Naib Subedar Satnam Singh SM

During 2020, Nb Sub Satnam Singh’s unit 3 Med Regt was deployed in the Galwan sector of eastern Ladakh, an area that had emerged as the epicentre of rapidly escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). From April onwards, Indian forces began observing a steady and coordinated buildup of enemy troops, weapons, and supporting infrastructure in forward areas. By early May, the adversary made repeated attempts to obstruct India’s long-established and traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley, leading to a series of tense and prolonged face-offs between the two sides. Similar transgressions were also reported at other sensitive points such as Kongka La, Gogra, and the North Bank of Pangong Lake. Each of these provocations was met with firm and measured responses by Indian troops on the ground. Simultaneously, through sustained diplomatic and military-level engagements, India clearly and unequivocally conveyed that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo along the LAC was unacceptable. As tensions continued to rise, senior military commanders from India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed upon a process of mutual disengagement, based on reciprocal actions and adherence to previously established protocols. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from activities that could destabilise the prevailing situation. However, in a blatant violation of this understanding, the Chinese side instigated a violent confrontation on the night of 15 June 2020 in the Galwan Valley.

 

Given the gravity and sensitivity of the situation, Colonel Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Battalion deployed in the area, decided to personally lead the engagement to ensure compliance with the agreed disengagement. During the course of these discussions, an altercation broke out, rapidly escalating tempers and resulting in a scuffle. The situation soon degenerated into a brutal and violent clash, with Chinese soldiers launching a coordinated assault using deadly improvised weapons such as clubs and rods. The Indian soldiers were heavily outnumbered, while the opposing troops appeared to have come prepared for a violent encounter. As the clash intensified and spread across the rugged terrain, Naib Subedar Satnam Singh and other soldiers from 3 Medium Regiment rushed to reinforce the beleaguered Indian troops and joined the fierce hand-to-hand combat against the attacking forces. The confrontation continued for several hours under extremely harsh conditions, marked by darkness, steep cliffs, and freezing temperatures. During this prolonged and savage clash, many Indian soldiers sustained serious injuries. Naib Subedar Satnam Singh, along with Colonel Santosh Babu and 18 other brave soldiers, later succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom in the line of duty. The other gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice were: Nb Sub Nanduram Soren, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Hav Bipul Roy, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav K Palani, Naik Deepak Singh, Sep Ganesh Hansda, Sep Chandan Kumar, Sep Chandrakanta Pradhan, Sep Aman Kumar, Sep Kundan Kumar, Sep Rajesh Orang, Sep Ganesh Ram, Sep K.K. Ojha, Sep Jay Kishor Singh, Sep Gurtej Singh, Sep Ankush, and Sep Gurbinder Singh. Naib Subedar Satnam Singh was a valiant and resolute Junior Commissioned Officer who displayed exceptional courage, grit, and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds. For his outstanding bravery, steadfast leadership, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" on 26 January 2021, honouring his indomitable spirit and his ultimate service to the nation.