Sep Ram Singh Sheoran

Born in Damuwaka village of Khair Tehsil, Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Sepoy Ram Singh Sheoran grew up in a humble yet deeply rooted environment that fostered values of discipline, service, and patriotism. His father, Shri Arjun Singh Sheoran, was a farmer, and from an early age, Sep Ram Singh developed a strong sense of duty toward his family and country. His desire to serve the nation led him to join the Indian Army on July 27, 1982, as a recruit in the Jat Regiment, one of the oldest and most prestigious regiments of the Indian Army. After successfully completing rigorous military training, he was inducted into the 11 Jat Battalion as a sepoy. His commitment, dedication, and adaptability quickly set him apart, and he embraced the demanding military lifestyle with unwavering determination.

The Jat Regiment, renowned for its battle-hardened soldiers and glorious legacy, has been at the forefront of India’s major military campaigns, including the Indo-Pakistani wars and international peacekeeping missions. The regiment's history of valour and sacrifice deeply resonated with Sepoy Ram Singh Sheoran, inspiring him to push his physical and mental limits. His training in combat tactics, military discipline, and weapons handling equipped him to operate effectively in any environment—from the unforgiving border regions to high-intensity combat scenarios. 

Operation Meghdoot: 13 Mar 1986

As part of the ongoing Operation Meghdoot, launched in April 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier, Sep Ram Singh Sheoran joined the troops stationed along the Saltoro Ridge. The operation stemmed from a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier, an area of strategic importance. After the UN-brokered ceasefire of 1949, the ceasefire line (CFL) in Jammu and Kashmir was established under the Karachi Agreement. The easternmost segment of the CFL, beyond a point known as NJ9842, was left undefined, with the agreement stating only that it would run “thence north to the glaciers.” For decades, the inhospitable and uninhabited nature of the region meant that neither side sought to militarize it. However, between 1964 and 1972, Pakistan began to extend the CFL beyond NJ9842 in its maps, projecting it west of the Karakoram Pass rather than northward, as the original agreement stated. This cartographic aggression gave rise to a territorial dispute, with Pakistan staking an illegal claim over the Siachen Glacier.

The situation escalated, prompting India to launch Operation Meghdoot on April 13, 1984, to preempt Pakistani advances and secure control of the glacier. In a historic operation, Indian troops, supported by helicopters, were air-dropped at key passes such as Bilafond La and Sia La, bringing approximately 3,300 square kilometers of territory under India's control. By 1986, Sep Ram Singh Sheoran had joined the deployment on the Saltoro Ridge, enduring one of the most hostile environments on Earth. The soldiers faced sub-zero temperatures, relentless snowstorms, avalanches, and unprovoked firing from Pakistani forces. Patrolling in such conditions was fraught with immense challenges and constant danger. On 13 March 1986, a patrol team from the 11 Jat Battalion, led by Naib Subedar Nafe Singh, set out on a mission. Sep Ram Singh Sheoran was part of the assigned team. During the patrol, the enemy initiated unprovoked shelling. The heavy shelling triggered a devastating avalanche, burying Naib Subedar Nafe Singh and his team under massive layers of snow. Despite a large-scale rescue operation launched by the Army, Sep Ram Singh along with Naib Subedar Nafe Singh and six of his comrades made the supreme sacrifice. The other martyred brave hearts included Naik Pema Ram, Naik Risal Singh, Sep Ram Pratap, Sep Man Singh, Sep Balga Nand, and Sepoy Dilbag Singh.

Sepoy Ram Singh Sheoran is survived by his wife Smt Ompati.