Jaipur: Lokendra Singh’s martyrdom takes toll to 18 this year
The feeling of respect for his martyrdom has significant traces of anguish over increasing number of terror incidents that has made the state lose four of its braveheart over the last week.
In an encounter with naxals at Kanker Chattisgarh on Sunday morning, Lokendra Singh of Rajasthan was martyred along with another platoon member. A resident of Sikar district, Lokendra was a constable at the 114 battalion of BSF deployed at Chattisgarh, his platoon was returning from patrol when it was attacked by naxals. Married an year and half ago Lokendra is survived by a six-month-old.
The feeling of respect for his martyrdom has significant traces of anguish over increasing number of terror incidents that has made the state lose four of its braveheart over the last week. Three jawans from state were on duty of Central Police Reserve Force (CRPF) who laid their life fighting terrorism at Jammu and Kashmir. Lokendra is the 18th son of the state to return home draped in the national flag this year. Among those from Rajasthan martyred in 2018, three were killed in Naxal attack (two at Chattisgarh and one in Arunachal Pradesh) while 11 sacrificed themselves in encounter with terrorists and cross-border firing at J&K. While four others lost their life after being trapped in snow during patrol duties. These included men from armed forces, CRPF and BSF. These martyrs have come from almost every district of the state.
Two districts of Churu and Alwar have lost four sons, while Bikaner and Jhunjhunu have lost two each this year. The districts of Nagaur, Jaipur, Tonk, Bharatpur and Ajmer too have contributed for the nation.
Rajasthan can be said to have given more soldiers than any other state. This year, the deaths of jawans have seen a steep rise. According to reports, the state lost 68 men to nation’s service in five years before 2018; most of these have laid life fighting terror at J&K. The total number of martyrs from state is estimated to be above 1,550 since Independence.
Mukut Bihari MeenaArmy commando Mukut Bihari Meena of Jhalawar district was killed in Kupwada region of J&K during an encounter on July 11. He was posted with 3 Para Special Force of the Army.
Mishri Lal MeenaCRPF’s section commander ASI Mishri Lal Meena was a native of Rajmahal village in Tonk district. killed in a militant attack in Anantnag district of Jammu Kashmir on July 13.
Jitendra SinghAssistant Commandant Jitendra Singh was martyred in Jammu on June 12. He was a native of Bharatpur. He had only recently completed his doctorate on Role of BSF in internal security.
Sandeep YadavConstable Sandeep Yadav was a native of Thanagazi in Alwar district. killed in a militant attack in Anantnag district of Jammu Kashmir on July 13. Thousands of people bid him teary farewell.
Ramniwas YadavAssistant Sub Inspector Ramniwas Yadav braved Pakistan’s shelling during ceasefire on June 12. His injuries proved to be fatal. Born in 1966, he joined BSF in 1988. He hailed from Sikar.
Lokendra SinghIn an encounter with naxals at Kanker Chattisgarh on July 15, resident of Sikar Lokendra Singh got martyred. He was constable at 114 battalion of BSF deployed at Chattisgarh.
Hansraj GurjarConstable Hansraj Gurjar, a native of Bansur in Alwar district. He was posted with delta company of the 62nd Battalion of BSF which was guarding borders when cross-border firing claimed his life.