Some lives are measured by the number of years they are lived. Others are remembered for the values they leave behind. Colonel Manpreet Singh belonged to the second kind. His story was not merely about a soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty. It was the story of a son who inherited the spirit of service, a young man who walked away from a successful professional career to wear the olive green, a commander who never asked his men to face a danger he was unwilling to face himself, and a leader whose courage inspired everyone around him.
On 13 September 2023, the nation woke to heartbreaking news from the dense forests of Kokernag in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. A fierce encounter with terrorists had claimed the lives of Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat. The loss sent shockwaves across the country. Tributes poured in from every corner of India, but behind the headlines was the remarkable life of an officer whose journey had begun decades earlier in Punjab with dreams, discipline and an unwavering commitment to serve the nation.
Born into a Family of Soldiers
Colonel Manpreet Singh was born in 1982 in Amritsar, Punjab. Although he was born in the historic city, his roots were in Bharaunjian village near Mullanpur in Mohali district. Patriotism was not something he learned from books. It was part of his upbringing.
His father, Late Naik Lakhmeer Singh, had served in the 12th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry. His grandfather, Sheetal Singh, and his uncle, Ranjit Singh, had also served in the Indian Army. Service to the nation was a tradition that passed from one generation to another. Growing up in such an environment, young Manpreet witnessed the respect that came with the uniform and the sacrifices that accompanied it. Those early experiences quietly shaped his character and planted the dream of becoming an Army officer.
Friends and relatives remember him as a calm and disciplined child who never sought attention. He was polite, focused and deeply respectful towards elders. While other children often changed their ambitions as they grew older, Manpreet remained fascinated by the Army. Stories from his father about military life left a lasting impression on him.
Education and a Different Career Path
Manpreet completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Mullanpur. Teachers described him as a sincere student who balanced academics with extracurricular activities. After school, he joined SD College in Chandigarh, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce.
His academic performance reflected his dedication. Instead of taking the easy route after graduation, he chose one of the country's most demanding professional qualifications and completed Chartered Accountancy. For a few years, he worked as a Chartered Accountant in Chandigarh.
To many people around him, life appeared settled. Chartered Accountants enjoy professional stability, financial security and respect in society. His future looked promising. Yet something remained incomplete. Numbers, balance sheets and audit reports could never replace the dream he had carried since childhood.
His friends later recalled that although he was sincere in his profession, he often spoke about joining the Army. It was not a passing thought. It was the ambition that had stayed with him since he was a boy.
Choosing the Uniform
In 2004, Manpreet Singh made the decision that would define the rest of his life. He appeared for the Combined Defence Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Thousands compete for the examination every year, but only a small number earn the opportunity to train as officers.
He succeeded.
Leaving behind a comfortable professional career, he entered the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. It was a decision that surprised many people who knew him. Few would voluntarily leave a respected civilian profession for one that demanded hardship, uncertainty and the constant possibility of danger.
For Manpreet, however, there was never a conflict between comfort and service. He knew exactly where he belonged.
Life at the Indian Military Academy tested every aspect of his personality. Long marches, physical endurance, tactical exercises and leadership training transformed young civilians into military officers. The Academy's motto, "Veerta Aur Vivek", meaning Valour and Wisdom, became more than words. It became a way of life.
In June 2005, after successfully completing his training, he was commissioned into the 12th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry. The moment carried special significance. Years earlier, his father had served in the same regiment as a soldier. Now, his son wore the stars of a commissioned officer in that very regiment. It was a proud moment for the family and a rare legacy shared between father and son.
Learning to Lead
A military career teaches much more than tactics and weapon handling. It teaches responsibility.
As a young Lieutenant, Manpreet Singh quickly realised that leadership in the Army is earned through actions rather than rank. Soldiers observe every decision made by their officers. They follow those who stand beside them during the hardest moments.
Those who served with him would later remember that he never believed an officer should remain behind while his troops moved ahead. He preferred visiting the forward areas himself, speaking directly with soldiers and understanding every operational challenge firsthand.
His calm personality helped him make difficult decisions under pressure. Rather than raising his voice, he led by example. Junior officers found him approachable, while experienced soldiers respected his professionalism.
These qualities steadily shaped his reputation across every appointment he held. They would eventually define him as one of the most respected commanding officers of the Rashtriya Rifles.
