Our Correspondent

Mukerian, June 17

Vir Chakra awardee Captain Nirmal Singh, a 1971 war hero, died of a heart attack at his native Channaur village last night. He was 86. He was cremated with military honours today. No government representative or political leader was present.Nirmal Singh was awarded Vir Chakra for his indomitable courage in the 1971 war. He was recruited in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment (JAK Rifles) in 1957. After serving the country for 28 years, he retired in 1987.He had fought the 1962 India-China war as well as the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. In 1971, despite being severely injured, he fought with courage and hit the enemy. A contingent of the JAK Rifles reversed their firearms and fired in the air as a mark of respect to the departed soul. His pyre was lit by his son Rajinder Singh, a Sub-Inspector.