19 years later, Kargil martyr's son proudly joins father's battalion
What's the story
On June 12, 1999, Lance Naik Bachan Singh gave his life fighting against Pakistan at Tololing in Kargil. His death triggered a fire in his six-year-old son, who swore to continue Bachan's legacy. Exactly 19 years later, Hitesh has been commissioned as a lieutenant in the army. What's more, he'll be joining the 2nd Battalion of Rajputana Rifles, the same as his father.
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The heroic tale of Bachan Singh
On the occasion of Hitesh passing out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Rishipal Singh, who was in Bachan's battalion, recalled the fateful night. "When our battalion was attacked, Bachan was shot in the head and died on the battlefield. We lost 17 soldiers that day."
Family
Family faced struggles, but both sons determined to join army
Life for the family hasn't been easy since Bachan's death, admits his wife, who had to raise two sons alone, but she dedicated her life to the task. "For 19 years, I dreamt of joining the army. It became my mother's dream too. Now I want to serve my country with pride," Hitesh said. His younger brother, Hemant, also wants to join the army.
Others
Last year, another martyr's son died fighting terrorists in Kashmir
Families of other Kargil martyrs have similar tales to tell. In 1999, Havildar Lal Sahib of UP's Jaunpur lost his life on the battlefield, fighting Pakistan. His son was then seven. Eighteen years later, in February'17, his son, Gunner Astosh Kumar of 13 Rashtriya Rifles, laid down his own while combating armed terrorists in Hajin area of North Kashmir's Bandipora.
Martyrs
Over 500 Indian soldiers were martyred during the Kargil War
According to the government, about 530 soldiers were martyred during the three-week-long Kargil war under Operation Vijay. The Dras War Memorial was constructed at Tololing in their honor. Indians share pride in the sacrifice. "It's good to see a son, now grown up, walking the path of his father. The whole of Muzaffarnagar is proud of Hitesh," said SP Omveer Singh after Hitesh's achievement.
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Hitesh and his family also paid tribute
Hitesh and his family also paid tribute to their father on the occasion. After the passing out parade, they visited Bachan's memorial in the Civil Lines area of Muzaffarnagar. "There is nothing more I could ask for," said his tearful mother.