A Leader Forged in Operations
Fresh out of the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant Manpreet Singh stepped into a profession where every day demanded discipline, courage and sacrifice. Commissioned into the 12th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry in June 2005, he began learning the realities of soldiering from experienced officers and battle-hardened troops. The training grounds had prepared him for the basics, but it was in the field that he truly grew into a leader.
The Indian Army is unlike most professions. Every posting presents a new challenge. One assignment may involve guarding the country's borders in unforgiving terrain, while another may require maintaining peace in remote regions or conducting operations against heavily armed terrorists. Officers are expected to adapt quickly, inspire confidence among their men and make decisions that could determine the lives of those under their command.
From the very beginning, Manpreet Singh embraced these responsibilities with quiet determination. He was never known as someone who sought recognition. Those who worked with him often described him as soft spoken, thoughtful and deeply committed to his duties. He believed respect could never be demanded. It had to be earned through honesty, competence and personal example.
As the years passed, he served in a variety of operational and staff appointments. Every posting added to his experience and sharpened his understanding of leadership. He learned that success in military operations depended not only on courage but also on patience, planning and teamwork.
His soldiers soon discovered an important quality in their young officer. He never expected them to face hardships that he was unwilling to endure himself. Whether it involved long patrols, difficult weather or dangerous missions, he stood alongside his men. That willingness to share every challenge created a bond of trust that cannot be taught in classrooms.
Experience Beyond India's Borders
Like many accomplished officers, Manpreet Singh also represented India on an international assignment. He served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, where Indian soldiers work alongside military personnel from different countries to maintain peace in conflict affected regions.
Peacekeeping operations demand a different kind of leadership. Soldiers must remain firm while exercising restraint. They often interact with civilians who have endured years of violence and instability. These assignments broaden an officer's understanding of international military cooperation and humanitarian responsibilities.
For Manpreet Singh, the experience further strengthened the qualities that already defined him. He returned with greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities carried by the Indian Army, both at home and abroad.
Return to Counter Insurgency
Despite serving in different appointments during his career, counter insurgency operations remained close to his heart. Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed decades of violence. Thick forests, steep mountains and isolated villages often provided hiding places for terrorists who attempted to target both civilians and security forces.
Operations in such terrain demand extraordinary patience. Days may pass without contact. Soldiers walk for hours through forests carrying heavy equipment, often climbing steep slopes while remaining alert for ambushes. Every movement requires caution because the enemy usually enjoys the advantage of concealment.
Manpreet Singh understood these realities better than most. Rather than viewing counter insurgency as merely another posting, he considered it one of the Army's most important responsibilities. He believed protecting innocent civilians and maintaining peace required courage combined with discipline.
His reputation continued to grow with every successful operation.
A Decoration for Gallantry
Years before the Kokernag operation that would make him known across the nation, Manpreet Singh had already displayed exceptional courage in combat.
His leadership during counter insurgency operations earned him the Sena Medal for Gallantry, one of the Indian Army's distinguished awards for bravery. Although officers rarely speak publicly about the operations that earn such decorations, those who served alongside him understood why he deserved the honour.
The award reflected far more than a single act of bravery. It recognised years of dedication, operational excellence and a willingness to place duty before personal safety.
Receiving a gallantry medal often changes nothing about an officer's daily life. The missions continue. The responsibilities increase. The risks remain the same.
For Colonel Manpreet Singh, the decoration became another reminder that leadership carried greater responsibility rather than greater privilege.
Command of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles
By the time he attained the rank of Colonel, Manpreet Singh had become one of the Army's experienced operational commanders.
He was entrusted with the command of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, an elite counter insurgency battalion operating in South Kashmir. The Rashtriya Rifles has long stood at the forefront of India's fight against terrorism. Its soldiers operate in some of the country's most demanding environments where every mission can quickly become life threatening.
Taking command of such a battalion is considered one of the greatest responsibilities in an officer's career.
As Commanding Officer, Colonel Manpreet Singh was responsible not only for planning operations but also for the welfare of hundreds of soldiers and officers under his command. Every decision he made carried consequences.
Those who served with him remember that he maintained an open door for his men. He knew many of them by name, listened patiently to their concerns and believed that the morale of soldiers was just as important as operational success.
