Lance Hav Piara Singh SC

Lance Hav Piara Singh hailed from Ludhiana district in Punjab. Born to Shri Moti Singh and Smt. Bishan Kaur, he grew up in a humble and disciplined environment that shaped his strong character from an early age. After completing his school education, he felt a deep calling to serve the nation and decided to join the Indian Army. He was enrolled into the 7 Sikh Light Infantry, a battalion of the renowned Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry force celebrated for its courage, sacrifice, and distinguished battle honours. Known for its steadfast traditions and formidable soldiers, the regiment provided him the platform to develop into a dedicated and valiant infantryman.

Manipur Operation: 25th Dec 1966

During 1966, Lance Hav Piara Singh’s unit, 7 Sikh Light Infantry, was deployed in Manipur, an area that was then witnessing a surge in insurgent activity. The region was deeply affected by anti-national elements who frequently targeted security forces, carrying out ambushes and sudden attacks. As a result, the troops of 7 Sikh LI were required to maintain a high degree of alertness round the clock, remaining prepared to move into action at very short notice. Amid this volatile situation, credible intelligence inputs were received about the presence of a hostile insurgent camp within the unit’s Area of Responsibility (AOR). Acting on this information, the battalion planned a counter-insurgency operation on 25 December 1966 with the objective of locating and neutralizing the hostile group. Lance Hav Piara Singh was part of the assault team selected for this critical mission. During the operation, Lance Hav Piara Singh was tasked with commanding the platoon assigned to attack and destroy the insurgent camp. As his platoon launched the assault and began closing in on the target, they suddenly came under intense LMG (Light Machine Gun) fire from well-entrenched hostiles.

Recognizing that his men were pinned down and the mission risked being compromised, Lance Hav Piara Singh made a swift and courageous decision. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he surged forward from his position and charged directly towards the source of enemy fire. As he advanced, he was struck by a burst of bullets on his chest. Despite his grievous injuries, his determination remained unshaken. Summoning extraordinary courage, he continued his advance, closed in on the LMG position, and fired from the hip, ultimately eliminating the hostile gunner and silencing the weapon that was endangering his troops. His gallant action enabled his platoon to regain momentum in the assault. However, the severe wounds he had sustained proved fatal. Lance Hav Piara Singh succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield, laying down his life in the line of duty. Lance Hav Piara Singh’s fearless leadership, unwavering devotion to duty, and exceptional fighting spirit became an enduring example for his comrades. In recognition of his outstanding bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

The citation of "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On 25^th December 1966, Lance Havaldar Piara Singh was commanding a Platoon which was responsible for attacking and destroying a hostile Camp in Manipur. While assaulting a feature of this camp the platoon came under heavy hostile LMG fire. Lance Havaldar Piara Singh moved forward from a flank and charged the hostile party. While doing so he received bullets in his chest. Undaunted he rushed the LMG and firing from the hip and killed the hostile who was manning it, but immediately thereafter he succumbed to his injuries.

In this action Lance Havaldar Piara Singh displayed courage and determination of a high order.