Lance Naik Pritpal Singh

Lance Naik Pritpal Singh was born in 1996 in the serene village of Manupur, of Ludhiana district in Punjab. Growing up in a region renowned for its martial traditions and proud military history, he naturally imbibed the values of courage, discipline, and service to the nation from an early age. Inspired by the brave soldiers of Punjab and fueled by a strong desire to don the uniform, he resolved during his school days to join the Indian Army. With single-minded determination and focused preparation, L/Nk Pritpal Singh realized his dream in 2015, soon after completing his education. He was inducted into the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry regiment celebrated for its gallantry and rich legacy in wars as well as counter-insurgency operations. His initial years in the Army were marked by rigorous training and deployments in challenging field areas. These experiences sharpened his professional skills, strengthened his endurance, and instilled in him the confidence of a battle-ready soldier.

After a few years of service, life brought him personal happiness when he married Ms. Manpreet Kaur on 25 February 2025. Around this time, he was deputed to the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, a specialized counter-insurgency unit deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. Serving in the 19 RR meant operating in one of the most volatile and high-risk environments of the country, where soldiers are tasked with neutralizing terrorist threats and protecting local communities. By 2025, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh had completed nearly a decade of dedicated service in the Army. His career was distinguished by multiple postings in sensitive operational zones, where he consistently proved his mettle. 

Operation Akhal (J&K): 01-08 Aug 2025

In 2025, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh was serving with the 19 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), deployed in the Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir—a region that had long been a hotspot of militancy and counter-insurgency operations. Operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Kilo, the battalion functioned under the operational control of the XV Corps, also known as the ‘Chinar Corps’, headquartered in Srinagar. Tasked with overseeing military operations across Kashmir, XV Corps bore the immense responsibility of ensuring security and peace in a region marked by treacherous terrain and constant militant threats. For soldiers of 19 RR, life in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) meant unpredictable dangers—from ambushes and infiltration attempts to sudden firefights. Round-the-clock alertness was the norm, as every patrol, every search, and every operation carried the risk of life and death. It demanded not only courage but also an unyielding mental and physical resilience. Amid this backdrop, a major counteroffensive—Operation Akhal—was launched on 1 August 2025 in the Akhal Khulsan forest, following intelligence reports of three to five terrorists hiding in the rain-soaked, rugged mountains. The operation saw the combined efforts of the Army, CRPF, and J&K police, supported by drones, helicopters, and para commandos.

On 8th August 2025, credible intelligence revealed the presence of a group of heavily armed militants in the suspected area. The group was reportedly planning a large-scale strike that could cause significant destruction if left unchecked. Acting swiftly, the battalion, along with other elements of the joint force, devised a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) to neutralize the militants before they could execute their plan. Lance Naik Pritpal Singh was handpicked for the assault team tasked with carrying out this high-risk mission. In the early hours, the assault team moved stealthily to the suspected hideout in the Kulgam sector. Once the cordon was laid, the troops began a systematic search. But as the militants realized they were cornered, they unleashed indiscriminate gunfire and grenades at the advancing soldiers. The valley’s silence was shattered by the deafening roar of automatic weapons, grenade blasts, and shouted commands, as a fierce gun battle erupted.

At the frontline stood Lance Naik Pritpal Singh, who displayed remarkable steadiness under fire. With precision and courage, his team neutralized one militant early in the encounter. However, the situation intensified as the remaining terrorists retaliated desperately, attempting to break the cordon with heavy gunfire and grenade attacks. In the deadly exchange, a grenade detonated near his position, followed by a burst of gunfire. In that critical moment, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh was struck by a bullet to the head, sustaining a fatal injury. Despite immediate efforts by his comrades, he succumbed on the spot, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The encounter also claimed the life of another valiant soldier, Sepoy Harminder Singh, who fought shoulder to shoulder with his brothers-in-arms until his last breath. Together, their bravery ensured that the militants’ plans were foiled, preventing a major attack and saving countless innocent lives. At just 29 years of age, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh laid down his life for the nation. His courage under fire, his unwavering devotion to duty, and his supreme sacrifice embodied the highest traditions of the Indian Army. 

Lance Naik Pritpal Singh is survived by his father Shri Harbans Singh, wife Smt Manpreet Kaur, sister Ms Kuldeep Kaur, elder brother Shri Harpreet Singh and younger brother Shri Gurdeep Singh.