Service No : 4060811N
Place of birth : Chamoli Dist (U'khand)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Rifleman
Unit : 21 Raj Rif
Arm/Regt : The Rajputana Rifles
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Martyrdom : August 19, 1991
Rifleman Sarup Singh
Rifleman Sarup Singh hailed from Ustoli Ghat village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, a region known for its rich martial traditions and strong spirit of patriotism. Raised in the serene hills of the state, he grew up with a deep sense of duty, discipline, and love for the nation. From an early age, he was inspired to serve in the Indian Army and dreamt of dedicating his life to the service of the motherland. Determined to turn this aspiration into reality, he worked hard and, after completing his school education, joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 21 Rajputana Rifles (21 Raj Rif), a battalion of the distinguished Rajputana Rifles Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment had earned immense respect for its gallantry, unwavering courage, and remarkable battle honours in numerous military campaigns and operations. As a soldier, Rifleman Sarup Singh was known for his discipline, dedication, and strong sense of responsibility. He served the nation with commitment and sincerity, earning the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. His life in the Army reflected his unwavering devotion to duty and his determination to uphold the proud traditions of his regiment.
Cross Border Firing: 19 Aug 1991
During Aug 1991, Rifleman Sarup Singh was serving with the 21 Rajputana Rifles in a forward operational area along a sensitive border region, where tensions often remained high and the threat of sudden enemy action was ever-present. On 19 Aug 1991, the battalion had been deployed to maintain vigilance, safeguard strategic positions, and prevent any hostile infiltration or provocation across the border. During this period, the region witnessed heavy cross-border firing, creating a tense and dangerous situation for the troops stationed in forward posts. Enemy forces initiated intense firing towards Indian positions, attempting to disrupt defensive arrangements and create panic among the soldiers guarding the area. Despite the hostile conditions and constant threat to life, the soldiers of 21 Rajputana Rifles stood firm and continued to defend their positions with courage and discipline. Amidst this challenging situation, Rifleman Sarup Singh carried out his duties with exceptional determination and composure. Like every dedicated infantry soldier, he remained steadfast at his post, fully committed to protecting the nation’s borders and supporting his fellow comrades under difficult battlefield conditions. The incident reflected the harsh realities faced by soldiers deployed in sensitive border sectors, where vigilance, bravery, and readiness were essential at every moment.
The events of 19 August 1991 stood as a reminder of the sacrifices and courage displayed by Indian soldiers serving in forward areas. Rifleman Sarup Singh’s service during such demanding circumstances reflected his devotion to duty, unwavering patriotism, and the proud traditions of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment. Rifleman Sarup Singh is survived by his wife Smt Shanta Devi.
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