Service No : SS-31106
Place of birth : Allahabad, UP
Service : Army
Last Rank : Second Lieutenant
Unit : 19 Kumaon
Arm/Regt : The Kumaon Regiment
Operation : Op Meghdoot
Martyrdom : May 29, 1984
2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir
2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir hailed from Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh and was the son of Shri Ratan Singh. From a young age, he nurtured a strong desire to serve the nation by joining the Armed Forces. After completing his college education, he remained determined to turn this aspiration into reality and took the first concrete step towards his dream by successfully clearing the highly competitive Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). Following his selection, he joined the prestigious Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, an institution renowned for transforming young aspirants into professionally competent military officers. At OTA, he underwent rigorous training that tested his physical endurance, mental resilience, discipline, and leadership abilities. He successfully completed his training and was commissioned into the Indian Army, marking the beginning of a promising military career.
2nd Lt Pundir was commissioned into the 19 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most decorated infantry regiments, with a distinguished history dating back to the 18th century and a proud legacy of valour and sacrifice. His commissioning came at a crucial phase in India’s military operations in the Siachen Glacier. His first operational posting was therefore to the Siachen Glacier, where 19 Kumaon was entrusted with the responsibility of patrolling, dominating, and securing the approaches in the Gyong La sector and adjoining areas. For 2nd Lt Pundir, this challenging assignment placed him and his battalion at the forefront of the vital task of consolidating India’s hard-won positions in Siachen—a responsibility he undertook with commitment and a deep sense of purpose.
Operation Meghdoot: 29 May 1984
During these continuing operations, 2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir was tasked with leading a 20-man patrol in the Gyong La Glacier area. The patrol was required to negotiate the difficult high-altitude terrain and occupy Point 5965, an important feature overlooking the approaches in the area. The mission was fraught with danger, as the troops had to traverse steep and unstable snow-covered slopes under severe weather conditions while remaining prepared for possible enemy activity. Despite his limited service experience, 2nd Lt Pundir accepted the responsibility with determination and a strong sense of duty. He led his men into the challenging terrain with professional commitment and quiet confidence. His ability to shoulder such a demanding operational responsibility at such an early stage of his career reflected the trust placed in him by his seniors and his own readiness to serve wherever the nation required him. The patrol to Point 5965 was therefore not merely a routine operational task. It was part of the larger effort by 19 Kumaon to strengthen and consolidate India's position in the strategically vital Siachen sector. In an environment where every movement carried inherent risks, 2nd Lt Pundir and his men undertook their mission with courage, discipline, and determination, contributing to the difficult task of securing India's hard-won positions in one of the world's most challenging battlefields.
On 29 May 1984, 2nd Lt. Pundir and his men set out on their mission. While moving along the planned route towards Shankar Top, the patrol encountered one of the greatest hazards of the Siachen battlefield—a massive avalanche. The accumulated snow on the steep slopes became unstable and suddenly gave way, releasing a huge mass of snow and ice that swept down the mountain. The avalanche struck the patrol without warning, giving the soldiers virtually no time to take evasive action. Within moments, 2nd Lt. Pundir and all 20 members of his patrol were buried beneath tons of snow and ice. Despite determined and sustained rescue efforts, none of the members of the patrol could be saved. Some bodies could never be recovered, a grim reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Siachen battlefield. 2nd Lt. Pradeep Singh Pundir’s body was eventually recovered 78 days after the tragedy. He and his comrades had made the supreme sacrifice while carrying out their assigned mission in one of the world's highest and most inhospitable battlefields. The other brave hearts of 19 Kumaon Battalion who laid down their lives during the same operation were Hav Moti Singh, Hav Bhagwat Singh, Hav Govind Ballabh, Nk Ram Singh, Nk Daya Kishan, L/Nk Chander Shekhar, L/Nk Chander Shekhar Singh, Sep Mohan Singh Bhandari, Sep Bhim Singh, Sep Hayat Singh, Sep Narendra Singh, Sep Bhupal Singh, Sep Jagdish Chandra, Sep Jagat Singh, Sep Ganga Singh, Sep Pushkar Singh, Sep Rajendra Singh, Sep Mahender Pal Singh, Sep Jagat Singh, and Sep Harphool Singh.
The tragedy was particularly poignant for 2nd Lt Pradeep, who was among the early casualties of his batch. Though his life and military career were cut short within months of his commissioning, 2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir displayed the courage, sense of duty and leadership expected of an officer of the Indian Army. He and the brave soldiers of his patrol remain a part of the history of the early years of Operation Meghdoot and the continuing struggle to secure the Siachen Glacier.
2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir is survived by his brother, Shri Neeraj Singh Pundir.
Lt Col Hardeep Singh
2026 at 11:53 pmMy course mate and close friend, 2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir hailed from Allahabad, and was commissioned from the Officers’ Training School, Madras, on 26 August 1982, into 19 KUMAON. He was among the young officers who answered the call of duty on the Siachen Glacier during its formative years. While leading a long-range patrol, his entire patrol of 19 personnel was engulfed by a massive avalanche. None survived.
More than four decades have passed, yet the memory of Pradeep and his comrades remains vivid. They belonged to a generation of soldiers who ventured into an unknown and unforgiving environment, where nature itself often proved to be the greatest challenge. I bow my head in respectful remembrance of my friend, his patrol, and every soldier who made the supreme sacrifice on the Siachen Glacier. Their courage and devotion to duty continue to inspire those who follow in their footsteps.
Lt Col Hardeep Singh
2026 at 11:56 pmThe date of incident was 29 May 1984.
Brig Sanjay Agarwal, SM**
2026 at 11:19 amHave asked for additional details from our records to be sent to you.
We were together there, on Siachen.
Deep respect. Salute.
JAIHIND
Lt Col M Ravishankar (Retd)
2026 at 9:53 amKoti Naman to 2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir and his 19 bravehearts of 19 Kumaon who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Pradeep, a dear coursemate, will be remembered by our entire course till the last man standing. May you stay blessed wherever you are dear. Thank you Honourpoint for bringing out this piece of article. An appeal to the Directors of Honourpoint – please share the number of the NOK of 2nd Lt Pradeep Singh Pundir. Thanks again. With all humility.
Hardeep Singh Ghuman
2026 at 10:27 pmThanks. I have been in touch with Pradeep’s younger brother Neeraj for a month now. Today I have sent the edited and improved version of the content above to the Honourpoint and a few photographs, should they desire to post those images here.
I am also in contact with the present CO of 19 KR.
Regards,
Hardeep