Major Mohinder Singh

Major Mohinder Singh hailed from New Delhi, where he completed his early education and grew up with a strong sense of duty and commitment towards the nation. Inspired by the ideals of service and patriotism, he decided to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. After completing his studies, he was commissioned into the 1 Horse (Skinner’s Horse) Regiment, one of the most distinguished regiments of the Armoured Corps. The 1st Horse (Skinner’s Horse) was one of the oldest and most prestigious cavalry regiments of the Indian Army, tracing its origins to the days of the East India Company. Over the years, it had seen action in the Hyderabad Police Action of 1948, the Indo-Pak War of 1965 at Dograi, and the 1971 War with its T-55 tanks, before being modernised with T-72s. Major Mohindra Singh was proud to be a part of this distinguished “One Horse Regiment,” a unit renowned for its rich heritage and gallant service to the nation.

As a young officer, he quickly earned the respect of his superiors and peers alike. His contributions within the Armoured Corps reflected not only his tactical acumen but also his dedication to the regiment’s values of honour and courage. Beyond his professional commitments, Maj Mohinder Singh also nurtured a fulfilling family life. He married Ms. Darshan, and together they built a strong and supportive household. The couple was blessed with two sons, Arun and Ashish, who grew up witnessing their father’s sense of responsibility, discipline, and devotion to duty.

After serving with distinction in his parent unit, Maj Mohinder Singh was later deputed to the 26 Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force under the operational control of the Indian Army. This phase of his career took him to Jammu & Kashmir, where he was deployed in counter-insurgency operations. The operational environment in J&K was highly volatile, requiring immense courage, patience, and leadership skills. In this challenging assignment, Maj Mohinder Singh once again proved his mettle. His ability to adapt from armoured warfare to counter-insurgency operations highlighted his versatility as a soldier and leader. With a calm temperament and resolute spirit, he guided his men through complex missions in hostile territory, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

Operation Rakshak (J&K): 06 Dec 1991

In 1991, Major Mohinder Singh was serving with the 26 Assam Rifles, which was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir as part of "Operation Rakshak".  At that time, the Line of Control (LoC) was extremely volatile, marked by frequent and unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistani side. The LoC was also a major route for infiltration attempts by militants, often carried out with direct support and cover fire from Pakistani security forces. Such infiltrations were sometimes assisted by the dreaded Border Action Teams (BAT), who combined regular soldiers with militants to launch surprise raids across the LoC.  Operating in this hostile environment required exceptional courage, alertness, and leadership. Units deployed in the region were constantly on guard, balancing routine duties with the unpredictability of sudden militant attacks.

On 06 December 1991, Major Mohinder Singh was entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safe passage of Army convoys along the volatile Srinagar–Leh highway, even though the assigned mission extended beyond his unit’s immediate area of responsibility. True to his nature of leading from the front, he took charge of the convoy security operation. As the convoy moved forward, it came under sudden and heavy gunfire when militants, concealed in a hideout along the route, launched a coordinated ambush from multiple vantage points. In the face of this intense and indiscriminate fire, Major Mohinder Singh displayed exceptional courage and remarkable presence of mind. Assessing the situation with speed and clarity, he rallied his troops, applied his tactical acumen, and organized a strong counter-response. 

A fierce gun battle ensued, with a relentless exchange of fire between the militants and Maj Mohinder Singh’s soldiers. Despite being outnumbered and facing enemies with superior positions, he continued to lead from the front, repulsing the attack with grit and courage. During the firefight, Maj Mohinder Singh was grievously wounded. Even as he sustained serious injuries, he remained steadfast, ensuring that his men held their ground. Ultimately, he succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Maj Mohinder Singh’s sacrifice exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army—duty beyond self, unflinching courage, and leadership under fire. 

Maj Mohinder Singh is survived by his wife, Smt. Darshan Vashisth and their two sons. His elder son, Maj Arun Vashisth, proudly carries forward his father’s legacy by serving in the very same unit in which Maj Mohinder Singh once served. His younger son, Surg Cdr Ashish Vashisth, serves in the Indian Navy, upholding the family’s proud tradition of dedicated service to the nation.