Service No : 2882645A
Place of birth : Jhunjhunu Dist (Raj)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Rifleman
Unit : 11 Raj Rif
Arm/Regt : The Rajputana Rifles
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Awards : Shaurya Chakra
Martyrdom : October 22, 1992
Rifleman Netrabhan Singh SC
Rifleman Netrabhan Singh hailed from Gadrata village in Khetri tehsil of Jhunjhunun district in Rajasthan. Son of an Army veteran Hari Kishan Singh and Smt Chand Kanwar, he wanted to serve in the Armed Forces since his childhood like his father (A veteran of WW II, who served with Sawai Man Singh Guards) and grandfather Shri Bhoor Singh (A veteran of WW I, who served with Sawai Man Singh Guards) who too served in the Army, making Rfn Netrabhan Singh a third-generation soldier. He eventually joined the Army after completing his school education. He was recruited into 11 Raj Rif battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours.
Pulwama Operation : 22 Oct 1992
During Oct 1992, Rfn Netrabhan Singh’s unit,11 Raj Rif battalion was deployed in the Pulwama district of J & K and was involved in operations against the militants on a regular basis. The volatility of the unit's AOR (Area of Responsibility) demanded 'high alert' at all times on the part of the troops. The area was also prone to infiltration, which necessitated regular armed patrols to check any infiltration from across the border. On 22 Oct 1992, the unit received information about the presence of terrorists in Muran village of Pulwama district falling under its AOR. A decision was taken to launch an operation to nab or eliminate the terrorists at the earliest. Rfn Netrabhan Singh was made part of the team that was assigned the task of undertaking this operation. As planned, Rfn Netrabhan Singh and his comrades reached the suspected area and launched the search and cordon operation to eliminate the hardcore militants hiding in the village.
As the search operation was in progress, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed grenades in a bid to break the cordon and flee. Sensing danger to his own troops Rfn Netrabhan Singh immediately sprung into action and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he repositioned himself and retaliated with accurate fire. This action of Rfn Netrabhan Singh blocked the escape route of terrorists but they continued to fire. He then showing indomitable courage moved ahead, closed in with the firing terrorists, and eliminated four terrorists. With his critical injuries, he charged at the terrorists who had been firing effectively at the troops. Bleeding profusely, he continued chasing and firing at the terrorist, ensuing the safety of his comrades, till he attained martyrdom. An AK-56 rifle, and large quantity of ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists. Rfn Netrabhan Singh was a valiant and dedicated soldier, who laid down his life in the service of the nation. Rfn Netrabhan Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” on 26 Jan 1993 for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, camaraderie, and supreme sacrifice.
Rfn Netrabhan Singh is survived by his mother Smt Chand Kanwar.
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