Service No : JC- 216611
Date of Birth : March 30, 1953
Place of birth : Rewari Dist(Har)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Subedar
Unit : 13 Kumaon
Arm/Regt : The Kumaon Regiment
Operation : CI & IS Ops
Awards : Ashok Chakra
Martyrdom : September 26, 1994
Subedar Sujjan Singh AC
Subedar Sujjan Singh was born on 30th March 1953 in Kanina Khas village of Rewari district in Haryana. He was the son of Shri Mangat Singh and grew up in a humble farming family. Like many children in rural India at that time, his early education began at home before he moved on to the State High School, where he studied up to class VII. Even during his school days, young Sub Sujjan displayed an energetic and disciplined personality. He had a keen interest in sports, with a special love for hockey, which he played with great enthusiasm. His sporting spirit and physical endurance would later serve him well in his military career. Fascinated by the life of soldiers and deeply inspired by the ethos of the Armed Forces, Sub Sujjan Singh aspired to wear the olive green uniform. He decided to pursue his dream even before completing formal schooling. He was eventually recruited into the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its courage and gallant service in multiple wars.
As a young soldier, Sub Sujjan Singh saw action during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. His battalion, 13 Kumaon, was deployed in the Longewala sector of Rajasthan, a region that witnessed one of the most decisive battles of the war. The unit performed with great distinction in those operations and was subsequently awarded the theatre honour for valour and service. Being a part of such a historic battle left a lasting impression on him and strengthened his resolve as a dedicated soldier. Over the years, Sub Sujjan Singh steadily rose through the ranks, gaining respect for his professionalism and leadership qualities. He was promoted to the rank of Havildar and later, on 1st August 1991, to the rank of Naib Subedar (Nb Sub). Following this promotion, he was posted to the 20th Battalion of the NCC in Kolkata, where he contributed to training and shaping cadets, instilling in them discipline, courage, and love for the nation.
After completing his tenure in Bengal, he returned to his parent regiment and was further promoted to the rank of Subedar—a position of great responsibility in the Army. In 1994, Subedar Sujjan Singh’s unit, 13 Kumaon, was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. This was a particularly challenging assignment as the region was going through heightened insurgency, with frequent encounters between security forces and militants. The harsh terrain, extreme weather, and continuous threat from insurgents tested the endurance and courage of every soldier. In this demanding environment, Subedar Sujjan Singh continued to uphold the proud traditions of his regiment, leading his men with courage and commitment.
Kupwara Operation: 26 Sep 1994
On 26th September 1994, Subedar Sujjan Singh’s battalion, 13 Kumaon, received reliable intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of heavily armed militants in Zalurah village of Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir. The militants had taken shelter in the dense jungles and were preparing to strike security forces. To neutralize the threat, a search-and-destroy operation was launched, with Subedar Sujjan Singh tasked to lead a key part of the assault. The unit quickly cordoned off the area, sealing all escape routes, and began systematically searching the thick forest cover. While commanding the search party, Subedar Sujjan Singh identified two militant hideouts concealed in the foliage. As he advanced towards them, the militants spotted his team and opened indiscriminate fire. The sudden burst of gunfire placed the search party in a dangerous situation, with little cover and limited maneuvering space.
At that critical juncture, an officer, along with a few soldiers, advanced towards the hideouts in an attempt to divert the militants’ attention. Subedar Sujjan Singh, however, realized that they were heading straight into grave danger and could be annihilated. In that split-second decision, he chose to act with complete disregard for his own safety. Summoning every ounce of courage, he charged directly at the militants through a hail of bullets, firing continuously from his rifle. Though multiple bullets hit him, he pressed forward undeterred, keeping the militants engaged. His daring action diverted enemy fire towards himself, giving the rest of his team crucial time to take cover, regroup, and establish vantage positions. Even as he sustained grievous injuries, Subedar Sujjan Singh refused to relent. He kept advancing and firing until he had expended the last bullet in his rifle. Ultimately, enemy rounds pierced his helmet and head, and he succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield, laying down his life in the finest traditions of the Indian Army.
Though Subedar Sujjan Singh made the supreme sacrifice, his gallantry inspired his comrades to fight back with renewed determination. Motivated by his example, the assault team launched a ferocious counter-attack. The operation concluded with all militants in both hideouts eliminated, and a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, dealing a severe blow to insurgent operations in the sector. For his conspicuous courage, selfless leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Subedar Sujjan Singh was awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra (Posthumous). At the age of 41, he gave his life protecting his fellow soldiers and safeguarding the nation. He is remembered as a fearless soldier and an inspirational leader whose actions embodied the motto of the Indian Army—“Service Before Self.”
Subedar Sujjan Singh is survived by his wife Smt Koushalya Devi and a son.
Prashant dabral
2025 at 3:00 pmJai hind. Great soldiers of our country. Always Inspiring new recruiters.
Lavanya Jyothi
2025 at 3:01 pmYour supreme sacrifice will always be remembered. Jai Hind