Sep Hira Singh SC

Sepoy Hira Singh was born in Almora district of Uttarakhand into a humble and patriotic family. He was the son of Shri Bahadur Singh and Smt Anuli Devi, who instilled in him the values of discipline, integrity, and service to the nation. From a young age, he exhibited a strong sense of responsibility and a deep-seated patriotism, which ultimately shaped his aspiration to serve in the Indian Army. Upon completing his schooling, he chose the path of military service and was recruited into the 9 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment. 

The Kumaon Regiment is one of the most distinguished and battle-hardened infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its fearless soldiers and a legacy of bravery in various military operations. His enlistment in such a prestigious regiment marked the beginning of his journey as a dedicated soldier. After serving for several years with unwavering commitment and discipline, Sepoy Hira Singh got married to Ms Mohani Devi, starting a new chapter in his personal life. By 1984, he had completed a significant period of service in the Army, demonstrating exceptional perseverance and loyalty. 

Counter-Terrorism Operation : 05/06 Jun 1984

During1984, Sep Hira Singh's unit 9 Kumaon, a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, was deployed in J&K. On the night of 5th/6th June 1984, amid a crucial counter-terrorism operation, 9 Kumaon was assigned the challenging task of clearing out terrorists holed up in a heavily fortified building. The structure was not only strategically significant but was also strongly defended by well-armed and highly motivated terrorists who were determined to resist any advance by security forces. As the assault commenced, Sepoy Hira Singh’s company came under a withering barrage of automatic gunfire. The intensity and accuracy of the enemy fire severely hindered their movement, making further progress nearly impossible. At the heart of this resistance was a machine gun post, which had been positioned by the terrorists to dominate the battlefield and inflict maximum damage on the advancing troops. Recognizing the critical threat posed by this position, Sepoy Hira Singh took immediate and decisive action.

In an extraordinary display of courage and selflessness, he charged towards the machine gun post, fully aware of the imminent danger. With unwavering determination and in complete disregard for his own safety, he closed in on the enemy position and successfully neutralized the machine gun nest by lobbing a grenade. His heroic action broke the resistance of the terrorists, allowing his company to regain momentum and push forward. However, in the course of this daring assault, Sepoy Hira Singh was struck by a burst of machine gun fire. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot, making the ultimate sacrifice for his unit and his country. His valiant act not only saved the lives of his comrades but also ensured the successful completion of the mission. Through his initiative, indomitable courage, and unwavering devotion to duty, Sepoy Hira Singh upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Sep Hira Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. 

Sep Hira Singh is survived by his wife Smt Mohani Devi.

The citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the night of the 5th/6th June, 1984, during anti- terrorist operation, 9 Kumaon was tasked to flush out the terrorists, from one of the buildings. The complex had been heavily fortified and was strongly held by highly motivated terrorists. The Company of Sepoy Hira Singh came under intense and accurate fire of automatic weapons of the terrorists which hampered the progress of its operation. Sepoy Hira Singh in utter disregard of his personal safety, rushed towards the machine gun post of the terrorists which was holding up the Company operation and successfully silenced it by lobbing a grenade. In the process, he was hit by a burst of machine gun fire and died on the spot. Thus he saved the lives of his comrades and enabled his Company to successfully accomplish its mission.

In this action Sepoy Hira Singh displayed initiative, indomitable courage, bravery, devotion to duty of a very high order and laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Army.