In August 2007, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh was serving with the 65 DSC Platoon, which was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. His unit was entrusted with the vital responsibility of securing the 21 Field Ammunition Depot (21 FAD) in Khundru, a critical military installation located 10 kilometers southeast of Anantnag. Spanning over 5 square kilometers, 21 FAD was one of the largest ammunition depots in the region, holding several thousand tons of ammunition, including a bulk of the war reserve ammunition for 15 Corps of the Indian Army. Given its strategic importance, 21 FAD was always a high-security zone, requiring constant vigilance against potential threats, including terrorist infiltrations, sabotage, and accidental explosions. The depot played a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir, storing and supplying ammunition for military operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and other conflict-prone areas.
As part of his duties, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh and his unit were responsible for perimeter security, access control, and round-the-clock surveillance of this high-risk facility. Their role demanded unwavering alertness, quick decision-making, and the ability to respond effectively to any security breach or emergency. On the fateful day of 11th August 2007, disaster struck when a catastrophic explosion occurred at the depot. The explosion caused widespread destruction, triggering a chain reaction of successive blasts. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with intense heat, thick smoke, and a deadly rain of splinters and bombshells engulfing the area. The lives of personnel and the safety of the depot were immediately at risk, creating a scene of chaos and grave danger. Amidst this unfolding disaster, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh rose to the occasion, displaying extraordinary courage and selflessness. As soon as the explosion occurred, he did not hesitate to run toward the danger zone, fully aware of the imminent threat to his own life. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately joined the fire crew in their valiant efforts to control the blaze and prevent further escalation of the catastrophe. Despite the worsening conditions—marked by extreme heat, suffocating smoke, and deafening blasts—Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh remained steadfast in his mission to save lives. He began evacuating injured personnel, tirelessly carrying them to safety, all while braving the relentless explosions and flying debris. His commitment to his comrades and his duty was unwavering.
As the situation grew increasingly perilous with every successive explosion, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh displayed unparalleled bravery. Unmindful of his personal safety, he repeatedly returned to the danger zone, each time risking his life to rescue more injured personnel. In one particularly daring act, he ventured deep into the heart of the explosive area, where falling splinters and flying bombshells posed a near-certain risk of death. Amid this chaos, he managed to save two injured firemen and ensure their safe evacuation. By this time, the intensity of the explosions had reached catastrophic levels, making the area almost impossible to navigate. Yet, driven by his sense of duty and selfless devotion, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh once again braved the inferno to help evacuate more injured individuals. Tragically, during this heroic effort, he succumbed to the explosions and fire, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh’s actions were a shining example of conspicuous bravery, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the nation. In recognition of his exceptional courage and devotion to duty, Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh was posthumously awarded the nation’s third-highest gallantry award, the Shaurya Chakra. This honour serves as a tribute to his extraordinary valour and supreme sacrifice, ensuring that his memory will be cherished forever.
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