Villagers of deceased BSF soldier block NH-10, question compensation policy

Slain BSF head constable Rai Singh Indora, who died of Pakistan’s mortal shelling in Rajouri sector of Jammu was cremated with state honours at his native village in Kheri Sampla of Rohtak district on Tuesday morning. At his cremation, Haryana’s transport minister Krishan Lal Panwar announced Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia for the family besides a government job for kin.

However, the villagers and kin of the martyred soldier questioned the state government’s policies of announcing different compensation amounts for the martyrs. Rai Singh was the third jawan from Haryana who died from Pakistan’s extensive ceasefire violations after India carried out surgical strike across the line of control.

However, while the families of previously martyred soldiers Sushil Kumar and Mandeep Singh were given Rs 50 lakh compensation, Rai Singh’s got Rs 20 lakh. Angered over the government’s move, angry villagers blocked National Highway 10 at Sampla in Rohtak.

Rai Singh’s brother Ramesh Kumar, who retired from the BSF, said, “The BJP minister (Panwar) when visited home said he would make announcement during cremation. Here, he didn’t even speak to us and left announcing whatever he wished. Rai Singh has three little sons, who can’t work now. How will the family manage like this?” he asked.

When BJP minister Panwar was asked by media on why the family was not being given Rs 50 lakh, he said increasing the amount was under state cabinet’s decision. Earlier, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who attended the cremation, said the government must announce Rs 50 lakh compensation.

Talks between the protesters and local administration are underway.