Naik Darshan Singh MVC

OP Hill (Observation Post Hill) Operation(J&K): 02 November 1965

During the period following the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Naik Darshan Singh was serving with the 5th Battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry (5 Sikh LI), which was deployed in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir. Even after the ceasefire came into effect on 23 September 1965, the situation in the region remained tense, with continued skirmishes and artillery exchanges along the border. At that time, a major offensive was planned by the 25 Infantry Division to capture the strategically important OP Hill on the Chuni Nar feature, located south-west of the Mendhar–Balnoi road. Because of its commanding height, the feature enabled the enemy to direct observed fire on Indian positions and disrupt movement along the road, thereby creating serious operational difficulties. The task of capturing the objective was entrusted to a brigade group, in which 5 Sikh Light Infantry and 2 Dogra were assigned prominent roles, while 7 Sikh was designated for the follow-up phase of the operation. The attack was planned in phases. On 2 November 1965, 2 Dogra was tasked to capture Twin Pimples and Black Rocks from the north-east, while 5 Sikh Light Infantry was assigned to capture White Rocks from the south. In the second phase, 7 Sikh was to move forward and capture Jungle Hill and OP Hill. The terrain was extremely difficult, with steep rocky slopes, thick undergrowth, mines, wire obstacles, and well-fortified enemy bunkers, making the assault especially challenging.

On the night of 2/3 November 1965, 5 Sikh Light Infantry, under the command of Lt Col Sant Singh, launched its attack from the difficult and unexpected southern approach. The mission was entrusted to a company of the battalion, with Naik Darshan Singh leading one of the assault sections. As the attack began, he displayed remarkable leadership by personally leading his men forward toward the enemy’s fortified bunkers. The approach to the objective was extremely dangerous, as the area had been heavily mined and protected by wire obstacles and machine-gun positions. While advancing with his section, a tragic incident occurred when a hidden landmine exploded beneath him, blowing off his left leg. The explosion would have incapacitated most soldiers instantly, but Naik Darshan Singh demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. Despite the severe injury and the intense pain he must have endured, he refused to withdraw from the battlefield or abandon the mission. Instead, he continued urging his men forward, motivating them to maintain the momentum of the assault. Determined to complete the task, he attempted to cut through the enemy’s wire obstacles to enable his section to advance further. During this effort, another mine exploded, causing him even more grievous injuries. Even under these devastating circumstances, Naik Darshan Singh ignored his wounds and continued the attack with unwavering determination. Dragging himself forward across the ground, he managed to reach close to an enemy bunker and hurled a grenade into it. The grenade exploded inside the bunker, successfully neutralising the enemy position that had been obstructing the advance.

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

On the night of 2nd/3rd November 1965. Naik Darshan Singh was commanding the leading Section of a Company of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, which was ordered to clear A bunker where Pakistani forces, notwithstanding the ceasefire, had sited a Browning Machine Gun. His approach lay over a most difficult and steep terrain, which was extensively mined. wired and completely dominated by small arms fire. On being told by one of his men that they had encountered a minefield. He led his men in a charge on the enemy. His left leg was blown off by a mine. He not only refused to be evacuated but continued crawling forward and exhorting his men to carry on with the charge so that the rest of his platoon and the Company could assault them. On coming to the wire obstacles, he crawled forward and cut the wire. In this process, another mine exploded, wounding him severely. Unmindful of his wounds, he dragged himself forward to an enemy bunker and threw a grenade into it. Encouraged by his action, the few remaining men of his section charged another bunker and silenced the enemy Browning Machine Gun. By this time, his entire section had become casualties. But the men had paved the way for the success of their Company in the operations. Naik Darshan Sinch died shouting to the follow-up echelon to come by the route, which had been cleared of mines by the charge of his section.

He made the supreme sacrifice of his life for the success of his Company and displayed courage and devotion toty of the highest order in the finest traditions of the Indian Army.

A total of thirty-seven brave soldiers of the 5 Sikh Light Infantry laid down their lives during the OP Hill operation. These included three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and thirty-four Other Ranks (ORs). The names of these fallen heroes are given below: