(Image source from: Central ministers absent at Pathankot martyrs funeral })

A total of 7 Bravehearts gave-up their life to protect the airbase at Pathankot. They laid their life for the sake of the country. Pathankot martyr Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan EK was cremated with full military honours at his native place Palakkad in Kerala on Tuesday. Garud Commando Corporal Gursewak Singh was cremated at his village Garnala near Ambala in Haryana on Monday. The only earning hand in the family and another martyr Mool Raj was cremated at his native place Jakh village in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

They died fighting the Pakistan backed terrorists at Pathankot Air Force Station in Punjab. It is a fact that all the martyrs got the customary full military honours at their cremation. But, where were the central ministers? The martyrs family and friends expected atleast one central minister to attend the funeral.

The military personnel represent the armed forces as well as the government of India. But it is a matter of courtesy that the Union Government should at least send a minister to funerals.

Local BJP ministers and leaders were present at these funerals. Leaders of other parties were also present. But the people were not satisfied without a central minister’s presence. This lacunae is to be cleared at the earliest. After all courtesy matters a lot.

By Premji