Soldier succumbs at high altitude in Leh, got married just months ago

A young Army soldier from Punjab’s Rupnagar district, Naik Sarabjit Singh, died while posted in the high-altitude region of Leh in Ladakh after his health reportedly deteriorated due to oxygen deficiency, officials and family members said. The soldier’s mortal remains were brought to his native village, where he was laid to rest with full military honours.

Sarabjit Singh, aged 31, was serving in the Punjab Armed Regiment and was deployed in an extremely challenging terrain where low oxygen levels are common. According to official inputs, his condition worsened suddenly on June 16, following which he passed away during duty in the mountainous region.

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The tragic incident has left his family in deep shock, especially as his personal life had only recently begun a new chapter. His father, Darshan Singh, said Sarabjit got married on January 25 this year and was preparing to come home on leave for the first time after his wedding. He added that the bridal bangles of his daughter-in-law had barely faded when the family was struck by the news of his death.

Family members recalled that Sarabjit had last visited home during his wedding and had remained in regular contact with them since his posting. His mother said she had spoken to him just two days before his death, when he assured her that he was doing fine.

In one of his final conversations, Sarabjit had spoken to his wife a day before the tragedy, mentioning that he was suffering from a headache and would take medicine before calling back. However, no further communication followed, and the family was soon informed about his demise.

Relatives said Sarabjit came from a family with a strong military background, as his grandfather had also served in the armed forces. His sudden death has added to the grief of the household, which had been preparing to welcome him home after his first post-marriage leave.

The soldier’s last rites were performed in his native village with full state and military honours, where family members, villagers, and Army personnel paid their final respects. The emotional farewell reflected the deep loss felt by the community, as a young soldier’s life was cut short while serving in one of the most difficult postings in the country.