Lance Naik Madan Singh

During the Kargil War of 1999, Lance Naik Madan Singh served with the 17 Garhwal Rifles, which was deployed in the Batalik-Yaldor sector of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Vijay, the Indian Army’s mission to evict enemy intruders from Indian territory. The battalion operated under the 70 Infantry Brigade, a formation of the 3 Infantry Division. By early May 1999, Pakistani forces had infiltrated 4 to 8 kilometers across the Line of Control (LoC) in sectors such as Mushkoh, Dras, Kaksar, and Batalik, occupying fortified positions in rugged, high-altitude terrain. In the Batalik-Yaldor sector, these intrusions were first detected during the first week of May. Due to the enemy’s elevated and concealed positions, both Indian artillery and air support proved ineffective in dislodging them.After a detailed assessment of the terrain and enemy fortifications, Indian commanders devised a plan to carve out a corridor through Junk Lungpa, aiming to split the enemy intrusion zone and regain operational control. The mission was entrusted to 12 JAK LI, 10 Para (Special Forces), and a company of Ladakh Scouts. By 3 June 1999, the mission was successfully completed, opening a critical corridor to the LoC. However, enemy troops still held commanding positions along surrounding ridgelines to the west, east, and north.

With the capture of Point 5203 on 8 June 1999, Indian forces turned their focus to the dominant enemy-held positions on the western flank of the Jubar Ridge, namely Bump II, Bump III, Kala Pathar, and Mound. The responsibility for capturing these features was assigned to 17 Garhwal Rifles, under the leadership of Captain Jintu Gogoi. Each feature was to be attacked by a dedicated company, and prior reconnaissance confirmed enemy presence between Bump II and Bump III, where Para SF had earlier conducted limited operations. A firm base was established at a location called Flat Area in China Nala, approximately 4–5 kilometers from the objectives. From here, final preparations were made for the assault. On the evening of 29 June 1999, under fading light, assault columns led by Captain Gogoi began their ascent toward the enemy positions. The route to the objective involved a treacherous and steep climb of nearly one kilometer in high-altitude conditions.

Lance Naik Madan Singh was part of this brave assault team. As they reached the ridge, they were detected and soon encircled by enemy forces. In the intense firefight that followed, L/Nk Madan Singh displayed exceptional courage and tenacity, fighting valiantly in the face of overwhelming odds. He made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life in the line of duty. The battle was fierce and costly. Twelve brave soldiers of the 17 Garhwal Rifles attained martyrdom during this operation. Among them were Captain Jintu Gogoi, Naik Shiv Singh, Lance Naik Madan Singh, Lance Naik Devendra Prasad, Lance Naik Dinesh Datt, Rifleman Birendra Lal, Rifleman Amit Negi, Rifleman Vijay Singh, Rifleman JS Bhandari, Rifleman SC Sati, Rifleman Ranjeet Singh and Rifleman Bhagwan Singh. Despite the heavy losses, the battalion regrouped and launched renewed attacks in the days that followed. Their persistence led to the successful capture of the assigned objectives. This paved the way for further advances, including the seizure of another key feature in the Muntho Dhalo complex, culminating in the eventual capture of Point 5285—a major tactical victory achieved amidst extreme weather and relentless enemy fire. For its extraordinary bravery and performance during Operation Vijay, the 17 Garhwal Rifles was awarded the Battle Honour ‘Batalik’. Lance Naik Madan Singh, through his unflinching bravery and ultimate sacrifice, upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army.