Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh SC

Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh hailed from Chandigarh, Punjab. He was born into a family with a strong military tradition, being the son of Army veteran Major Paramjit Singh and Smt Luvpreet Kaur. From an early age, he was deeply inclined towards joining the Armed Forces and aspired to serve the nation in uniform. Inspired by his father's military career and commitment to the country, he chose to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in the Indian Army. After completing his graduation from MLN College, Ambala, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination and joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for pre-commission training. He successfully completed his training and passed out from the academy in 1998. He was commissioned into 16 Cavalry of the Armoured Corps, one of the Indian Army's elite combat arms, known for its armoured fighting vehicles and its role in delivering decisive combat power on the battlefield.

Over the years, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh served in various operational areas and gained valuable professional experience in the demanding environment of military service. By 2013, he had completed approximately 14 years of service, during which he had undertaken a range of responsibilities and contributed to the operational commitments of his regiment. His career reflected his dedication to the profession of arms and the values of discipline, courage and duty associated with the Indian Army. Alongside his military career, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh also built a family life. After serving for a few years, he married Ms Navneet Kaur. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Ramneet, who became the centre of their family life. While his professional responsibilities required him to serve wherever the Army deployed him, his family remained an important source of strength and support throughout his military journey.

Conter-Terrorist Operation: 26 Sep 2013

In September 2013, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh’s unit was deployed in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that witnessed frequent security challenges. On the morning of 26 September 2016, the Officers’ Mess Complex of his unit came under attack by a group of heavily armed terrorists. At around 7:10 am, upon hearing gunfire near the Officers’ Mess Complex, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh immediately rushed to the site to assess the situation and respond to the threat. He spotted a terrorist hiding in a nullah (drainage channel), firing at the security personnel and attempting to advance towards the adjoining Officers’ Married Accommodation Complex, where the families of Army personnel resided. Displaying exceptional courage and presence of mind, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh moved from one position to another, issuing instructions and directing the response despite the grave danger posed by the armed terrorists. His prompt intervention disrupted the terrorists’ firing position and forced him to take cover inside a room, where he was eventually neutralised.

During the operation, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh’s decisive actions prevented the terrorists from advancing towards the Officers’ Married Accommodation Complex, thereby safeguarding the lives of the families residing there. While manoeuvring between positions to direct the operation and counter the terrorist threat, he exposed himself to enemy fire and sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen. Despite efforts to save him, he later succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh displayed exemplary courage, resolute leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout the counter-terrorist operation. His swift response and fearless actions helped avert a greater tragedy, protecting the lives of fellow soldiers and their families. Placing the safety of others above his own, he exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. The operation also claimed the lives of three other brave soldiers — Sowar Srinivas Meesala, Dafadar Indra Singh and Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy — who succumbed to their injuries. Their sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the courage and selflessness with which Indian Army personnel confront grave threats in the service of the nation. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, outstanding leadership and supreme sacrifice, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s peacetime gallantry awards. His fearless conduct, steadfast commitment to duty and selfless concern for the safety of others remain an enduring source of inspiration to his comrades and future generations of soldiers.

Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh is survived by his father, Shri Major Paramjit Singh (retd), mother, Smt Luvpreet Kaur, wife, Smt Navneet Kaur, daughter, Ms Ramneet, and sister, Smt Neetu.

• The YPS Chowk at Mohali in Chandigarh has been named after Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh in his honour.

The citation for “Shaurya  Chakra” awarded to him reads:

On 26 Sep 2013 at 0715 hours, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh, on hearing the sound of auto weapons near the Officers’ Mess complex, rushed to the site. He spotted a terrorist hiding in a nala, bringing down effective fire, and attempting to break out towards the adjacent family accommodation. Despite being unarmed, the officer, with utter disregard for personal safety, coordinated the close cordon in an attempt to trap the terrorist. In doing so, he suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the chest.

By his action, the officer prevented the terrorists from breaking out towards the Officers’ Married Accommodation complex and provided time for the tanks and the unit Quick Reaction Team to move into a tight cordon. His action prevented further loss of life, especially that of unarmed women and children. Lieutenant Colonel Bikram Jit Singh displayed courageous and bold leadership in the face of danger, and laid down his life.