Pathankot attack: Martyr Gursewak's body consigned to flames

The martyr's family members were inconsolable as Hardeep, the elder brother of 25-year-old Garud Commando, lit the funeral pyre

Amid slogans of 'Bharat mata ki jai', the mortal remains of Pathankot martyr Garud Commando Gursewak Singh were today consigned to flames at his native town in the district with full military honours.

The martyr's family members were inconsolable as Hardeep, the elder brother of 25-year-old Gursewak, lit the funeral pyre.

Rich tributes were paid to the martry who was also accorded a gun salute.

Earlier as the final journey of the martyr, who got married in November last year, began for the cremation ground, Gursewak's mother Amrik Kaur fainted several times while his widow Jaspreet Kaur was inconsolable.

The tales of the martyr's valour were being discussed among the villagers as the funeral pyre was lit.

"He will be remembered for his exemplary valour as he kept fighting even after being hit by a burst of gunfire at Pathankot Air Base," said Malkit Singh, a local resident.

In the morning, as the the body, wrapped in a tricolour reached his native village, a large number of people, besides Haryana Ministers Anil Vij and Abhimanyu were present.

Senior officers from the Air Force, besides personnel from the army, police and civil administration were also present.

Gursewak, whose icon was legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, had joined Indian Air Force about six years ago after completing his graduation and had got married on November 18.

Gursewak's father Sucha Singh also served in the Army, a tradition continued by the martyr, whose brother Hardeep, too, is in the defence forces.

In fact, the martyr's village is known to have made significant contribution to the defence forces by sending its youth to join the services.

The martry's father Sucha Singh, who is a farmer, had earlier stated that he was proud that his son had laid down his life for the country.

Sucha Singh said that he received information about Gursewak's martyrdom from his elder son, who is an officer in the Army.

"My boy had gone to serve the nation. I am proud of him. He has done his duty. We are sad too. Our elder son is also in the Army serving the nation. My younger son gave his life for the country. He was always good in studies and always wanted to join the Air Force," Sucha said.

Gursewak's cousin Harikrishan Singh said: "He did his engineering in Bengaluru... We have lost one warrior."

Gursewak, who was described as an intelligent and bright youth, by his father, had cleared the Air Force examination in the first attempt.

Haryana's Health Minister Vij said the whole nation will remember the sacrifice of son-of-the-soil.