Major Daljit Singh Narag MVC

Major Daljit Singh Narag was born on 20 May 1935 in Peshawar (now in Pakistan). Drawn to a life of service from a young age, he joined the Indian Army on 9 December 1956, at the age of 21. On the same day, he was commissioned into the Deccan Horse (9 Horse), one of the most distinguished armoured regiments of the Indian Army, marking the beginning of a career defined by professionalism and dedication. Over the years, Major Narag steadily rose through the ranks, earning the respect and confidence of his superiors and men alike. Known for his leadership qualities, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to duty, he proved himself both in training and operational assignments.

By November 1971, against the backdrop of escalating tensions on India’s eastern borders, Major Narag was serving with 45 Cavalry and was commanding ‘C’ Squadron in the Jessore sector. At that time, 45 Cavalry was based at Kanchrapara in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The regiment was equipped with PT-76 amphibious light tanks of Russian origin, which provided a unique capability for operations in riverine and marshy terrain—an important factor in the eastern theatre. These tanks were later replaced by the more powerful T-55 Main Battle Tanks, significantly enhancing the regiment’s combat potential. As the situation in East Pakistan deteriorated in the lead-up to the Indo–Pakistan War of 1971, 45 Cavalry was deployed in the eastern sector to counter the growing military threat.

Eastern Sector (Indo–Pak War): 21 Nov 1971

Even before the formal outbreak of the Indo-Pak War of 1971, frequent clashes were taking place along the India–Pakistan border, particularly on the Eastern Front. One such critical area was Garibpur village, situated at a crucial crossroads that controlled the highway from India to Jessore. Securing this junction was vital for future operations. In November 1971, Major Daljit Singh Narag was commanding ‘C’ Squadron of 45 Cavalry, equipped with PT-76 tanks, operating in the Jessore sector. On 20 November, his squadron was tasked to establish a roadblock in the Garibpur–Chaugacha area, in coordination with 14 Punjab Battalion, to contain Pakistani intrusion into Indian territory. The squadron firmed up in the general area of Garibpur in preparation for the operation.

On the morning of 21 November 1971, Pakistani forces launched a strong counter-offensive. An enemy brigade, supported by an independent armoured squadron equipped with M-24 Chaffee light tanks, attacked the Indian positions with numerical superiority. Despite the odds, Major Narag deployed his squadron with great tactical skill, sending his tanks forward to ambush the advancing enemy while the infantry held defensive positions. A fierce tank battle ensued at very close quarters, fought under poor visibility due to dense fog. Standing fearlessly on the turret of his tank, Major Narag personally directed the battle, skilfully manoeuvring his squadron under intense enemy fire. When one of his squadron’s tanks was hit, he immediately rushed forward—at grave personal risk—to help the crew evacuate, before returning to his own tank and continuing to lead the engagement. Inspired by his extraordinary courage and leadership, the troops fought with exceptional determination. In the course of the battle, ‘C’ Squadron destroyed 10 enemy tanks and later knocked out four more, while losing three tanks of their own. The Pakistani armoured thrust was decisively blunted, inflicting heavy casualties and halting the enemy advance.

While leading his men in the thick of battle, Major Daljit Singh Narag was fatally hit by enemy machine-gun fire and attained martyrdom atop his tank. His heroic leadership and supreme sacrifice played a decisive role in one of the most remarkable armoured engagements of the war. About the battle for Garibpur fought by Major Daljit Singh Narag’s squadron, it is said that “there are a few parallels in the history of armoured warfare where one armoured squadron was engaged & annihilated by an armoured force of equal strength at such little cost in terms of tank and personnel casualties.” Throughout this action, Major Daljit Singh Narag displayed outstanding leadership, indomitable courage, and unwavering devotion to duty. His bravery and supreme sacrifice are in the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

Major Daljit Singh Narag was given the nation’s second highest gallantry award, “Maha Vir Chakra” for raw courage, unfaltering leadership and supreme sacrifice. 

The citation for the Maha Vir Chakra awarded to him reads :

Major Daljit Singh Narag was commanding a squadron of Cavalry grouped with an infantry battalion. He was assigned the task of containing the Pakistani intrusion into the Indian territory on the Eastern Front. When attacked by two enemy battalions, supported by a squadron of Chaffee tanks, he skilfully and boldly manoeuvred his squadron under heavy enemy fire and engaged and destroyed the enemy tanks. With utter disregard for his personal safety and undeterred by heavy enemy fire, he directed the fire of his squadron standing on the turret of his tank. When one of the tanks of his squadron was hit, he immediately, at immense risk to himself, rushed to assist its crew in pulling out, returned to his own tank and continued to direct his squadron effectively. His courage and fearlessness so inspired his command that they successfully decimated the enemy squadron of Chaffee tanks and stemmed the enemy advance. Major Narag died atop his tank due to hits from machine gun fire while leading his squadron.

Throughout this action, Major Daljit Singh Narag displayed outstanding leadership and determination. His conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice are in the highest traditions of the Army.