Rifleman Rashpal Singh, SM

Rifleman Rashpal Singh hailed from Nowshera Tehsil of Rajouri district in Jammu & Kashmir. After completing his initial studies, he joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 12 JAK Light Infantry of the famed Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a regiment known for its brave soldiers and numerous successful operations in various wars and ongoing border skirmishes.

Op Meghdoot: 09 Jan 1999

During Jan 1999, Rifleman Rashpal Singh’s unit was deployed in Siachen Glacier as part of "Operation Meghdoot".  "Op Meghdoot" was the codename for the Indian Army's operation to seize control of the Siachen Glacier. Launched on 13 April 1984 on the highest battlefield in the world, Op Meghdoot was the first military offensive of its kind. The operation preempted Pakistan's impending Operation Ababeel (which was intended to achieve the same objective as Meghdoot) and was a success, resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety. However, the operation continued thereafter as the tension and skirmishes continued unabated. Besides facing extreme weather conditions, Rifleman Rashpal Singh and his comrades had to deal quite often with unprovoked firing from the enemy forces.

On 09th Jan, Rfn Rashpal Singh along with a few other soldiers was deployed on a forward post. While maintaining a close watch across the border, the troops detected suspicious movement in their area of control. Soon a fierce gun battle followed with a heavy exchange of fire from both sides. During the heavy exchange of fire, Rfn Rashpal Singh sustained serious injuries. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Rfn Rashpal Singh was a valiant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation. He was posthumously awarded the “Sena Medal”, for his commendable courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. Rfn Rashpal Singh is survived by his mother Smt Mangla Devi.