Discipline remained uncompromising, but compassion was equally important.
He encouraged younger officers to think independently while ensuring that every operation was planned with meticulous attention to detail. Before any mission, he personally reviewed intelligence reports, studied maps and discussed possible scenarios with his team.
His leadership style inspired confidence because his men knew he would never ask them to undertake a task that he would not perform himself.
Choosing the Difficult Road
Every Army officer eventually receives opportunities for less demanding appointments. After years in operational areas, many move to peace postings where life becomes comparatively safer.
Colonel Manpreet Singh had such opportunities.
Yet he chose to continue serving in one of the country's most challenging counter insurgency environments.
Those who knew him later said that he felt his experience could make a difference where it mattered most. He believed that experienced commanders should remain with operational units during difficult times.
That decision reflected the values he had carried since childhood.
Service before self.
Duty before comfort.
Mission before personal safety.
These were not slogans for him. They guided every important decision of his military career.
South Kashmir in 2023
By 2023, South Kashmir remained one of the most sensitive operational regions in the country. Although the overall security situation had improved considerably compared to previous years, terrorist groups continued attempting to regroup inside the dense forests surrounding Anantnag and neighbouring districts.
The forests around Kokernag are particularly difficult to dominate. Thick vegetation, steep ridges and natural caves provide numerous hiding places. Visibility is limited, communication becomes difficult and movement is slow.
Security forces often spend days searching vast stretches of forest before establishing contact with terrorists.
Intelligence gathering therefore becomes the most critical part of every operation.
In early September 2023, security agencies received credible intelligence indicating the presence of heavily armed terrorists hiding inside the forests near Gadol in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district.
The information suggested that the group included experienced militants who had successfully avoided earlier search operations.
A carefully planned mission was prepared.
As Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel Manpreet Singh personally supervised the operational planning.
Those who attended the briefings later recalled that he carefully examined every available piece of intelligence. He wanted his men to be fully prepared before entering one of the most challenging forests in Kashmir.
None of them knew that the mission would soon become one of the most talked about counter terrorism operations in recent years.
The operation would test every quality that had defined Colonel Manpreet Singh throughout his life.
His courage.
His leadership.
And ultimately, his willingness to place himself between danger and the men he commanded.
The Final Mission and an Everlasting Legacy
The history of the Indian Army is filled with stories of officers who led from the front. They understood that true leadership is not about issuing orders from a safe distance. It is about sharing every hardship with the men under one's command. Colonel Manpreet Singh believed in that principle throughout his military career. On 13 September 2023, he lived by it one final time.
The Intelligence That Set the Operation in Motion
During the second week of September 2023, security agencies received credible intelligence that a group of heavily armed terrorists was hiding in the dense forests of Gadol, near Kokernag in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The area had long been known for its difficult terrain. Thick vegetation, steep cliffs and narrow forest tracks made surveillance extremely challenging. The natural cover also allowed terrorists to move from one location to another without being easily detected.
The intelligence suggested that the group consisted of experienced militants who were familiar with the terrain and capable of mounting a determined resistance. Such information could not be ignored. Allowing them to remain hidden posed a serious threat to civilians as well as to security personnel operating in the region.
A joint operation was planned involving the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. As the Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel Manpreet Singh personally took charge of the mission. Joining him were Major Aashish Dhonchak, another courageous Army officer, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Each of them understood the dangers that lay ahead, yet none hesitated.
Before moving into the forest, detailed planning was carried out. Intelligence inputs were analysed, possible escape routes were identified and teams were assigned specific responsibilities. The operation demanded patience because the slightest mistake could expose the troops to enemy fire.
Entering the Forest
As daylight broke, the security forces began advancing through the thick forests of Gadol. Every step required caution. The soldiers moved slowly, maintaining tactical formations while scanning the surroundings for signs of movement.
The silence of the forest often creates an illusion of safety, but experienced soldiers know that danger can appear without warning. Terrorists hiding behind rocks or dense foliage have the advantage of surprise.
Colonel Manpreet Singh moved with the leading elements of the search party. This was not unusual for him. Throughout his career, he had earned the respect of his men by remaining at the forefront during operations.
The search continued for several hours.
Then came the moment every soldier prepares for but never wishes to face.
