In 2010, Rifleman Uttam Singh was serving with the 7th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, deployed in the highly sensitive Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated close to the Line of Control, the region had long been vulnerable to militant infiltration and insurgent activity. The rugged mountainous terrain, dense forests, and harsh weather made counter-insurgency operations particularly challenging, demanding exceptional endurance and vigilance from troops deployed there. It was under these demanding conditions, and under the leadership of Major Yogendra Rajbar, that Rifleman Uttam Singh’s dedication and professionalism truly stood out. Major Rajbar, a seasoned and committed officer, led his men with courage, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility. The unit was tasked with manning forward posts and conducting frequent reconnaissance, surveillance, and search operations to prevent infiltration and to protect the local population.
On the evening of 5 May 2010, credible intelligence was received about the presence of militants hiding in a house in Chittibandi village, Bandipora—approximately 60 km north of Srinagar. Acting swiftly on this information, a joint team comprising personnel of the Indian Army (7 Garhwal Rifles) and the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) moved to the area. At around 8:00 pm, the security forces established a cordon around the suspected hideout. Conditions were extremely difficult: it was dark, rain was falling, and visibility was poor. As the troops closed in, the hiding militant suddenly lobbed a grenade and opened heavy fire on the approaching security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle in the confined and treacherous terrain. Displaying exceptional courage and commitment to duty, Rifleman Uttam Singh took the lead during the encounter, exposing himself to grave danger to protect his comrades and to ensure the success of the operation. In the intense exchange of fire, both Rifleman Uttam Singh and Major Rajbar sustained critical injuries. Despite their wounds, they continued to fight with exemplary bravery until their final moments. Both soldiers were swiftly evacuated and airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where doctors made every possible effort to save their lives. Tragically, they later succumbed to their injuries, laying down their lives in the line of duty. The supreme sacrifice of Rifleman Uttam Singh and Major Yogendra Rajbar stands as a powerful reminder of the immense price paid by India’s soldiers to safeguard the nation.
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