Subedar Balikaran Singh

Subedar Balikaran Singh hailed from Tirkoliya village in Huzoorpur Block in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and was born on 04th Dec 1951. Son of Shri Daan Bahadur Singh and Smt Kanwaripati, he completed his initial schooling from Basantpur Prathmik Pathshala and later studied from Junior High School Huzoorpur.  After completing his initial studies, he had joined the army in the year 1971. He was recruited into 23 Rajput battalion of the famed Rajput Regiment, a regiment known for its fearless soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Phoolmati Devi and the couple had a son and four daughters. By 1999, Sub Balikaran Singh had served for over 27 years and had served in various operational areas with challenging terrain and work environments. In May 1999 his unit was deployed in the Kargil sector and later played a very important role in Operation Vijay. 

Kargil War: 28 May 1999

During May 1999, Sub Balikaran Singh’s unit 23 Rajput was deployed in J & K along the LOC. In May 1999, the Indian Army detected a massive infiltration by the Pakistani military and paramilitary forces in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. The army quickly mobilized its forces to drive out the Pakistani infiltrators from Indian territory. 23 Rajput battalion too got deployed as part of ‘Op Vijay’ launched by the Army in response to Pakistan’s aggression. The battalion was deployed in Battalik sector and was tasked to check infiltration in the area and take appropriate action if needed. Sub Balikaran Singh was tasked for one such counter infiltration operation on 28 May 1999.

As Sub Balikaran Singh along with his soldiers reached the suspected area, they were attacked by the infiltrators. In the ensuing gun battle, Sub Balikaran Singh got severely injured. But undeterred he continued to lead the operation till he collapsed. Later he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Sub Balikaran Singh displayed commendable bravery and made the supreme sacrifice during the operation. 

Sub Balikaran Singh is survived by his father Shri Daan Bahadur Singh, mother Smt Kanwaripati, wife Smt Phoolmati Devi, a son and four daughters.