Hav Kumar Singh VrC

Havildar Kumar Singh, a native of Basairi Qazi village in Fatehpur Sikri tehsil, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, was born on January 6, 1968, to Shri Raghuveer Singh Sogarwal and Smt Daryayi Devi. After completing his formal education up to the eighth standard, he embarked on a distinguished military career. In 1978, he joined the renowned Jat Regiment of the Indian Army. After undergoing rigorous training, he was recruited as a Sepoy in the 17th Jat Battalion. Throughout his service, he consistently demonstrated commendable dedication and commitment, leading to his well-deserved promotion to the rank of Havildar by 1999. He served with distinction in various operational locations and challenging conditions. Hav Kumar Singh was married to Ms. Balveer Devi, and together they were blessed with two sons and two daughters.

Battle of Point 4875 (Kargil War): 06-08 July 1999

During the Kargil War of 1999, Hav Kumar Singh’s 17 Jat Battalion was deployed along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. In early 1999, the Indian Army detected a large-scale infiltration by Pakistani military and paramilitary forces in the Kargil region. The army responded swiftly, mobilizing its forces to drive out the infiltrators from Indian territory. Hav Kumar Singh’s battalion, under the command of Colonel U.S. Bawa, was inducted into the Mushkoh Valley on 22 May 1999. The battalion operated under the command of the 79 Mountain Brigade, with overall operational control by the 8 Mountain Division, led by Major General Mohinder Puri. By 30 June 1999, the Indian Army had successfully captured several key military features, including Point 5140 and Point 4700. The next strategic objective was Point 4875, which overlooked a 30-kilometer stretch of the National Highway from Mugalpur to Drass. Capturing this point was crucial to halt enemy operations in the Mushkoh Valley and expedite their retreat. The 79 Mountain Brigade, commanded by Brigadier R.K. Kakar, formulated an ambitious plan to seize Point 4875. This operation involved elements of 17 Jat, 13 JAK Rifles, 2 Naga, 12 Mahar, and 21 Para (Special Forces), with extensive artillery support. The feature known as Point 4875 comprised key areas such as Whale Back, Pimple I, Pimple II, Southern Slope, and Flat Top, with the northern side including Twin Bumps and Saddle.

According to the operational plan, the attack was set to commence on 4 July 1999. In the first phase, the 17 Jat Battalion aimed to capture Pimple I and Whale Back by the morning of 5 July. Simultaneously, the 13 JAK Rifles would capture the South Spur and approach Point 4875 from the south, while a team from 21 Para (SF) was tasked with establishing a block along Safaid Nala. Additionally, a company of 12 Mahar was assigned to secure a firm base at Point 4540 and Tekri to disrupt enemy movements between Twin Bumps and Point 4875. In the second phase, 17 Jat was tasked with capturing Pimple II by the morning of 7 July, and then exploiting the gains to advance towards the North Spur. Concurrently, 13 JAK Rifles aimed to secure Flat Top, while 2 Naga was to capture Twin Bumps and push northeast. Captain Anuj Nayyar, promoted to the rank of Captain on 23 June 1999, served as the platoon commander of Charlie Company under Major Padam Janghu, with Major Ritesh Sharma as the second-in-command. The assault began as planned on 4 July at 2100 hours, with 17 Jat and 13 JAK Rifles attacking the enemy positions after a preliminary bombardment by two batteries of Bofors artillery. By 0500 hours on 5 July, A and D Companies of 17 Jat, led by Major R.K. Singh and Major Deepak Rampal, successfully captured Whale Back and Pimple I, despite facing stiff resistance. At the same time, 13 JAK Rifles secured Flat Top, and by midday, Point 4875 was also under Indian control. However, the enemy continued to hold out in several fortified positions, necessitating the launch of Phase II of the operation.

