Naib Subedar Nafe Singh SM

Naib Subedar Nafe Singh, hailing from Jhajjar district in Haryana, was born on November 16, 1943. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve the nation, he joined the Indian Army on his 19th birthday, November 16, 1962. He was recruited into the 11 Jat Battalion of the esteemed Jat Regiment, renowned for its valour and illustrious battle history. Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Nb Sub Nafe Singh participated in numerous operations, proving himself as a courageous and dedicated soldier. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded several prestigious medals, including the Raksha Medal, Sainya Seva Medal with Clasp (B&A), Sangram Medal, Paschim Star, the 25th Independence Anniversary Medal, and the 20 Years Long Service Medal. These accolades are a testament to his commitment and contribution to the nation.

Nb Sub Nafe Singh was a devoted family man with three sons and one daughter. Inspired by his legacy, his sons chose to follow in his footsteps, continuing the family’s proud tradition of military service. Remarkably, two of his sons, Sub Ramesh Kumar and Sub Mukesh Kumar, were also recruited into 11 Jat, their father’s battalion. Sub Ramesh Kumar, the middle son, made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation during Operation Rakshak on October 9, 2010, in the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir. Sub Mukesh Kumar, the youngest son, upheld the family’s tradition of valour and was honoured with the Sena Medal for his extraordinary courage, determination, and gallantry in the line of duty. The eldest son, Randhir Singh, serves in the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi, further demonstrating the family’s unwavering commitment to serving the nation. By 1986, Nb Sub Nafe Singh had completed over 23 years of service and had grown into a battle-hardened and respected soldier. Having risen to the rank of Naib Subedar, he took on the responsibilities of a Junior Commissioned Officer, commanding and mentoring several soldiers under him.

Op Meghdoot: 13 Mar 1986

As part of the ongoing Operation Meghdoot, launched in April 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier, Naib Subedar Nafe Singh joined the troops stationed along the Saltoro Ridge. The operation stemmed from a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier, an area of strategic importance. After the UN-brokered ceasefire of 1949, the ceasefire line (CFL) in Jammu and Kashmir was established under the Karachi Agreement. The easternmost segment of the CFL, beyond a point known as NJ9842, was left undefined, with the agreement stating only that it would run “thence north to the glaciers.” For decades, the inhospitable and uninhabited nature of the region meant that neither side sought to militarize it. However, between 1964 and 1972, Pakistan began to extend the CFL beyond NJ9842 in its maps, projecting it west of the Karakoram Pass rather than northward, as the original agreement stated. This cartographic aggression gave rise to a territorial dispute, with Pakistan staking an illegal claim over the Siachen Glacier.

The situation escalated, prompting India to launch Operation Meghdoot on April 13, 1984, to preempt Pakistani advances and secure control of the glacier. In a historic operation, Indian troops, supported by helicopters, were air-dropped at key passes such as Bilafond La and Sia La, bringing approximately 3,300 square kilometers of territory under India's control. By 1986, Nb Sub Nafe Singh had joined the deployment on the Saltoro Ridge, enduring one of the most hostile environments on Earth. The soldiers faced sub-zero temperatures, relentless snowstorms, avalanches, and unprovoked firing from Pakistani forces. Patrolling in such conditions was fraught with immense challenges and constant danger.