Naik Harendra Singh

Naik Harendra Singh hailed from Pipalsari village in Pauri Garhwal district in Uttrakhand.  Son of an army veteran Chhavan Singh Rawat and Smt Sarojini Devi, he wanted to don the army uniform like his father since his younger days. Eventually he joined the army after completing his school education. He was recruited into 17 Garhwal Rifles battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers with a rich history of various battle honours.

After serving for few years, Nk Harendra Singh got married to Ms Lata Devi and the couple had two children. Later he was deputed to serve with 48 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations. 

Poonch Operation: 15th Oct 2021

During Oct 2021, Nk Harendra Singh‘s unit 48 RR was deployed in Poonch district of J&K. The unit troops were engaged in operations against the terrorists on a regular basis as the unit's area of responsibility (AOR) was active with militancy. The LOC located near to its AOR, remained highly active and volatile with ceasefire violations occurring very often and without any warning. The area was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. Following inputs from the intelligence sources about the presence of some terrorists, the security forces including the troops of 48 RR launched a search operation in Nar Khas forest area in Mendhar sector of Poonch dist on 15 Oct 2021. Nk Harendra Singh was part of the team that launched the search and destroy operation. 

Nk Harendra Singh and his comrades reached the suspected area and launched the cordon and search operation. The troops soon made contact with the terrorists, who fired at the troops on being challenged. A fierce gun battle followed thereafter with heavy exchange of fire. As the cordon around the terrorists was tightened, they started firing indiscriminately in a desperate attempt. During the heavy cross firing Naik Harendra Singh and Sub Ajay Singh received gun shots and got seriously injured. They later succumbed to their injuries and were martyred but their bodies could be recovered only on 16 Oct 2021. Nk Harendra Singh was a determined and valiant soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty.

Nk Harendra Singh is survived by his father Shri Chhavan Singh Rawat, mother Smt Sarojini Devi, wife Smt Lata Devi and two children.