Gurdaspur attack martyr Baljit Singh's family refuses to cremate him, demands job

KAPURTHALA: The family of police officer Baljit Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Dinanagar, today refused to cremate him till the state government hands over appointment letters of SP rank to his son and post of tehsildar to his daughters.

Kulwant Kaur, wife of the slain SP (Detective), said the family had suffered a lot at the time of the death of her father-in-law, police inspector Achhar Singh, to get appointment for her husband and he had to wait for two years to get the job.

Baljit Singh was a son of a policeman, who too was killed by militants during the height of militancy in Punjab in 1984.

Kaur also charged that the state government did not provide sophisticated weapon to the police force for fighting militants.

SSP Ashish Chaudhary, when contacted, said he was not aware of any such demand and will inquire into it.

Deputy Commissioner Daljit Singh Mangat said the issue did not pertain to him.

Seven persons - four civilians and three policemen including Baljit, were killed by heavily-armed militants who stormed a police station in the district yesterday.

Yesterday, the Punjab government had announced that the next of kin of each member of the police force who lost their lives in the operation would be given government job.

In addition, the bereaved families would also be given financial assistance to the tune of Rs 10 lakh each.

Baljit had joined the force in 1985 as ASI following the death of his father. He served as SHO Phagwara and with Vigilance department in Mansa before taking up the post of Deputy Commandant in 7th IRB Battalion.

Baljit is survived by son, Maninder Singh (24), daughters Parminder Kaur (22) and Ravinder Kaur (20).