PTC Web Desk:  A wave of grief has swept through Haryana's Yamunanagar district after 28-year-old Gurpreet Singh lost his life in a missile strike on an Indian vessel in Ukraine. Gurpreet was one of four Indian nationals who died in the attack amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The tragic news has left his family and the entire Panjeto village in mourning.

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According to family members, Gurpreet had joined the Merchant Navy around one and a half months ago and had gone abroad with hopes of earning a better livelihood for his family. His father said the family believed Gurpreet's new job would improve their financial condition, but the missile strike on July 20 cut his life short before those dreams could be realised.

Survived by wife, six-month-old child and parents

Gurpreet had been married for only one and a half years. He is survived by his wife, their six-month-old son  and his elderly parents. The loss has been especially devastating as Gurpreet was the only son of the family and its primary breadwinner.

His father had reportedly become disabled after an accident three years ago.

Village mourns the tragic loss

As news of his death reached Panjeto village, relatives and neighbours gathered at the family home to offer their condolences. Family members said Gurpreet had left home with dreams of building a better future, but will now return wrapped in the national flag. The incident has left the entire village in shock.

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The bereaved family has appealed to the Central Government to bring Gurpreet's mortal remains back to India at the earliest so that his last rites can be performed with full honours. They have also demanded financial compensation and a government job for one member of the family to help them cope with the loss.