Lance Naik Jangbir Singh VrC

Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was born on 07 November 1960 in Bina Malla village in Charnoli Garhwal District of Uttar Pradesh. Son of Shri Chandan Singh, Lance Naik Jangbir Singh joined the Army on 09 July 1980 at the age of 19 years. He was recruited into 4 Garhwal Rifles of the famed Garhwal Rifles Regiment, one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian army.

By 1989, Lance Naik Jangbir Singh had served in the Army for nearly nine years and had developed into a dedicated and professionally competent soldier. He had served in various operational areas and honed his field-craft skills to take on any eventuality in an operational environment. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh’s unit became a part of the IPKF during Op Pawan and played a key role in the operations.

Op Pawan: 22 Mar 1989

Pursuant to the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, Indian forces were inducted into Sri Lanka in August 1987 to disarm various militant groups that were disrupting peace in the land. The dreaded LTTE—known for its guerrilla warfare—refused to disarm and attacked the IPKF, forcing the IPKF to launch several combat operations to quell the militants. The IPKF launched the operation, code-named “Op Pawan” with a mandate to neutralize the operational capability of the LTTE in and around Jaffna. The aim was to render the rebel movement directionless in the face of the impending assault on the LTTE strongholds by the IPKF. Initially only 54 division of the Army was inducted but the escalation of the operations brought three more divisions 3, 4 and 57 into the conflict. By March 1989, Indian forces had undertaken numerous operations against LTTE but the war was far from over.  Lance Naik Jangbir Singh’s unit, 4 Garh Rif , was involved in Op Pawan and was tasked for one such operation on 22 Mar 1989.

Based on the information received from the intelligence sources about the location of a militant camp in Nayaroo lagoon area of Northern Vavuniya sector the  security forces decided to launch a search and destroy operation on 22 Mar 1989. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was performing the duties of Light Machine Gun Number 1 with Number 14 Platoon of Echo Company of 4 Garhwal Rifles, which was tasked with this mission. After reaching the suspected area the leading platoon of the company soon made contact with the militants and a fierce exchange of fire ensued thereafter resulting in casualties.

At this juncture the Number 14 Platoon was ordered to move towards the southern flank. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was ordered to move his detachment to a point 30 meters away and engage the militants so that the rest of the platoon can move back to a safe area. In the dash to the indicated point under heavy fire Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was separated from number 2 of his detachment  thus, reached there alone. Unmindful of the fact that he was alone, he immediately engaged the militants with sustained and accurate fire. Due to his fire, the platoon commander regained balance and redeployed his platoon some 30 meters behind the area where contact had been made. However, Lance Naik Jangbir Singh’s position came under heavy automatic fire injuring him seriously.

Though isolated and wounded badly Lance Naik Jangbir Singh continued firing at the militants. By the time the troops returned to rescue Lance Naik Jangbir Singh, he was hit by a barrage of bullets and was martyred. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh displayed outstanding courage and fighting spirit during the operation and laid down his life in carrying out the assigned task in the highest traditions of Indian Army. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his exceptional bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

The Citation of the Vir Chakra awarded to him reads:-

Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was performing the duties of Light Machine Gun Number 1 with Number 14 Platoon of Echo company 4 Garhwal Rifles. The company had been tasked to advance, contact and reduce a militant camp in the Nayaroo lagoon area of Northern Vavuniya sector (Sri Lanka). On the 22nd March, 1989 the leading platoon of the company contacted the militants. A fierce exchange of fire ensued resulting in casualties in the platoon. It was at this time that number 14 Platoon to which Lance Naik Jangbir Singh belonged, was tasked to move towards the southern flank. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was ordered to move his detachment to a point 30 meters away and engage the militants so that the rest of the platoon can move back to a safe area. In the dash to the indicated point under heavy fire Lance Naik Jangbir Singh was separated from number 2 of his detachment thus, reached there alone. Unmindful of the fact that he was alone, he immediately engaged the militants with sustained and accurate fire. Due to his fire, the platoon commander regained balance and redeployed his platoon some 30 meters behind the area where contact had been made. However, Lance Naik Jangbir Singh’s position came under heavy automatic fire and an RPF rocket burst above injuring him on the shoulders.

Though isolated and under great stress and pain, Lance Naik Jangbir Singh continued firing accurately. By the time the platoon Havildar returned to rescue Lance Naik Jangbir Singh, the latter was hit by a burst of militant fire and killed on the spot. Lance Naik Jangbir Singh displayed conspicuous courage and valour in action against the militants.

Lance Naik Jangbir Singh displayed conspicuous courage and valour in action against the militants.