Aparna Banerji
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, December 9
“My mother has been very emotional since the mishap happened. It has triggered memories of the ill-fated 1963 crash. It is a profound loss,” says Sandeep Singh, the Jalandhar-based grandson of Lt Gen Bikram Singh, one of the top Army generals who lost his life in a chopper crash at Poonch in November 1963.
Paramjit Kaur is the daughter-in-law of Lt Gen Bikram Singh who hailed from Siana village in Nawanshahr. Called the ‘Hero of Ladakh’, Lt Gen Bikram Singh was loved by the people of Kashmir.
The tragic accident which claimed the lives of the Chief of Defence Staff and other personnel has brought back memories of the ill-fated flight back in November 1963 for the families.
On November 22, 1963, six top defence officials travelling together on a reconnaissance mission lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Poonch. The incident even led to a change in protocol, inviting a ban on senior Army generals travelling together in future.
Sandeep Singh says, “As a family, we can feel the loss that the family of General Rawat may be feeling at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. The Army will eventually have to appoint new officials but there is no replacement for the families. A father, a brother, a son is gone forever.”
He added, “Back in 1963 also, there were inquiries into the incident and protocol change but all we have left now are legacy and memories.”
Kin of Poonch victims recall agony of 1963 copter crash
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