Gunner I Nanda Chand Singha hailed from Awang Leikai village, situated in Lakhimpur Tehsil of Cachar district, Assam. Born on 27th February 1977, he was the beloved son of Shri I Ketamani Singh and Smt. I Benda Devi. Raised in a humble and disciplined environment, he grew up with strong values of dedication, kindness, and perseverance, which later became defining traits of his life and military service. From a young age, Gnr Nanda Chand Singha was known for his cheerful nature, energetic personality, and deep enthusiasm for life. He was an excellent sportsman and had a particular passion for football, a sport in which he actively participated and excelled. His love for sports reflected his physical fitness, team spirit, and determination. Those who knew him closely remembered him as a lively and dependable companion, always ready to encourage others both on and off the field. Beyond sports, Gunner Nanda Chand Singha had a special and unique zest for life. He was widely admired for his cheerful, jovial, and friendly personality. He possessed a natural ability to bring positivity to those around him and was known for being extremely helpful, approachable, and compassionate towards his fellow soldiers and friends. He had a deep love for music, enjoyed spending time outdoors, and preferred physical and adventurous activities that reflected his energetic spirit and enthusiasm for life.
After completing his initial education, he chose the path of service to the nation and joined the Indian Army on 24th February 1996 at the age of 19. Driven by patriotism and a desire to serve the country with honour, he was recruited into the 315 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, one of the key combat arms of the Indian Army known for providing vital firepower support during operations. Following the successful completion of his rigorous military training, Gunner Nanda Chand Singha began his career as a disciplined and committed artillery soldier. His training shaped him into a resilient and capable serviceman, prepared to face the challenges of military life with courage and professionalism. Soon after his training, he was posted to the troubled and militancy-affected region of Jammu & Kashmir, where the Indian Army was heavily engaged in counter-insurgency and operational duties. Serving in such a sensitive and volatile region required constant alertness, courage, and dedication, qualities that Gunner Nanda Chand Singha displayed throughout his service. In 1997, during the unit’s Counter-Insurgency tenure in the Srinagar Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, he was posted to Romeo Battery of the regiment. During this period, he earned the respect and admiration of his seniors and comrades alike through his dedication, discipline, and positive outlook. He was remembered not only as a brave and dependable soldier but also as a vibrant personality who brought warmth, humour, and camaraderie to military life.
Gunner I Nanda Chand Singha’s life reflected courage, patriotism, and an infectious enthusiasm for life. Whether as a sportsman, a friend, or a soldier, he embodied commitment, kindness, and service. His memory continues to inspire all those who knew him, standing as a testament to a life lived with honour, resilience, and devotion to the nation.
Kargil Operations: 14 May to 02 July 1999
Gunner I Nanda Chand’s unit, the 315 Field Regiment under the command of Col NA Subramanian was the first artillery unit to be deployed in Drass in the initial phase of the Kargil war on 14 May 1999. The very first day when the regiment arrived at the base camp in Drass, they were heavily fired upon. Even though they were unaware of the enemy’s position they fought bravely and retaliated the attack. During that period Gunner Nand Chand’s 315 field regiment, was responsible for supporting operations for 1 Naga, 8 Sikh, 17 Jat, and 16 Grenadiers regiments who finally went on to capture Tololing, Point 5140, Black Tooth, Tiger Hill, Point 4875 (Gun Hill), in the Drass – Mushkoh Valley from the intruders. The period between the 14th to 31st of May was the toughest one for the unit as they had to fire at one position and quickly move on to another location to avoid detection continuously. With the responsibility of infantry units on their shoulders, 315 Field Regiment often faced two choices at night —Either they could stop firing and wait till morning or they could keep firing to protect the infantry units. 315 Field Regiment chose the latter and provided a continuous shield to the infantry units.
As part of ongoing operations, 192 Mountain Brigade of 8 Mountain Division commanded by Brig MPS Bajwa was entrusted with the task of capturing "Tiger Hill" by 04 July. A fire plan by the Artillery units was formulated to degrade the enemy defences, before the assault by 18 Grenadiers and 8 Sikh. On the evening of July 2nd, 1999, 315 Fd Regt had the choice — to continue firing or to stop firing. The infantry units (18 Grenadiers and 8 Sikh) would’ve been in danger had they stopped. Gunner Singha’s 'Second-in-Command' Maj Dwivedi again chose the former, rushing out of his tent and motivating his boys to keep firing, to keep attacking the enemy. Gunner INC Singha who was manning one of the guns, kept pounding the enemy positions to cause maximum damage. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, Gunner I Nanda Chand got seriously injured by one of the enemy shells. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Besides Gunner I Nand Chand Singha, the other martyred brave hearts of 315 Fd Regt during the operation included his 'Second-in-Command' Major CB Dwivedi, Lance Hav Mallayya, Naik Sarvan Kumar, Naik Bishuni Rai, L/Nk P Gopaiah and Gnr Raj Kumar. Gunner INC Singha was a brave and dedicated soldier, who laid down his life at the age of 22 years in the line of his duty. Gnr I Nanda Chand Singha was awarded the "Sena Medal" posthumously for his commendable gallantry, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.
