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Dead airman's mother takes MoD to court

The Delhi high court has issued notices to the Ministry of Defence, the chief of air staff and the state government on a petition seeking the status of a war hero for Flying Officer Amit Singh, who died on June 19 last year during the Kargil conflict.

Flying Officer Amit Singh was killed when his MIG 21 was hit by a bird. He could not eject from the fighter jet due to a mechanical failure.

B R Sharma, counsel for his mother Usha Rani, said MIG 21 jets were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) more than 30 years ago and appear to be unserviceable and obsolete.

She has complained that though her son was killed in active participation during Operation Rakshak, no compensation has yet been offered by the government to the family.

Standing counsel for the government said the status of a war hero could only be accorded to defence personnel killed by enemy action.

Justice Arjun Seekri has sought more replies by January 19.

UNI

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