Homage to Major Akash Singh - 09/09/09

Major Akash Singh Samyal sacrificed his life while fighting infiltrators in Mendhar Tehsil of Poonch district in the wee hours on Wednesday (September 9). He was commissioned into 5 Maratha Light Infantry on September 04, 1999. Three infiltrators were killed in the encounter. Major Singh killed two militants before he fell to the bullets of militants and the army lost Major Akash Singh of 5 Maratha Light Infantry. "Army successfully thwarted the infiltration bid which took place at Sunegali," said Gurdeep Singh, Brigadier General Staff (BGS), 16 Corps, Nagrota.

Major Akash Singh had an illustrious record and has served in the insurgency hit areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. The army has launched a combing operation to search for more terrorists and infiltrators. Last week, too, five militants were gunned down by the army in the Gurez area. Infiltration has considerably increased from the other side of the LoC this year. In 2008, only 45 militants could successfully crossover in 2008, there have already been more than 70 illegal entries this year, according to some reports. Indian army had earlier pointed out that there has been an increase in the activity on the western border. Anti-India militant outfits have been trying to push in as much men, money and weapons on to the Indian side before snow blocks their passage.

An alumni of Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai, the 34 yr old officer attained martyrdom on September 9 after rendering his devoted 10 years of meritorious service in Indian Army. Hundreds of people joined the funeral procession along the one-and-a-half Kilometre stretch from Major's home to Shakti Nagar cremation ground where mortal remains of the officer were consigned to flames. In his distinguished career, the officer has served in the counter insurgency areas of J & K and North East.

"He was a true Leo, a brave soldier, jovial and an inspiration. He always inspired us to lead from the front. It was his motto," Singh's close friend and batch-mate Major Ganesh said as the body draped in tri-colour was brought for last rites. "It is great loss to armed forces. He was a brave soldier. He had managed to killed two infiltrating terrorists and was taking on other terrorists," Brig Nikhil Dixit of 16 Corps told reporters

Singh is survived by his wife Deepti Samyal, three-year-old daughter and two-year-old son.

Flags of Honour Foundation salutes and honours this brave Martyr.


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