Naik Deepak Singh VrC

During 2020, Naik Deepak Singh’s unit was deployed in Eastern Ladakh at a time when the security situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was steadily deteriorating. From April onwards, India observed a gradual yet unmistakable buildup of Chinese troops, military equipment, and supporting infrastructure across the LAC in the eastern sector. By early May, Chinese forces began obstructing India’s long-established and traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley, triggering a series of tense face-offs between the two sides. Similar transgression attempts were also reported at Kongka La, Gogra, and along the North Bank of Pangong Lake. Each of these intrusions was promptly detected and firmly countered by Indian forces. Through sustained diplomatic and military engagement, India conveyed in unequivocal terms that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo along the LAC was unacceptable. As tensions continued to escalate, senior military commanders of India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed upon a disengagement process based on reciprocal actions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from activities that could disturb the prevailing situation on the ground. However, in a blatant violation of this understanding, Chinese troops instigated a violent confrontation on the night of 15 June 2020 in the Galwan Valley. Amid this period of extreme operational tension, Naik Deepak Singh was deployed in the forbidding heights of the Galwan Valley as part of Operation Snow Leopard. On 15 June 2020, an unprecedented and brutal face-off erupted between Indian and Chinese troops. The clash involved savage hand-to-hand combat, heavy stone-pelting, and the use of improvised weapons, all fought in treacherous terrain under freezing conditions and at high altitude.

 

Serving as a Nursing Assistant with the Army Medical Corps, Naik Deepak Singh displayed exceptional presence of mind and professional courage from the very outset. Rapidly assessing the deteriorating battlefield situation, he moved forward into the conflict zone to provide immediate medical assistance to injured soldiers. As the violence intensified and casualties mounted, he repeatedly advanced towards the frontline—fully aware of the grave danger involved—to administer first aid, stabilise the wounded, and assist in their evacuation. During these selfless efforts, Naik Deepak Singh sustained severe and grievous injuries amid relentless attacks. Despite intense pain and his rapidly worsening condition, he refused to withdraw from the scene. Displaying extraordinary determination, fortitude, and devotion to duty, he continued treating and stabilising injured soldiers under fire, ensuring their survival. Through his fearless and tireless actions, he is credited with saving the lives of more than thirty fellow soldiers. Ultimately, the grievous injuries he sustained proved fatal. Naik Deepak Singh laid down his life at the age of 30 years in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, exemplifying supreme courage, selfless service, and unwavering commitment in the face of the enemy. The clashes continued for several hours and resulted in heavy casualties. Naik Deepak Singh, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, and eighteen other brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation. The fallen heroes included Nb Sub Nanduram Soren, Nb Sub Satnam Singh, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Hav Bipul Roy, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav K Palani, 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. In recognition of his exceptional courage, unmatched professionalism, and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, Naik Deepak Singh was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra" on 26 January 2021.

 

Naik Deepak Singh is survived by his father, Shri Gajraj Singh; his mother, Smt Saroj Devi; and his wife, Smt Rekha Singh. Carrying forward the legacy of courage and selfless service left behind by her husband, Smt. Rekha Singh chose to don the olive green herself. In May 2022, she joined the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, as a living tribute to the ideals of duty, sacrifice, and honour that defined the life of Naik Deepak Singh. Upon successful completion of her training, she was commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps of the Indian Army, continuing the family’s proud tradition of service to the nation.