Nb Sub Ishwar Singh

Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh Panghal was born on September 12, 1948, in Tosham village, located in the Bhiwani district of Haryana. He belonged to a respected family headed by Shri Kundan Singh Panghal and Smt Sarja Devi. Raised with strong values of discipline and patriotism, Nb Sub Ishwar Singh exhibited a keen interest in serving the nation from an early age, inspired by the legacy of military service that resonated within his community. On September 21, 1965, at the age of 17 years, Nb Sub Ishwar Singh fulfilled his dream of joining the Indian Army when he was recruited into the Jat Regiment, one of the oldest and most celebrated infantry regiments of the Indian Army.

After undergoing rigorous basic training, he was assigned to the 14 Jat Battalion as a Sepoy. His initial posting marked the beginning of a distinguished career characterized by dedication, discipline, and exemplary performance. Throughout his service, he served in various operational theaters and challenging terrains, which tested his skills and endurance. His unwavering commitment to duty, coupled with his ability to adapt to demanding situations, earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and courage in every assignment, he steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually being promoted to Naib Subedar.

Operation Pawan: 05 Feb 1989

In 1989, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh was deployed with the 14 Jat Battalion in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) under the banner of "Operation Pawan." This mission was launched by the Indian government to enforce peace in Sri Lanka, which was grappling with a brutal civil war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE, a heavily armed and highly organized insurgent group, sought to establish an independent Tamil state and had gained control over significant territories in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The Indian Peacekeeping Force faced a daunting challenge, as the LTTE operated with guerrilla tactics, sophisticated weaponry, and a network of fortified positions in difficult terrains. The operation required soldiers to conduct combing operations, secure key locations, and dismantle LTTE strongholds—all while navigating hostile and unfamiliar environments. Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh and his battalion were entrusted with these high-stakes responsibilities, requiring extraordinary courage, resilience, and tactical skill.

On February 5, 1989, during an operation against entrenched LTTE insurgents, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh was at the forefront of the action. His unit was tasked with neutralizing a heavily fortified enemy position, which was critical to disrupting the LTTE's operational capability in the area. The mission led by 2nd Lt Rajesh Kumar was fraught with danger, as the insurgents were well-armed and strategically positioned to repel any advancing force. Despite the overwhelming odds, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh and his comrades held on to their nerve. As the unit came under intense fire, he maintained composure and inspired his soldiers to push forward. Engaging the insurgents in a fierce firefight, he demonstrated extraordinary tactical acumen and personal valour, ensuring that his unit could hold its ground and advance. In the face of relentless enemy fire, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh continued to fight with unmatched determination, prioritizing the safety and success of his men over his own well-being. His actions not only disrupted the insurgents' operations but also set an example of leadership and sacrifice that inspired his comrades. Tragically, during the intense combat, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh and 2nd Lt Rajesh Kumar sustained critical injuries. Even in their final moments, they remained steadfast, refusing to falter in their duty. On that day, Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh along with 2nd Lt Rajesh Kumar made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, laying down his life in service to uphold peace and protect his comrades. Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh was a valiant and committed Junior Commissioned Offcier, who laid down his life at the age of 40 yrears in the line of his duty. 

Naib Subedar Ishwar Singh is survived by his wife Smt Rukma Devi.