Excelsior Correspondent
ARNIA, Oct 13: Lance Naik Harvinder Saini, who lost his life in the line of duty due to medical complications in Ladakh on October 12, was cremated with full military honours in his village Kool Kalan in the Arnia area today.
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Wrapped in the tricolour, his body arrived in Jammu by air early in the morning and was later taken to his village from Satwari in an Army vehicle. Hundreds of youth lined the road leading to Kool Kalan, chanting slogans in praise of their local hero.
The body reached his home around 11:45 AM, where his family members and a large number of people were waiting to pay their last respects. They wept inconsolably, remembering Lance Naik Saini as a kind-hearted person who always helped others in need.
One villager said, “This is a very sad day for the family of Preetam Singh, who lost his 30-year-old son in the line of duty in Ladakh, as his another son also died recently due to electrocution.”
“Our entire village is in mourning and no one has eaten since we heard the news of his untimely demise. He was a noble soul who always stood by everyone,” said another villager.
Saini is survived by his wife and a seven-month-old baby.
The villagers said the entire Kool Kalan area feels proud yet deeply saddened by his sacrifice.
“Our youth are always ready to lay down their lives for the nation. But we strongly believe that the Government should review its policy regarding the recruitment of the youth into the Army,” a local said.
Later, around 1 PM, the fallen soldier was cremated at the village crematorium in the presence of Army personnel, police, civil officials, and hundreds of residents.
Earlier, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma and all ranks of Northern Command paid their respects to the braveheart.
“Northern Command stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” the command said on X.
The General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, along with all ranks, also saluted Lance Naik Saini and offered condolences to his family.
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