Service No : 4204107P
Date of Birth : January 5, 1989
Place of birth : Nali dist, (U'khand)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Naik
Unit : 21 Kumaon
Arm/Regt : The Kumaon Regiment
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Martyrdom : May 1, 2020
Naik Shankar Singh Mehra
Naik Shankar Singh Mehra hailed from Nali village of Gangolihat tehsil in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and was born on 5th January 1989. Son of Shri Mohan Singh and Smt Janaki Devi, he had a brother Naveen Singh as his sibling. He belonged to a family with a military background, wherein his grandfather Shri Bhawan Singh fought with valour at the time of World War II and his father too served as a constable before retiring in 1995. Inspired by his family, Naik Shankar Singh showed a keen interest in joining the Army and serving the nation since his childhood days.
Nk Shankar Singh studied in a private school in Pithoragarh till high school. He passed the intermediate examination from Government Inter College Chahaj in Gangolihat and joined the army on 23rd March 2010 at the age of 21 years. He was recruited into 21 Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army and traces back its history to the 18th century. After serving for nearly 3 years, he got married to Ms. Indu in the year 2013 and the couple had a son Harshit. Nk Shankar Singh was was a family man and made sure to call his wife and mother at least once a day.
Ceasefire Violation(Rampur sector, J&K) : 01 May 2020
During 2020, Nk Shankar Singh was serving with the 21 Kumaon battalion deployed at Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir along the LOC. The LOC was highly active and volatile where ceasefire violations occurred very often and without any warning. The Rampur Sector in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir was part of LOC that bore the brunt of a number of ceasefire violations every year. During April/May 2020, Nk Shankar Singh’s unit was deployed in this sector and the troops of 21 Kumaon were manning various forward posts along the LOC. Besides manning the forward posts the troops also undertook regular patrols to monitor the gaps between the posts.
On 01 May 2020 Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in Rampur Sector and started heavy mortar shelling on Indian Army Posts. Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing using small arms, automatic weapons and mortar shells. Indian Army retaliated strongly, effectively and proportionately to the unprovoked ceasefire violation and the exchange of fire continued for several hours. During the heavy exchange of fire, Naik Shankar Singh and his comrade Hav Gokaran Singh got severely injured and were rushed to the nearby army hospital. However they succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Naik Shankar Singh was a valiant and committed soldier who laid down his life at the age of 31 years in the line of his duty.
Naik Shankar Singh Mehra is survived by his father Shri Mohan Singh, mother Smt Janaki Devi, wife Smt Indu Singh, son Harshit and younger brother Shri Naveen Singh.
Himanshu
2023 at 7:32 pmDear Family,
With profound respect and deep condolences, I extend this letter to you, honoring the valor and sacrifice of your beloved Naik Shankar Singh Mehra. His unwavering dedication, courage, and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
In the year 2020, Naik Shankar Singh Mehra stood strong as a member of the 21 Kumaon battalion, deployed in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LOC). Positioned in a region marked by volatility and frequent ceasefire violations, Naik Shankar Singh exemplified unwavering commitment and bravery.
The Rampur Sector, nestled within the Baramulla district, was a frontline witness to the challenges posed by the unannounced and relentless ceasefire violations. In April/May of 2020, Naik Shankar Singh’s unit was tasked with manning various forward posts along the LOC, standing steadfast in the face of constant threats. Their vigilance extended beyond stationary posts, as they embarked on regular patrols to ensure the safety of the gaps between.
On May 1, 2020, the tranquility of the Rampur Sector was shattered by unprovoked mortar shelling from across the border. The enemy’s aggression knew no bounds, as they unleashed a barrage of small arms fire, automatic weapons, and mortar shells. In response, the Indian Army retaliated with strength, precision, and unwavering resolve. The ensuing exchange of fire bore testament to the determination of Naik Shankar Singh and his comrades to safeguard our borders.
Tragically, during this intense firefight, Naik Shankar Singh and his comrade Hav Gokaran Singh sustained severe injuries. Despite being swiftly transported to a nearby army hospital, their injuries proved insurmountable, and they made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Naik Shankar Singh’s unwavering dedication to duty and the nation is a testimony to his character and courage.
Beyond his uniform, Naik Shankar Singh was a cherished son, a devoted husband to Smt Indu Singh, a loving father to Harshit, and a younger brother to Shri Naveen Singh. His legacy is one of bravery, commitment, and selflessness, a shining example for us all.
In this time of grief, please know that your family is not alone. The nation stands united, sharing in your sorrow and honoring Naik Shankar Singh’s remarkable service and sacrifice.
May you find solace in the memories you shared and take comfort in the knowledge that Naik Shankar Singh’s legacy will forever shine as a beacon of honor and courage.
With deepest sympathy,
Himanshu