Major BS Bajwa SM

Major Balwinder Singh Bajwa hailed from Gurdaspur district in Punjab and was born on 09 Dec 1962. Son of Shri Iqbal Singh Bajwa, (who retired as a Divisional Commandant of the Punjab Home Guards), he had a brother Parminder as his sibling. Maj BS Bajwa continued the family legacy of serving in the Armed Forces and became a third-generation officer, as his grandfather too served in the Army. He was inclined to join the armed forces right from his childhood and started preparations in that direction at an early stage. After doing his graduation from Government College, Gurdaspur, he joined the Indian Military Academy in January, 1985, and got commissioned as Second Lieutenant into the 313 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, the important combat support arm of Indian Army. Soon he proved his mettle at the world’s highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier, after joining the 8 JAK LI Leading Company as Operation Officer and captured the famous Bana Post by launching an effective assault.

He received praise and recognition in the early part of his service career and was awarded with the Northern Army Commander Commendation Card. Later, he played an important role while posted at Pinagala in Sikkim with the Artillery Brigade and later as Battery Commander with 210 Rocket Regiment.  After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Rajwinder Kaur and the couple had a son Karandeep Singh. Later, he was deputed to serve with 34 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations as part of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) V / Victor Force. 

Kulhama Operation(J&K) : 22 Jun 2000

During 2000, Maj BS Bajwa’s unit was deployed in Badgam district of J & K and was engaged in operations against the militants on a regular basis. Maj BS Bajwa was commanding a company in the Beerwah area in Budgam district as part of the Victor Force. On  22 Jun 2000, Kulhama village in Tangmarg Block in Baramulla district in the valley was attacked by heavily armed militants. The troops of 34 RR battalion immediately swung into action to neutralize the threat of the militants. A fierce fighting started between the militants and soldiers of 34 Rashtriya Rifles, led by ‘Rummy’ Bajwa, as the Major was known among his comrades. Major Bajwa tightened the cordon and deployed his troops tactically to block the escape routes of the militants. The terrain was difficult and the militants were using automatic weapons and firing from safe places.

In the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, Major Bajwa suffered serious injuries as the militants attacked with grenades. But he refused to be evacuated, and continued fighting, repulsing the attack. The determined counter attack by 34 RR under the leadership of , Major Bajwa, made the militants nervous and forced them to flee. But before they fled, one of the militants fired at Major Bajwa and he received a direct hit with the bullet piercing through his head. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Maj BS Bajwa was a gallant soldier and gritty officer, who led from the front and and laid down his life, thus setting a fine example of military leadership. Maj BS Bajwa was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his exemplary courage, unfaltering leadership and supreme sacrifice.

Maj BS Bajwa is survived by his wife Smt Rajwinder Kaur, son Karandeep Singh and brother Col Parminder Singh Bajwa. 

• A park in Gurdaspur in Punjab has been named after Major Balwinder Singh Bajwa in his honour.