Martyred at LoC, Village near International Border is proud of Naik Maninder Singh

On November 18, the Indian Army lost 4 of its bravehearts in an avalanche in the northern sector of the Siachen glacier which is at an altitude of 19,000 feet. A total of 8 personnel came under the avalanche and only two survived. Among the 6 persons who lost their lives was Naik Maninder Singh. Maninder joined Indian Army in year 2008 at the age of 18. A native of Fatehgarh Churiyan, Maninder has inherited this tradition of service of the motherland from his father Sukhdev Singh who set the tradition of giving prime sacrifice for the nation. His father also attained martyrdom in the line of duty. Maninder is survived by his wife, Akwinder Kaur and 5-year-old son, Ekam Jot Singh, who hardly knows anything about his father's death.

Read: Indian Army Lauds Subedar Gunasekaran After He Wins 3 Golds At Wuhan

'Our family has a tradition to serve in the army'

Posted at NSG Academy in Mumbai, Gurvinder Singh, brother of Maninder narrates the story of how they used to tease Maninder for his singing hobby that he should leave Army and should release his audio cassette.

"I had a word with him three months ago. He spoke to family on November 7 when he was going to upper reaches. He was happy, he said there won't be any calls, I will come in March. we kept counting days. Our family has a tradition to serve in the army, my father died on the line of duty. I am serving at NSG Academy Mumbai, it is proud for us," Gurvinder said.

Read: Indian Army Kicks Off ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ Exercise In Barmer

'He was very joyful'

In shock, Akwinder Kaur, the wife of the martyred braveheart is unable to speak much. What all she could remind about Maninder is, "I spoke to him on November 7, he said I am going and will be able to speak after March 15". Surjeet Singh, brother-in-law of Maninder said that he spoke to him when he came last time. He was very joyful and told me he will come next time and meet. Surjeet breaks down while narrating his last conversation with Maninder.

Read: Avalanche Hits Army Patrol Unit At Siachen; Rescue Efforts For Trapped Persons Underway

'He told us not to worry'

"We asked him to be careful as he was showing us the way to upper reaches on a video call. He told us not to worry as this is a daily affair for them at such places. He told us not to worry about him as he will be incommunicado for the next 4 months", Jagtar Singh, father-in-law narrates his last conversation with Maninder. Hundreds of people from Fatehgarh Churiyan have gathered at the native place of this braveheart; in gloom but yet proud of what this braveheart has done for Mother India.

Read: Siachen Avalanche: J&K School Children Pay Tribute To Martyred Soldiers And Civilians