People working in the security forces lead challenging lives. But their families also go through a lot. The constant fear of losing their loved ones keeps giving them sleepless nights.
A heartbreaking video of a 5-year-old daughter of an Indian CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) commando named Rakeshwar Singh Manhas has been doing rounds on the internet. In the short clip, Manhas’s family can be seen sobbing and praying for his well-being.
His little daughter Shragvi also appealed to the Maoists to release her father who was abducted by them during an encounter. “Please, release my father. Merey papa jaldi jaldi wapas aa jae,” a teary Shragvi said.
According to NDTV, Manhas was held hostage by Maoists in Chhattisgarh after they suddenly attacked the contingent of security personnel.
A report by Times Of India suggested that personnel from the contingent in Tarrem were attacked by around 400 Naxals near Jonaguda village in Chhattisgarh. In the four-hour-long gunbattle, 22 security forces personnel lost their lives while 30 sustained injuries. The attackers claimed that they have abducted Rakeshwar Singh Manhas after the encounter.
A picture of the abducted jawan has also been released by the Naxals:
A photo released by Naxals has been circulating in media, jawan in the photo is missing CoBRA jawan, appropriate action is being taken: CRPF sources pic.twitter.com/FycWLHnHqz
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2021
Soon after Manhas’s family came to know about the Naxal attack from news channels, they started inquiring about him.
“We came to know about the attack and that he went missing during action from news channels. Nobody from the government or the CRPF informed us about the incident,” Meenu, the commando’s wife reportedly said.
When she contacted the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) headquarters in Jammu she was told that there is nothing they can share with her. “Once we get a clear picture, we will come to you.” Meenu informed that Manhas joined the CRPF in 2011 and he has been serving the nation for the last 10 years. He was transferred to Chhattisgarh three months back from Assam.
If a jawan reports to his duty a day after his leave ends then action is taken against him. Now that a jawan is missing since April 3 no action has been taken by govt.We want govt to search for a mediator so that he is released: Meenu, wife of CRPF jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas pic.twitter.com/id11PHYkh7
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2021
Fighting her tears, the brave wife of the commando has been urging the government to bring him back safe and sound. “My husband served the country for the last 10 years and now it is the turn of the government to ensure that he returns to us hale and hearty,” she said.
In the video, one can clearly see how much pain the family is in. We pray for the swift and safe return of Manhas.