Gunner I Nand Chand Singha is survived by his father Shri I Ketamani Singh and mother Smt I Benda Devi.
Sunil Dutt Upadhyay
2026 at 10:14 pmSalute to my Unit Kargil WarHero Late Gunner I Nandachand Singha, Sena Medal Gallantry, of 315 Field Regiment (KARGIL), a proud Son of Mother India from Vill Lakhipur, Silchar, Assam
I reach out to write the bravery account of my Regimental Martyr Nanda,as we used to fondly call him. Nanda joined the Unit in 1996 at Ferozepur and I was then a young Captain in Quebec Battery. A great sportsman and we played plenty of Football together. In 1997 our Unit had moved to Srinagar Valley J&K for Counter Insurgency Tenure. Nanda was posted to Romeo Battery and I became the Unit Adjutant. He had a special and unique jest for life…cheerful, jovial, very helpful, loved music, preferred outdoor activities, full of initiative and a dare devil who was cut out for Offensive Operations. In May 1999 , our Unit mobilised to Drass for Kargil War. We were the First Artillery Unit deployed for active ops which planned and played a pivital role during the battles of Tololing, Tiger Hill and Pt 4875 (Gun Hill) .Our unit is a battled hardened outfit that proved its mettle not only during the 1999 Kargil War but also later in 2010- 12 Counter Insurgency Operations in North East India and 2012- 2014 UN Deployment at UNDOF, Golan Heights Israel. In all these three professionally challenging situations, the unit performed outstandingly well and was bestowed with three different UNIT CITATIONS. A very highly decorated unit of Indian Artillery. I had the honour to fight the 1999 Kargil War with my unit and later in 2010 , was fortunate to command it as its Tenth Commanding Officer during its CI Tenure in NE India, leading to its coveted nomination for UN Mission UNDOF in Isreal.
Late Gunner I Nandachand Singha,Sena Medal, is our National Hero and our Regimental Inspiration. As a Gunner with Foxtrot Troop of Romeo Battery he played a major role during the entire phase of war. The Battery was in Direct Support of 8 SIKH, with Major OP Mishra as its Battery Commander. Lance Havilder Mallaya was his Gun Detachment Commander. Post our victory at Tololing we were now set to capture Tiger Hill. The assualt was slated for 02 Jul 99…the day began with Preparatory Bombardment of enemy depth areas and later in the day the Infantry assualt started to capture the objective. It was at this juncture that the Gun Position came under heavy enemy barrage, but the blazing Guns of unit did not stop . I along with Late Major CB Dwivedi were at the Fire Direction Center controlling the Fire Assualt. The enemy Counter Bombardment was now getting intense and accurate.To led the Gunners at the Gun Position, Maj Dwivedi and Self rushed out. I could see Nanda at the Gun Layer’s Seat and his gun det in full action…..fearless of circumstances and totally committed to the Artillery Promise to our Infantry brothers that – OUR FIRE WILL NOT STOP DURING THE CRUCIAL ASSUALT STAGE. It was this juncture that an intense enemy Bombardment landed on the Foxtrot 3 Gun Detachment of our Romeo Battery. The entire Gun Det led by its “Number One” Havilder Mallaya, Nk Sarvan, Lance Naik Gopiah, Gunner Raj Kumar and Gunner INC Singha,SM attained martyrdom. During this enemy retaliatory fire, we also lost Major CB Dwivedi Sir with several others critically wounded.This is perhapes the only example in the History of Gunners Worldwide wherein an entire Gun Crew has breathed their last together on our Artillery Regimental Colours ,while delivering the penultimate fire assualt. My fallen brothers could not live to celebrate the Victory of Tiger Hill next day / Kargil War later….but we survivors were left behind to recount the saga of their ultimate guts and super human glory. Nanda…..you all inspire us. My deepest gratitude and respect to the esteemed parents of my football partner. You have left behind a rich legacy and the walls of Romeo Battery and corridors of 315 Field Regiment (KARGIL) are full of your saga. You all inspire we KARGIL GUNNERS everyday and in every adversity. We are so proud of you and the heritage you all have left behind for us to preserve & carry forward. Jai Hind and Jai Hind ki Sena.
Brig Sunil Dutt Upadhyay, VSM