Service No : 3389400A
Date of Birth : August 12, 1968
Place of birth : Moga Dist (Punjab)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Lance Naik
Unit : 20 Sikh
Arm/Regt : The Sikh Regiment
Operation : Op Rakshak
Martyrdom : August 2, 1999
Lance Naik Avtar Singh
Lance Naik Avtar Singh was born on 12 August 1968 in Dune ke village in Moga Tehsil of Moga district of Punjab, into a humble and deeply patriotic family. He was the son of Shri Manjit Singh and Smt Surjit Kaur, who instilled in him the core values of discipline, integrity, and service to the nation from an early age. Growing up in a modest rural setting, Avtar Singh was profoundly inspired by the heroic legacy of Indian soldiers. With an innate sense of national pride and a strong desire to serve the motherland, he developed a deep admiration for the Indian Army. This aspiration became the guiding force in his life, shaping his dreams and decisions throughout his formative years. Committed to his goal, he remained focused on his studies and physical fitness, determined to one day wear the olive-green uniform. His unwavering dedication and perseverance paid off when, on 18 August 1988, he was successfully inducted into the Indian Army.
Lance Naik Avtar Singh was inducted into the 20th Sikh Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, one of the oldest and most battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regiment has a long and illustrious history of valour, having participated in numerous wars and operations, earning a reputation for exceptional bravery and sacrifice. As a proud member of this prestigious unit, L/Nk Avtar Singh imbibed the regiment’s ethos of courage, honour, and selfless service, quickly establishing himself as a disciplined and devoted soldier. After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Kamalpreet Kaur, and the couple were blessed with two sons, Navdeep Singh and Harpandeep Singh.
Op Rakshak- Poonch Operation(J&K): 02 Aug 1999
In the aftermath of the Kargil conflict in 1999, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remained tense, particularly in insurgency-prone regions like the Poonch sector. To stabilize the region and counter the rising threat of militant activity, the Indian Army intensified its counterinsurgency operations. During this critical period, the 20 Sikh Battalion, to which Lance Naik Avtar Singh belonged, was deployed in the Poonch sector as part of "Operation Rakshak". Given the volatile security environment, the troops operated under constant threat and were required to maintain a high state of alert at all times. Their area of responsibility was notorious for militant infiltration and activities, necessitating strict vigilance and rapid operational readiness to neutralize emerging threats. On 02 August 1999, the security forces received credible intelligence regarding the presence of a group of hardcore militants hiding in the sector. After a thorough analysis of the information, a decision was made to launch a search and cordon operation to eliminate the threat.
Lance Naik Avtar Singh was a key member of the assault team assigned to carry out a high-risk counterinsurgency operation in Sanai village in Surankote Tehsil of Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir. Acting on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of heavily armed militants in the area, the team moved to the suspected location and launched a meticulously planned cordon and search operation. As the troops began combing the area, the militants, realizing they were about to be surrounded, opened heavy and indiscriminate fire in a desperate attempt to break the cordon and escape. A fierce and prolonged gunfight ensued, with both sides exchanging intense fire. Amidst the chaos of battle, Lance Naik Avtar Singh displayed exemplary courage and unflinching resolve. Braving the hail of bullets, he engaged the militants with remarkable precision and determination. In the face of overwhelming odds, he, along with his comrades, succeeded in neutralizing five enemy combatants, striking a significant blow to the hostile group and preventing a larger threat from materializing. Tragically, during the intense exchange of fire, Lance Naik Avtar Singh was grievously wounded. Despite immediate evacuation and the best efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 30.
Lance Naik Avtar Singh is survived by his father Shri Manjit Singh, mother Smt Surjit Kaur, wife Smt Kamalpreet Kaur, and two sons — Shri Navdeep Singh and Shri Harpandeep Singh.
Sumanpreet Kaur
2025 at 10:56 amThanks a lot