Shaurya Chakra awardee MARCOS Commando Amit Singh Rana (32) died in a road accident on June 2 while on leave, prompting his sister Pankaj to write an emotional letter to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urging immediate road safety improvements.
Accident Details
Rana was driving on the Khundian-Lagdu road in Jwalamukhi, Kangra district, when his car plunged into a deep gorge. The road lacked crash barriers, and he was declared brought dead at the hospital. He was on 40 days' leave to visit his parents in his native village.
Pankaj (37) told The Tribune, "Having stopped on the way to meet a friend, he could not even reach his village to meet his parents. He was declared brought dead at the hospital after his car plunged into a deep gorge as the road had no crash barriers."
Heartfelt Appeal
In her letter to the Chief Minister, Pankaj wrote, "With folded hands, I request you to install proper crash barriers and warning signs, and ensure timely road repairs and regular safety inspections on the Khundian-Lagdu road in Kangra district, as well as on other hilly roads in Himachal Pradesh." She added, "I have just one humble request. No other family should ever have to endure the pain and suffering that our family is going through today."
Road Accident Statistics in Himachal
Last year, 806 persons lost their lives in 1,932 road accidents in Himachal Pradesh. This year, by May 31, the death toll had reached 189 in 897 accidents. Fatal accidents remain a grave concern on narrow hill roads in Chamba, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Shimla districts.
Family's Grief
Rana is survived by his wife, a three-and-a-half-year-old son, parents, and two sisters. Pankaj expressed that losing him in border service would have been heart-breaking but acceptable; losing him on a broken road is unbearable. She said, "We cannot bring Amit back, but if his story helps save even one life, another family may be saved from this lifelong pain."
The letter was also sent to the Chief Secretary and PWD authorities.
