Subedar Harphool Singh Kulhari SM

As planned, Subedar Harphool Singh, along with a team of 38 soldiers, advanced towards the enemy-held objective under extremely difficult battlefield conditions. The steep, rocky terrain, freezing weather, and constant threat of enemy surveillance made the mission exceptionally hazardous. The enemy troops were heavily entrenched in fortified bunkers and maintained a close watch on Indian troop movement from their elevated positions. By around 4:00 AM, Subedar Harphool Singh and his men had reached dangerously close to the enemy bunker. When they were nearly 100 metres away from their target, the enemy launched sudden and intense fire upon them. Without hesitation, Subedar Harphool Singh and his troops quickly swung into action and retaliated with determination and precision. A fierce gun battle followed, with heavy exchange of fire between both sides amidst the harsh mountain terrain. During the intense engagement, Subedar Harphool Singh was struck by a bullet in his arm. Despite the painful injury, he refused to withdraw or allow the assault to lose momentum. Displaying remarkable courage and leadership, he continued firing at enemy positions while simultaneously motivating and guiding his men to press forward and repel the attack. His calmness and bravery under fire inspired his soldiers to continue fighting with determination. However, as the battle intensified, Subedar Harphool Singh and his team found themselves heavily outnumbered and gradually encircled by enemy forces. Even under these overwhelming odds, he continued to lead from the front. In the course of the fierce firefight, he was struck by multiple bullets—two in the head and three in the chest. Despite his grievous injuries, his unwavering courage remained an inspiration to his comrades. He eventually succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Inspired by the gallantry and leadership of Subedar Harphool Singh, the soldiers of 17 Jat Battalion continued the assault with renewed ferocity. Fighting with determination and grit, they succeeded in destroying the enemy bunkers and capturing the assigned objective. The capture of Point 4540 proved to be a crucial tactical success, which later paved the way for the recapture of the strategically important Point 4875 during the Kargil War. Subedar Harphool Singh Kulhari displayed courage, devotion to duty, and leadership of the highest order during the operation. His sacrifice became a shining example of valour and patriotism in the face of extreme adversity. Alongside him, several other brave soldiers also laid down their lives during the fierce battle, including Sepoy Vinod Kumar Naga, Sepoy Gajpal Singh, Sepoy Krishan Kumar, Sepoy Ranveer Singh, and Sepoy Dharambeer Singh. In a tragic aftermath of the battle, Subedar Harphool Singh’s mortal remains could only be recovered 46 days after the operation, on 14 July 1999, due to the difficult terrain and hostile conditions in the conflict zone. He was cremated with full military honours on 15 July 1999, as the nation paid tribute to his sacrifice and service. For his exceptional gallantry, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War, Subedar Harphool Singh Kulhari was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal. He was also honoured with the prestigious Mention-in-Despatches, recognizing his extraordinary bravery and contribution to one of the most significant operations of the war. His legacy continues to inspire generations as a symbol of courage, leadership, and unwavering patriotism.