Sepoy Nishan Singh SC

Sepoy Nishan Singh hailed from Jago Chak village in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, a region known for its patriotic spirit and proud martial traditions. He was born to Shri Bachan Singh and Smt Manjit Kaur, who raised him with strong values of discipline, courage, and devotion to the nation. Inspired by the legacy of soldiers from his region and driven by an unwavering determination, he remained focused on his goal throughout his formative years. After completing his school education, Sepoy Nishan Singh achieved his lifelong ambition by being selected to join the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 8 Sikh Light Infantry (8 Sikh LI) Battalion, part of the renowned Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. This regiment has a distinguished history, known for its fearless soldiers, rich battle honours, and unwavering commitment to duty. Being a part of this prestigious unit filled him with immense pride and motivation. Sepoy Nishan Singh quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. His sincerity, discipline, and exceptional dedication to his duties earned him the respect of his peers and seniors alike. 

Anantnag Operation (J&K): 15 Mar 1994

During  March 1994, Sepoy Nishan Singh's unit, 8 Sikh LI, was deployed in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. The AOR (The Area Of Responsibility) of his unit was infested with militants and the unit had to respond to counter-insurgency operations based on intelligence reports regularly. The unit launched regular patrols to monitor militants' activities in its AOR. On 15 March 1994, the Indian Army launched a cordon and search operation in Doru, a strategically located township in South Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence inputs had indicated the presence of heavily armed anti-national elements (ANEs) in the area, necessitating swift and decisive action to neutralize the threat. As the operation unfolded, the troops came under intense and coordinated fire from multiple directions—including the crowded market area, a cluster of huts, and the surrounding hilltops. The militants, taking advantage of the terrain and civilian structures, attempted to escape by shifting positions from the market towards the nearby huts and elevated areas. A fierce gun battle ensued between the troops and the insurgents. In response to the shifting threat, 'A' Company was tasked with encircling the cluster of huts to cut off the militants' escape routes. Sepoy Nishan Singh was part of the Company Headquarters, which advanced in the lead towards the suspected militant hideouts. As the Company moved in to establish a cordon, Sepoy Nishan Singh found himself face-to-face with an armed militant who had taken position to ambush the advancing soldiers.

The militant, poised to open fire at the Officer Commanding and accompanying troops, posed an immediate and deadly threat. In a moment that demanded extraordinary courage and quick thinking, Sepoy Nishan Singh acted without hesitation. Displaying exceptional bravery and an unwavering sense of duty, he rushed forward into the line of fire to shield his Officer Commanding and fellow soldiers. Absorbing the full impact of the militant’s bullets, he protected his comrades from certain injury or death. Despite being gravely wounded, Sepoy Nishan Singh’s resolve did not falter. With remarkable grit and determination, he charged at the militant and engaged him in close combat, ultimately neutralizing the threat. The slain militant was later identified as Niaz Mohammed, a foreign mercenary involved in multiple acts of terrorism. Sepoy Nishan Singh, however, succumbed to his injuries sustained during the heroic act. His selfless sacrifice and gallant actions not only saved the lives of his comrades but also contributed significantly to the success of the operation. Sepoy Nishan Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice. 

Sepoy Nishan Singh is survived by his mother, Smt Manjit Kaur.

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

On 15 March 1994, a cordon and search operation was launched in Doru, a township in South Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. The troops came under heavy fire from the market area, a group of huts, and from the hilltops. In the fierce gun battle that followed, anti-national elements (ANEs) fled from the market area towards the cluster of huts and the hilltops. 'A' Company was then ordered to encircle the cluster of huts. Sepoy Nishan Singh was with the Company Headquarters, which approached the group of huts in the lead. While in the process of encircling, Sepoy Nishan Singh suddenly encountered an armed ANE who was about to open fire on his Officer Commanding and colleagues. In an act of absolute selfless devotion, this brave soldier ran towards the line of fire, shielding his Officer Commanding and comrades, and took the brunt of the militant's fire upon himself.

Thereafter, despite being gravely wounded, he charged at and killed the ANE, who was later identified as Niaz Mohammed, a mercenary. Sepoy Nishan Singh later succumbed to his injuries. Sepoy Nishan Singh thus displayed exceptional valour and selfless devotion to duty in saving the lives of his comrades at the cost of his own life.