Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 17

Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh (39) had joined duty merely two weeks ago after a month-long leave during the lockdown. The soldier was among those killed during a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

Resident of Seel village in the Ghanaur block of Patiala, Mandeep Singh was the only breadwinner in the family. His father had died several years ago. He is survived by his mother Shakuntala, wife Gurdeep Kaur, and two children, namely Mehakpreet Kaur (15) and Jobanpreet Singh (12). Villagers said he had been in the village for nearly a month before leaving for duty.

His cousin Manjeet Singh said Mandeep was liked by all. “He joined the Army in 1997. He used to visit home regularly and was affable.” One of his cousins, Nirmal Singh, had retired from the Army already.

The family was inconsolable after they received the news of his death. Administrative officials said his body was expected to reach Patiala in a day or two.