On the night of 6 July, Charlie Company of 17 Jat, led by Major Ritesh Sharma, initiated the assault on Pimple II from the direction of Whale Back. During the initial phase of the attack, Major Sharma sustained severe splinter injuries and had to be evacuated. At this critical moment, Capt Anuj Nayyar, who had been promoted during the Kargil conflict, assumed command of the company. Hav Kumar Singh was serving as the Number Two 'Section Commander' of Charlie Company, at that time. During the assault on 6 July 1999, Charlie Company was assigned the challenging task of capturing Pimple II, a part of Point 4875. The attack commenced at 2200 hours, under the cover of darkness, but faced intense and relentless enemy fire. The rugged terrain, with steep inclines and rocky outcrops, made the advance extremely difficult. As the battle raged on, the Number One Section Commander led the initial charge, successfully clearing two enemy sangars (stone bunkers). Unfortunately, he was struck by shrapnel from an artillery shell and succumbed to his injuries. At this crucial juncture, when the attack's momentum could have faltered, Hav Kumar Singh took command with remarkable leadership and resolve.

Hav Kumar Singh quickly assessed the situation and ordered the Rocket Launcher detachment to engage the enemy sangar (bunker). He then led his section in a direct assault, personally throwing grenades into the sangar before charging in and neutralizing the enemy. His relentless advance did not stop there; he continued attacking a second sangar with the same fearless determination, clearing it with his section and eliminating three enemy soldiers. While reorganizing his section on the captured position, Hav Kumar Singh was struck by shrapnel in the head. Despite his injuries, he continued to lead his men until he could no longer carry on. Sadly, he soon succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty. The successful securing of the Pimple Complex area was a critical achievement that paved the way for the recapture of Tiger Hill, which ultimately forced the Pakistani forces to withdraw to their pre-conflict positions.

In addition to Hav Kumar Singh, this valiant operation saw the martyrdom of many other brave soldiers, including one officer, Captain Anuj Nayyar, and 27 other soldiers. The fallen heroes included Hav Bhagwan Singh, Sep Syodana Ram, Hav Hari Om, Hav Mahavir Singh, Nk Balwan Singh, Nk Krishan Lal, Nk Rishipal Singh, Nk Ram Swaroop Singh, L Nk Rajesh, L Nk Ramvir Singh, L Nk Vijay Singh, L Nk Rajbir, Sep Raj Singh, Sep Karan Singh, Sep Kalu Ram Jakhar, Sep Kanchi Singh, Sep Satyvir Singh, Sep Surender, Sep Anil Kumar, Sep Hawa Singh, Sep Jitendra Singh, Sep Naresh Kumar, Sep Shish Ram, and Sep Virander Kumar. Additionally, L Nk Rajendra Singh and Sep Dharamvir Singh were martyred on 8th July 1999, while Nk Shyam Bir Singh succumbed to his injuries on 9th July 1999.

Hav Kumar Singh was a gallant and determined soldier who made the supreme sacrifice at the young age of 31. His bravery and selfless dedication will forever be remembered as an example of unwavering courage and patriotism. Hav Kumar Singh is survived by his wife Smt Balveer Devi.

The citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Hav Kumar Singh was number Two- Section Commander of Charlie Company. On 06 July 1999, Charlie Company was tasked to capture Pimple 2 of point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley during Operation Vijay. The attack commenced at 2200 hours. Amidst heavy volume of enemy fire, the number One Section Commander was able to clear two enemy sangars before he got hit by an artillery shell splinter and succumbed to his injuries. Hav Kumar Singh took charge of the situation. He deployed the Rocket Launcher detachment and engaged the enemy sangar. Thereafter he personally lobbed grenades into the sangar and finally physically charged and cleared the sangar.

Hav Kumar Singh lobbed grenades inside a second sangar and cleared it also by charging it with his section. He thus cleared two enemy sangars and killed three enemy soldiers. However, while reorganizing his section on the objective, Hav Kumar Singh was hit by a splinter in the head and succumbed to his injuries. Hav Kumar Singh showed high gallantry in the face of the enemy beyond the call of duty with utter disregard to his personal safety and made the supreme sacrifice, which finally led to capture of the objective.