Service No : MR-08609M
Date of Birth : May 14, 1972
Place of birth : Bishnupur(Manipur)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Major
Arm/Regt : Army Medical Corps
Awards : Ashok Chakra
Martyrdom : February 26, 2010
Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, hailed from Nambol village of Bishnupur district in Manipur. He was born on May 14, 1972, to Shri Laishram Markanda Singh and Smt Ibeyaima Devi. Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh embodied the ideals of dedication, service, and perseverance from a young age. His childhood in Manipur was marked by an unwavering curiosity and a passion for excellence, traits that carried him through his life. Maj Jyotin’s educational journey began at Manipur Public School, Imphal, where his discipline and commitment to learning were evident. After completing school, he pursued a medical degree from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, earning his MBBS in 1996. However, his love for sports remained a constant companion throughout his academic years.
Determined to merge his medical expertise with his passion for fitness, Maj Jyotin undertook a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Patiala. By 2001, he had become a well-rounded professional—a doctor with a deep understanding of sports medicine, an athlete, and a mentor to others. Driven by a desire to serve his nation, Maj Jyotin joined the Indian Army’s Medical Corps on February 15, 2003. His first posting was at the Military Hospital in Silchar, where he underwent rigorous military training. It was here that he began to exemplify the unique blend of compassion and resilience that would define his career. His next assignment took him to the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, where he served with the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) of the Border Roads Organization. Beyond providing care to GREF personnel, Maj Jyotin became a lifeline for civilians in the remote, challenging regions of Arunachal Pradesh, treating ailments and offering hope to those often forgotten by mainstream healthcare services.
In February 2006, Maj Jyotin was posted to the Military Hospital in Agartala. Despite the hospital being understaffed, he rose to the challenge, single-handedly managing its operations with grace and efficiency. His expertise in sports medicine made him a sought-after advisor, especially among soldiers eager to maintain peak physical fitness. Outside the hospital, Maj Jyotin’s evenings were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of sports. A skilled footballer and badminton player, he actively participated in inter-unit tournaments, fostering bonds of trust and friendship among his peers. His energy and enthusiasm soon made him a beloved figure in the garrison. Maj Jyotin’s reputation as a sports medicine expert earned him national and international recognition. In 2007, he was invited to the Fourth CISM Military World Games, hosted by the Indian Armed Forces in Hyderabad. There, he served as the medical officer in charge of the anti-doping unit, ensuring fair play and integrity in sports. The following year, he was invited to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, further cementing his role as a leader in his field. His work was not merely a job but a testament to his dedication to fostering excellence in sports and medicine.
Kabul Attack: 26 February 2010
In 2010, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, was deployed in Kabul as part of the Indian Medical Mission. Tasked with fostering goodwill and providing critical medical support in the conflict-stricken region, Major Singh was stationed at a guarded residential compound alongside six Army medical officers, four paramedics, and two other Army officers. Little did anyone foresee the fateful morning of February 26, 2010, when the compound would become the scene of one of the most devastating attacks on Indian personnel abroad. At 6:30 AM, the tranquility of the compound was shattered by a well-coordinated assault by heavily armed terrorists. The attack began with the detonation of a Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED), which obliterated the compound’s boundary wall and claimed the lives of three security guards instantly. The massive explosion caused extensive damage, allowing the attackers to breach the compound.
Armed with automatic rifles and grenades, the terrorists stormed the premises with ruthless intent, targeting every room to eliminate the occupants. Amid the chaos, bursts of gunfire and grenade explosions filled the air. Terrified survivors scrambled for cover, seeking refuge wherever they could. Five unarmed officers managed to barricade themselves in one of the rooms. However, their temporary sanctuary soon turned perilous as the terrorists launched grenades at the room. The ceiling caught fire, and the blaze quickly spread to the adjacent bathroom where the officers had sought safety. Trapped in the confined space with fire closing in, their desperate cries for help reached the ears of Major Laishram Jyotin Singh. Unarmed and fully aware of the danger, Major Singh displayed unmatched bravery. He located one of the attackers, a heavily armed terrorist equipped with a suicide vest, preparing to unleash further carnage. In an extraordinary act of valour, Major Singh charged at the terrorist bare-handed, tackling him to the ground. Despite the attacker’s advantage in weaponry, Major Singh fought with sheer determination. Grappling with the terrorist, he successfully pinned him down, preventing him from throwing more grenades or firing his weapon. Even with the imminent threat posed by the suicide vest, Major Singh refused to let go, determined to protect his comrades.
In the fierce struggle that followed, the suicide vest detonated, killing both the terrorist and Major Laishram Jyotin Singh instantly. Major Laishram Jyotin Singh’s extraordinary sacrifice, however, was not in vain. By confronting the attacker and neutralizing him, Major Singh provided a critical window of opportunity for his trapped colleagues to escape the burning room, ultimately saving their lives. Major Laishram Jyotin Singh’s unparalleled courage, selflessness, and resolute determination exemplify the highest ideals of the Indian Army. Besides Major Laishram Jyotin Singh one of his comrades Major Deepak Yadav also laid down his life in this operation. In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and indomitable spirit, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh was posthumously awarded the "Ashok Chakra", India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His legacy continues to inspire generations, embodying the true essence of valour and selflessness.
Major Laishram Jyotin Singh is survived by his father Shri Laishram Markando Singh and mother Smt Laishram Ongbi Ibeyaiha Devi.
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