In May 1965, Lieutenant Bihari Singh was serving with 4 Rajput, a battalion of the Rajput Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sudarshan Singh. The battalion was operating under the overall control of the 121 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier VK Ghai, and was deployed in the strategically sensitive Kargil sector following the heightened tensions. During this period, there was a marked escalation in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the sector. The Kargil region, lying between the Ladakh Range to the north-east and the Great Himalayan Range to the south-west, held immense operational significance, as it overlooked the vital Srinagar–Leh road—the main lifeline for Indian troops deployed in Ladakh. Pakistani forces had established well-entrenched positions on dominating heights, including Point 13620, which overlooked Indian defences and even threatened the Brigade Headquarters at Kargil.
On 16 May 1965, Pakistani troops launched a strong attack on an Indian post in the area. The attack was successfully repulsed. In order to neutralize the threat and push back the intruders, 4 Rajput was tasked to capture Point 13620, a heavily defended and tactically crucial feature. Lieutenant Bihari Singh, then a young and determined officer, was leading one of the platoons assigned to the assault. In the early hours of 17 May 1965, his platoon advanced over extremely difficult terrain comprising steep cliffs and rugged heights. At about 0200 hours, as the platoon approached the objective, it came under intense enemy fire, including mortars, light machine guns, and small arms. Displaying commendable courage and leadership, Lieutenant Bihari Singh pressed on undeterred. Leading from the front, he charged the enemy position, overran a hostile post that was attempting to stall the advance, and successfully captured the first peak of the objective despite heavy opposition. During the course of this fierce engagement, he sustained severe injuries. He was subsequently evacuated to a base hospital, where he battled for life with remarkable resilience. However, despite prolonged medical efforts, Lieutenant Bihari Singh succumbed to his injuries on 23 September 1965, making the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
राजेश्वर प्रताप सिंह
2025 at 4:44 pm23 सितम्बर 1965 को भारत पाक युद्ध में शहीद हुए कैप्टन बिहारी सिंह ग्राम रानीपुर,जिला – आजमगढ़( वर्तमान में जिला – मऊ) उत्तर प्रदेश के निवासी थे।बुजुर्गों के अनुसार बचपन से ही यह साहसी थे व खेलकूद में बढ़कर भाग लेते थे। प्रति वर्ष 17 अक्टूबर को इनके शहीदी दिवस पर जूनियर हाईस्कूल रानीपुर (मऊ)के प्रांगण में , जहां इनकी मूर्ति स्थापित है, देर रात तक कबड्डी प्रतियोगिता होती है और विशाल मेला लगता है।मुझे भी आज इनकी मूर्ति पर माल्यार्पण करने का सुअवसर प्राप्त हुआ।