Lance Naik Vijay Singh Kundu

Lance Naik Vijay Singh Kundu was born in the village of Sundarpura, in the Rohtak district of Haryana. After completing his education, he made a resolute decision to join the Indian Army, driven by his unwavering dream of wearing the military uniform and serving his nation. On the personal front, he married Ms Satvanti, with whom he built a life rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and deep understanding. Despite the challenges posed by his demanding military career, he remained a devoted husband and successfully balanced his personal and professional responsibilities, earning the admiration of his loved ones.

L/Nk Vijay Singh began his illustrious journey in the Indian Army by enlisting in the prestigious Jat Regiment, renowned for its bravery, discipline, and rich legacy of service to the nation. This marked the beginning of his transformation into a dedicated soldier, as he underwent rigorous training designed to test his physical strength, mental resilience, and endurance. Through his hard work and perseverance, he earned a place in the 17th Jat Battalion, a unit celebrated for its courage and tradition of excellence.

Battle of Point 4875 (Kargil War): 04-08 July 1999

During 1999, L/Nk Vijay Singh’s 17 Jat battalion was deployed in J & K along the LOC. In 1999, the Indian Army detected a massive infiltration by the Pakistani military and paramilitary forces in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. The army quickly mobilized its forces to drive out the Pakistani infiltrators from Indian territory. L/Nk Vijay Singh’s 17 Jat Battalion, under the command of Col US Bawa, was inducted into the Mushkoh Valley on 22 May 1999. The battalion was functioning under the command of 79 Mountain Brigade (79 Mtn Bde), with overall operational control being exercised by 8 Mtn Div (Mountain Division) under Maj Gen Mohinder Puri. By 30 June 1999, the Indian Army had captured many militarily significant features including Pt 5140 and Pt 4700. The next important feature that was needed to be captured was Pt 4875 which dominated the National Highway from Mugalpur to Drass a stretch of about 30 km. A feature called 'Rocky Knob' linked it with Tiger Hill. Its capture was important to seal the enemy operations in Mushkoh and hasten its withdrawal. A bold plan was made by 79 Mtn Bde under the command of Brig RK Kakar to capture Pt 4875 by utilizing the elements of 17 Jat, 13 JAK Rif, 2 Naga, 12 Mahar, and 21 Para(SF) along with the Artillery support. Pt 4875 feature comprised Whale Back, Pimple I, Pimple II, Southern Slope, and Flat Top; and the Northern side was named Twin Bumps and Saddle.

As per the operational plan, the attack was to be launched on 04 July, and in Phase-I 17 Jat was to capture Pimple I and Whale Back from the south by 05 July morning. In the same phase, 13 Jak Rif was to capture South Spur from the southeast and Pt 4875 from the south; a team of 21 Para(SF) was to establish a block along Safaid Nala; a company of 12 Mahar was to establish a firm base at Pt 4540 and Tekri to interdict enemy between Twin Bumps and Pt 4875. In Phase-II, 17 Jat was to capture Pimple II by 07 July morning and exploit up to North Spur; 13 JAK Rif was to capture Flat Top in the same time frame and 2 Naga was to capture Twin Bumps by 07 July morning and exploit towards the northeast. Capt Anuj Nayyar, who was promoted to the rank of Captian on 23 June 1999, was functioning as platoon commander of 'Charlie Company' under Major Padam Janghu with Major Ritesh Sharma as second-in-command. The assault was launched as planned on 04 July at 2100 hrs by 17 Jat and 13 JAK Rif after softening the enemy targets with two batteries of Bofors. By 0500 hrs, on 05 July, A and D Companies of 17 Jat under the command of Maj RK Singh and Maj Deepak Rampal respectively captured Whale Back and Pimple I despite stiff enemy resistance. However, during the operation, Naik Balwan Singh and Lance Naik Krishan Lal, two of Lance Naik Vijay Singh's comrades, were injured in enemy fire. Tragically, they succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Driven by an unshakable sense of duty and camaraderie, Lance Naik Vijay Singh made the courageous decision to retrieve the bodies of his fallen comrades, braving relentless enemy fire. While undertaking this heroic act, he was struck directly by enemy gunfire and sustained critical injuries. Despite his unwavering determination and selflessness, Lance Naik Vijay Singh succumbed to his injuries on 6 July 1999, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and attaining martyrdom.

In the same time frame, 13 JAK Rif captured Flat Top and by midday, the Pt 4875 was also captured. However, the enemy was still holding out at many places and Phase II of the attack was needed to be launched. The Charlie Company of 17 Jat led by Maj Ritesh Sharma launched the attack on Pimple II on 06 July night from the direction of Whale Back. During the initial phase of the assault, Capt Nayyar’s company commander Maj Ritesh Sharma got wounded after sustaining splinter injuries and was evacuated. Capt Nayyar who had been promoted to the Captain’s rank during the Kargil war itself, took over as the company commander. The Pakistani infiltrators had constructed several bunkers on Pt. 4875 and Capt Nayyar’s soldiers located 4 enemy bunkers which were attacking our troops with automatic machine guns. Capt Nayyar and his troops fought with admirable courage and eventually cleared all four enemy bunkers on Pt. 4875. The securing of the Pimple Complex area paved the way for the recapture of Tiger Hill which finally forced Pakistan to retreat its forces to pre-conflict positions. Besides L/Nk Vijay Singh, the other brave hearts martyred in this entire operation included one officer, Capt Anuj Nayyar, and 27 other soldiers. The other martyred soldiers included Hav Bhagwan Singh, Hav Kumar Singh, Hav Hari Om, Hav Mahavir Singh, Nk Krishan Lal, Nk Rishipal Singh, Nk Balwan Singh, Nk Ram Swaroop Singh, L Nk Rajesh, L Nk Ramvir Singh, L Nk Rajbir, Sep Raj Singh, Sep Karan Singh, Sep Kalu Ram Jakhar, Sep Kanchi Singh, Sep Syodana Ram, Sep Satyvir Singh, Sep Surender, Sep Anil Kumar, Sep Hawa Singh, Sep Jitendra Singh, Sep Naresh Kumar, Sep Shish Ram, Sep Virander Kumar. L Nk Rajendra Singh & Sep Dharamvir Singh were martyred on 8th Jul 1999, whereas Nk Shyam Bir Singh succumbed to his injuries on 9th Jul 1999. L/Nk Vijay Singh was a gallant and determined soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. L/Nk Vijay Singh was awarded "Mention-in-Despatches" (Posthumously) for his commendable courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

Lance Naik Vijay Singh Kundu is survived by his wife Smt Satvanti Devi.