Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Aurangzeb’s family in South Kashmir. Aurangzeb, a soldier with the Indian Army, was abducted and murdered in Pulwama on the 14th of June.
Speaking to the media, Ms. Sitharaman said, “I came to meet the martyr’s family. I have spent some time here. One message I can take back is that here’s a family, here’s a martyr, who stand (sic) out as an inspiration for the entire nation.”
Earlier this week Army Chief General Bipin Rawat along with senior army officials met Aurangzeb’s family. Aurangzeb was on his way home when he was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists. The jawan was traveling home to celebrate Eid with his family but never reached.
After Aurangzeb’s death, his father Mohammad Hanief emotionally said, “My son has laid down his life for the country. He was a brave soldier. I and my sons will also sacrifice (ourselves) for the nation…I give PM Modi 72 hours to avenge my son’s death or else we are ready to take revenge on our own. Kashmir is ours. We must not let Kashmir burn.”
Aurangzeb was one of the jawans involved in the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger. The Soldier was on his way back home when a group of armed terrorists kidnapped him at gunpoint.
Once the report of Aurangzeb’s abduction reached officials, the Jammu and Kashmir Police set out a search party to look for the missing jawan. Aurangzeb’s mother pleaded with the terrorists to release her son stating she wanted to spend Eid with her son.
Aurangzeb’s family contributed more than one member to the Indian Army. The jawan’s brother still serves in the Army while the father is a retired officer. Aurangzeb’s uncle also served in the Army and died fighting terrorists in 2004.
