A brave Indian hero, Lt. Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt who was in a coma for 8 years, breathed his last on Sunday at the Military Hospital in Jalandhar Cantt. He was cremated today i.e. Tuesday in the Ram Bagh Crematorium with the full military honor which the colonel’s warriors spirit deserved. He had sustained his injury on the jaw while saving the life of his fellow soldier. He was shot in his jaw in a counter insurgency operation in 2015 after which he slipped into a coma for 8 years. This act of bravery has immortalized his legacy in the hearts of his fellow soldiers and countrymen. His family bid him farewell at the Ram Bagh crematorium with tearful eyes and with pride, courage and love in their hearts. His funeral pyre was lit by his daughter.
His selfless act of valour and bravery earned him a Sena Medal (Military Award). It is there to honor the military personnel for their exceptional acts of devotion to the call of duty. Shaurya Chakra winner retired Brigadier Hardeep Singh Sohi has paid tribute to him in a twitter post.
Lt. Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt was the Second-in-Command (2IC) of 160 Territorial Army (JAK Rifles). He was formerly posted in the 19th Battalion of the Brigade of the Guards. Karanveer Singh's father Jagtar Singh, resident of Batala, retired from service from Karnal post. Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh was born on 18 March 1976. He is survived by his wife Navpreet Kaur and daughters Ashmeet and Gunita. On November 22, 2015, Karanbir Singh along with his fellow soldiers were searching for terrorists 7 kilometers away from the Kupwara border. The terrorists sitting in ambush attacked the convoy. Though he managed to save his friend the bullet hit Karanveer Singh's jaw. Despite being shot he did not lose courage and gave a befitting reply to the enemy.
The days of this brave son of the country in the hospital, where he spent 8 years in a coma were a big struggle. Doctors were taking care of him in the military hospital. The bullet had completely destroyed his lower jaw. He was given soup and juice daily through an external pipe. There were prayers and Gurbani being recited in his room everyday along with the holy nectar. He breathed his last on Sunday i.e. December 23 and was cremated this Tuesday.
A warrior has the spirit of sacrifice in his heart and struggle in his mind. The story of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt's bravery in the Indian Army will always remain immortal. Who took the abuse of the enemy on his body to save his friend and colleague.