Subedar Fuman Singh SC

Son of Shri Dashan Singh and Smt Swaran Kaur, Subedar Fuman Singh hailed from Amritsar in Punjab. He joined the army after his initial education and was recruited into 15 Sikh LI battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers and rich history of various battle honours. By the year 2002, he had put in over two decades of service in the Army and had been promoted to the rank of Subedar. By that time he had evolved into an experienced Junior Commissioned Officer, having served in areas with different terrain and operational environments. 

Counter-Insurgency Operation(Assam) : 18 Jun 2002

During 2002, Sub Fuman Singh's unit 15 Sikh LI was deployed in Dibrugarh district of Assam. The unit troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis as its AOR (Area of Operation) was affected by active militancy. On 18th Jun 2002, Sub Fuman Singh's unit had received the information regarding presence of some armed terrorists in two houses in the labour lines of Achabam in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Sub Fuman Singh was tasked to lead an operation to nab or neutralize the terrorists. It was decided to launch an operation in the night of 18 June 2002.  Sub Fuman Singh reached the suspected area and deployed his troops to cordon one of the houses from the rear which had thick undergrowth in the backyard and open fields beyond.

On reaching the rear of the house at around 2130 hours, Sub Fuman Singh realized that only a tight well located cordon and strict vigil on the house could prevent the terrorists from escaping. After positioning the cordon he crawled closer to the hut for better observation. In a swift move, he sprinted ahead in order to effect an entry to the house since the door was open. But before he could step inside there was automatic fire from the house. Sub Fuman Singh returned the fire injuring one of the terrorists. Despite being hit and getting injured, he continued to pin down the terrorists with accurate fire and prevented their escape. Eventually in the following gun battle two hardcore terrorists were eliminated. However Sub Fuman Singh later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Sub Fuman Singh was a gallant and dedicated JCO, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Sub Fuman Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. 

The citation for the Shaurya Chakra awarded to him reads :

On 18 Jun 2002 information was received regarding presence of some armed terrorists in two houses in the labour lines of Achabam in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Sub Fuman Singh was tasked to cordon one of the houses from the rear which had thick undergrowth in the backyard and open fields beyond.

On reaching the rear of the house at around 2130 hours, Sub Fuman Singh realized that only a tight well located cordon and strict vigil on the house could prevent the terrorists from escaping. After positioning the cordon he crawled closer to the hut for better observation. In a flash he sprinted ahead in order to effect an entry to the house since the door was open. Before he could step inside there was automatic fire from the house. Sub Fuman Singh returned the fire injuring one of the terrorists. Despite being hit he tenaciously continued to pin down the terrorists with accurate fire and prevented their escape. As a result of the vicious encounter that followed two hardcore terrorists were killed. Sub Fuman Singh however succumbed to his injuries.

Sub Fuman Singh showed total commitment of his duty and sacrificed his life while exhibiting raw courage and supreme act of valour in the face of terrorists fire.