Memorial to be built for slain Commando Gursewak: CM Khattar

Ambala, Jan 5: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today met the family of Garud Commando Gursewak Singh who was killed in Pathankot terror attack, promising a job to one member and a memorial for the slain soldier at his native Garnala village in Ambala district.

Besides, an institute, road or park would be named after him so that his supreme sacrifice is remembered, Khattar told reporters at Garnala after paying tributes to the martyr.

He said that a family member of the martyr would also be provided government job according to the requirement or qualification.

The chief minister's eyes filled with tears as he consoled the martyr's father Sucha Singh, grandfather Charan Singh, mother Amreek Kaur, wife Jaspreet Kaur and elder brother Hardeep Singh.

Khattar said that Haryana and the entire country were proud of the supreme sacrifice by 25-year-old Gursewak. He said Gursewak came from a family which has a tradition of making contribution to the defence forces as his elder brother Hardeep Singh is in the Army while father Sucha Singh too is an ex-serviceman.

Gursewak had married in November last year. Replying to questions related to the Pathankot terror attack, Khattar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created an atmosphere at international level against the terror forces and sensing that now they could not become successful in their motives, the terrorists were committing such heinous act out of disappointment and frustration.

He said India was all for peace "but there are some elements who are against peace initiatives we make and they keep fomenting trouble".

When asked if India should stop having talks with Pakistan in the wake of Pathankot incident, Khattar said it was for the Centre to take a call on the matter.

At the same time, he said the Pathankot incident was a serious one and cannot be ignored. In reply to another question, he said that Gursewak had laid down his life while fighting the terrorists and the sacrifice made by him would not go in vain.

Not only Haryana but the entire country is with the family and the state government has decided to give financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the martyr's family.

Health Minister Anil Vij, who represents the Ambala Cantt and accompanied Khattar, said the martyr fought bravely and got the honour to lay down his life for the sake of his nation.

PTI