STATE TIMES NEWS JAMMU: Sham Lal Langar, Convener, BJP Trade and Industries Cell, J&K, said that the nation lost another brave son in the demise of Indian Air Force Group Captain Varun Singh who was fatally injured in the Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu that claimed the lives of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and others. In a statement issued here today, the senior BJP leader said “Shaurya Chakra-recipient Group Capt Varun Singh constantly served Mother India with pride, courage, professionalism and dedication. He spent each moment in the manner of a warrior and his qualities shall never be forgotten.” Langar said that Group Captain Varun Singh’s outstanding service to the nation will always be remembered his rich service to the nation. “Singh put up a valiant fight for his life and displayed indomitable courage. The nation is always grateful to him,” he added. While expressing sympathies with the bereaved families, Langar prayed to God for bestowing patience and courage to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss. Pertinent to mention here that Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat ji, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel were killed in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash near Coonoor. Group Captain Singh, a decorated officer, was on board the Russian-made chopper as the liaison officer for the visit of Gen Rawat ji, India’s senior-most military officer, to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. The Group Captain was admitted to a hospital in Wellington with severe burn injuries on Wednesday following the crash. Last Thursday, Group Captain Singh was shifted to the Command Hospital in Bengaluru from Wellington in Tamil Nadu. He was conferred the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft developed a major technical snag last year.
