian Army, who laid down his life while leading from the front during a gunfight with terrorists in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Colonel Singh, a second-generation army officer hailing from Mohali, Punjab, was a dedicated and fearless soldier who had already completed 17 years of distinguished service.
The tragic incident unfolded during a joint operation by the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the police in the dense forests of Garol in Anantnag. Colonel Manpreet Singh was in command of the battalion and had been at the forefront of the operation. Sadly, he sustained severe gunshot wounds during the encounter and succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a bereaved family, including his wife Jagmeet Grewal, an economics teacher employed with the Haryana Government, and their two young children, a daughter aged six and a son aged two.
A Pall of Gloom:
News of Colonel Manpreet Singh’s sacrifice cast a pall of gloom not only over his family but also across New Chandigarh and Panchkula. His roots were firmly planted in the village of Bharaunjian near New Chandigarh in Mohali district. While the family was presently residing in DLF Enclave in Mohali, Jagmeet Grewal often visited her parents in Sector 26, Panchkula.
A Dedicated Officer and Family Man:
Colonel Manpreet Singh was much more than a decorated army officer; he was a loving husband, a doting father, and a dedicated son. Known for his amiability and friendly demeanor, he endeared himself to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family described him as deeply committed to his profession and devoted to serving the nation.
Second Generation Soldier:
The late officer followed in the footsteps of his father, who had also served in the Army as a non-commissioned officer. Colonel Manpreet Singh was commissioned into the infantry’s Sikh Light Infantry and had dedicated nearly 17 years of his life to the service of his country.
Gallantry Award and Past Heroics:
In 2021, Colonel Manpreet Singh received the prestigious Sena Medal for Gallantry. He earned this honor after heroically engaging and neutralizing terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir who had initiated indiscriminate firing. Remarkably, Colonel Singh was associated with the same Rashtriya Rifles battalion that eliminated the notorious terrorist Burhan Wani in 2016.
The nation salutes the unwavering valor of Colonel Manpreet Singh, who led his troops with courage and dedication. His supreme sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and commitment of India’s armed forces in the face of adversity.
As the country pays its respects and offers condolences to his grieving family, his memory will forever live on as a symbol of unwavering dedication and courage in the service of the nation.
