During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Hav Teja Singh was serving with the 5th Battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry (5 Sikh LI), which was deployed in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir under 25 Infantry Division. Although a ceasefire came into effect on 23 September 1965, peace did not return to the region. Pakistani forces continued to occupy several tactically advantageous positions along the Line of Control, resorting to shelling Indian posts and interfering with troop and vehicle movement, making the situation as dangerous as during the war itself. One of the greatest threats was OP Hill, a strongly defended complex of heights situated south-west of the Mendhar–Balnoi road. The feature overlooked the surrounding area and provided Pakistani forces with direct observation over Indian defences, allowing them to bring accurate fire on positions such as the 2 Dogra base at Balnoi and Picket 636, while also disrupting movement along this vital road. The enemy had occupied the feature in August 1965 during the infiltration campaign and had since transformed it into a heavily fortified battalion-defended position protected by mines, barbed wire, and interconnected bunkers.
Repeated efforts through the United Nations Military Observer Group to secure the enemy's withdrawal proved unsuccessful. Recognising that the continued occupation of OP Hill posed an unacceptable operational threat, the General Officer Commanding, 25 Infantry Division, ordered its recapture. The task was entrusted to 120 Infantry Brigade under Brigadier BS Ahluwalia, which planned a carefully coordinated three-phase assault involving 2 Dogra, 5 Sikh Light Infantry, and 7 Sikh. Within this plan, 5 Sikh Light Infantry was assigned one of the most demanding tasks—to assault and capture White Rocks from the difficult southern approach, an axis the enemy considered least likely to be used for an attack. The operation required the battalion to climb steep rocky slopes under the cover of darkness while negotiating dense undergrowth, minefields, wire obstacles, and heavily fortified enemy positions.
On the night of 2/3 November 1965, under the leadership of Lt Col Sant Singh, 5 Sikh Light Infantry launched its assault. Hav Teja Singh, serving as part of one of the assault sections, advanced with his comrades into fierce close-quarter combat against well-entrenched Pakistani defenders. The battle quickly developed into an intense struggle, with the attackers facing heavy enemy fire while pressing forward over difficult terrain. Despite the formidable resistance, the battalion continued its determined advance, displaying the courage, discipline, and unwavering resolve that have long defined the Sikh Light Infantry. After two days of relentless fighting, the coordinated attacks by 2 Dogra, 5 Sikh Light Infantry, and 7 Sikh succeeded in capturing OP Hill, restoring Indian control over this strategically vital feature. The victory came at a heavy cost, but it ended the enemy's domination of the Mendhar–Balnoi road and removed a major threat to Indian positions in the sector. Besides Hav Teja Singh, three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and thirty-three Other Ranks (ORs) of 5 Sikh Light Infantry also laid down their lives during the course of the OP Hill operation.
The Battle of OP Hill became one of the most significant military engagements fought after the 1965 ceasefire, demonstrating that even after the guns had officially fallen silent, Indian soldiers continued to fight with extraordinary determination to secure every strategically important position. Through his steadfast service during this demanding operation, Hav Teja Singh upheld the finest traditions of the Sikh Light Infantry, contributing to a victory that remains a proud chapter in the regiment's history.
DALJIT KAUR
2026 at 9:44 amHis wife was Mrs. Amarjit Kaur died in 1989 at Patiala city. Two children- Hari Singh (son) lives in Sahnewal, Punjab. Daljit Kaur (Daughter) is married and currently in city Khanna. Ludhiana
DALJIT KAUR
2026 at 10:55 amI am the daughter of a brave soldier who laid down his life in the 1965 war. I grew up carrying not only the pain of losing my father, but also the pride of being his daughter.”