In the shadow of the majestic mountains of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded, snuffing out the lives of some of the nation's bravest sons. On the fateful day of September 13th, the fierce and relentless Colonel Manpreet Singh, along with Major Aashish Dhonchak, Deputy Superintendent Humayun Muzamil Bhat, and a gallant soldier, sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The grim news leaves the nation holding its breath, as another soldier remains missing, his fate hanging in a precarious balance.

Colonel Manpreet Singh, a warrior in his forties, showcased an unparalleled devotion to his nation. In 2021, the establishment recognized his tireless efforts and offered him a peace posting upon his promotion. A lesser man might have taken this as an opportunity to step back from the frontline, to enjoy a respite from the chaos and danger that had become synonymous with his duty. However, Manpreet displayed an iron will, rejecting the offer to continue serving as the commander of his battalion. This unit, respected nationwide, carries the honour of having played a pivotal role in neutralizing threats to national security, including the infamous terrorist Burhan Wani, who met his end on July 8th, 2016.

Colonel Singh’s commitment to his duty, to his soldiers, and to his country, was not just a role he played; it was the very essence of his being. His choice to stay at the helm of his battalion underscored a dedication that went far beyond his personal safety. He epitomized the spirit of the Indian army, a force built on the bedrock of courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering dedication to protecting the nation.

In a land where the threat of terrorism looms large, and the scars of violence run deep, Colonel Singh stood as a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience and fortitude that defines the Indian armed forces. Every step he took was a step towards a safer, more secure nation. And even in death, he inspires countless others, lighting the way for the generations of soldiers who will follow in his brave footsteps.

The bravery of Colonel Manpreet Singh wasn't confined to the battlefield. It also echoed in his resolute voice when he asserted, “No Sir, I would like to be posted in my 19 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) and be with my own men.” His insistence on being posted at the core of conflict zones wasn't just a personal choice but a firm commitment to safeguard "everyone under my command".

Colonel Singh was a figure larger than life, whose influence transcended beyond his military role. His enthusiasm for sports was well known in the region. A staunch supporter of youth development, he fervently encouraged the young generation to actively participate in sports. He orchestrated regular volleyball events and spearheaded women's "Chinar Cricket tournaments" at Larkipora, the nucleus of the battalion's operations. Through sports, he envisioned sculpting a society resilient in spirit and unified in purpose.

The community is reeling from the loss of a man who was not just an officer, but a beacon of hope, a mentor, and a guardian of dreams. Rubbiya Sayeed, a local woman cricketer, echoed the sentiments of many when she said, “He believed that sports played an important role in building a society." His commitment towards fostering a healthier society was evident in his efforts to rehabilitate individuals ensnared in the clutches of drug addiction. His death marks not just the loss of a gallant soldier, but a void in the hearts of the many lives he touched and inspired.

The wave of shock and grief that has swept the region is palpable. From the teary eyes of young cricketers to the somber faces of his fellow soldiers, the loss of Colonel Singh is deeply personal. His unyielding presence had been a beacon of inspiration, constantly urging them to sculpt a society that was comprehensive, inclusive, and fortified against the terrors that plagued the region.

The entire community comes together in mourning, reminiscing the man who had always stood by the youth, nurturing their dreams and fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood. A man who envisioned a society where the vibrancy of sports could be a pathway to a more prosperous and peaceful tomorrow.

Colonel Manpreet Singh, a seasoned combat veteran, represented the very epitome of courage and duty. A recipient of the prestigious Sena Medal, Colonel Singh served as the second-in-command of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles. His unit, entrusted with the herculean task of maintaining security in the volatile regions of South Anantnag, Kokernag, and Verinag Achabal, constantly grappled with the menace of terrorism, often fuelled by foreign insurgents.

Colonel Singh's bravery on the field was paralleled only by his devotion to his family. His wife, Jagmeet Kaur, who nurtures young minds as an economics lecturer at the Government Senior Secondary School in Madana, now must bear the weight of loss and soldier forward, fostering the dreams of their six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter. Before embarking on his last operation, the doting husband and father paused to respond to a routine call from her, indicating the commencement of another operation with the words, “I am heading into an operation now.”

Alongside Colonel Singh, the nation lost another gem, Major Aashish Dhonchak. At 34, he was a dynamo, bringing relentless energy and meticulous attention to detail in every operation he led. A mere month before the tragic day, Major Dhonchak had evaded the clutches of death when terrorists hurled a grenade during a cordon and search operation in the Kokernag neighborhood of Athlan Gadole, resulting in three injuries including a soldier. His zeal and commitment towards his duty made him a commander to look up to, a figure of bravery and resilience in the face of danger.

Together, they embodied the spirit of fearless commitment and sacrifice, ever-present in the officers who pledge to safeguard the nation at all costs. As the region and the nation grieve, they also remember the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of these heroes, whose stories are penned in the annals of time, serving as beacons of inspiration for generations to come.

The echoes of gunfire had barely faded when the sombre duty of returning heroes to their homes began. Major Dhonchak, a gallant officer known for his meticulous approach to operations, could not evade the clutches of fate this time. An acquaintance recounted, swallowed by disbelief and grief, “This time he ran out of luck.” His young family, a wife and a two-year-old daughter, now have to navigate a world without him. A solemn procession carried his mortal remains to his hometown of Binjhol in Panipat, Haryana, where a sea of mourning awaited.

Simultaneously, the town of Mohali, Punjab prepared to receive their hero, Colonel Manpreet Singh. A man of unparalleled courage and dedication, Colonel Singh had left an indelible mark not only in his battalion but in the hearts of countless citizens. As his remains reached his residence, a tide of sorrow and respect swept through the gathering, uniting them in grief and pride.

Meanwhile, the region bid a tearful goodbye to another brave son, DSP Humayun Muzamil Bhat. Aged 34, DSP Bhat inherited a legacy of service, being the son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, a retired Inspector General of the J&K Police. His colleagues and friends remembered him as a leader who “always led from the front.” A newlywed, with a marriage just a year old, DSP Bhat had just begun to relish the joys of fatherhood with the birth of his one-month-old daughter. A loving husband to his wife Fatima, he was laid to rest on 14 September, his life a testimony to courage and dedication.

As we stand at this juncture, where valor meets tragedy, the nation comes together to remember and honour these brave souls. Their stories, woven into the very fabric of the nation, remind us of the unyielding spirit that guards our borders, the flame of courage that never flickers, even in the face of the direst circumstances. Today, as tears wet the soil of their motherland, their tales of bravery ignite a beacon of inspiration, fostering a resilient and united nation, forever indebted to their sacrifice.