The Encounter Begins
As the search party closed in on the suspected hideout, the terrorists suddenly opened heavy and accurate fire from well concealed positions. The firing came from elevated ground, giving the terrorists a tactical advantage.
The first few moments of any encounter are often the most critical. Confusion can spread quickly if leadership is absent.
Colonel Manpreet Singh immediately took control of the situation. Instead of seeking cover for himself alone, he began directing his men, reorganising their positions and ensuring that the injured were protected. His calmness under intense fire helped prevent panic and allowed the operation to continue.
According to the official citation issued later by the Government of India, Colonel Manpreet Singh displayed exceptional courage and leadership while leading his troops against the terrorists. Despite being under continuous enemy fire, he continued to motivate his men and coordinate the operation, placing the mission and the safety of his soldiers above his own life. His actions reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
A Leader Until His Last Breath
The exchange of fire intensified.
The terrorists had chosen their positions carefully. Dense vegetation reduced visibility, while the uneven ground made movement extremely difficult. Despite these disadvantages, Colonel Manpreet Singh refused to withdraw.
He continued issuing instructions, encouraging his men and ensuring that the terrorists remained engaged. Every decision he made under those circumstances required extraordinary courage.
During the fierce exchange of fire, he sustained critical injuries.
Even after being wounded, he continued thinking about the mission and the safety of his soldiers. That commitment to duty had defined every stage of his career, and it remained unchanged during his final moments.
Alongside him, Major Aashish Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat were also critically injured while displaying remarkable courage.
All three officers eventually succumbed to their injuries.
Their sacrifice was a painful reminder of the enormous risks undertaken every day by members of India's security forces.
Completing the Mission
The operation did not end with the loss of the three brave officers.
Additional troops were deployed, and the search continued over the following days. Security forces carefully tightened the cordon around the forest area while using advanced surveillance equipment to track the remaining terrorists.
On 16 September 2023, after sustained operations, the security forces eliminated the terrorists involved in the encounter. The successful conclusion of the mission ensured that the threat to civilians and security personnel in the region was removed.
For the soldiers of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, however, the victory carried a deep emotional cost. They had completed the mission, but they had lost the commander who had always stood beside them.
A Nation Pays Tribute
The news of Colonel Manpreet Singh's martyrdom spread rapidly across the country.
Political leaders, military commanders, veterans and ordinary citizens paid tribute to the officer who had laid down his life while leading from the front.
His mortal remains were flown to Punjab, where thousands gathered to bid farewell.
The tricolour draped over his coffin represented far more than a national flag. It symbolised a life dedicated entirely to the service of the nation.
Family members, fellow officers, veterans and local residents stood in silence as soldiers carried the coffin with dignity and respect.
The sound of the bugle echoed through the air.
The ceremonial firing party presented the final salute.
With full military honours, Colonel Manpreet Singh was cremated in his native village.
For his wife, his children and his family, it was an unimaginable loss.
For the Indian Army, it was the farewell of a respected commander.
For the nation, it was the loss of another brave son who had fulfilled his duty without hesitation.
Kirti Chakra
The courage displayed by Colonel Manpreet Singh during the Kokernag operation received the nation's highest recognition.
The President of India posthumously conferred upon him the Kirti Chakra, India's second highest peacetime gallantry award.
The honour recognised his conspicuous bravery, outstanding leadership and supreme sacrifice while leading counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
For those who had served with him, the award came as no surprise.
They had witnessed his courage long before the nation came to know his name.
The Kirti Chakra became a permanent reminder of a life devoted to duty.
The Man Behind the Uniform
Those who knew Colonel Manpreet Singh often describe him not only as an exceptional officer but also as a humble human being.
He treated his soldiers with respect.
He listened more than he spoke.
He believed discipline should be accompanied by compassion.
He remained deeply connected to his family despite the demands of military life.
His wife and children stood firmly beside him throughout his career, accepting the uncertainty that comes with serving in the armed forces. Behind every soldier is a family that quietly shares the burden of service.
Their sacrifice is rarely visible, yet it is no less real.
A Legacy That Lives On
Colonel Manpreet Singh's story is not simply about the day he became a martyr.
It is about every choice he made before that day.
He could have remained a successful Chartered Accountant.
He chose the Army.
He could have accepted safer appointments.
He chose operational service.
He could have stayed behind while others led the search.
He chose to walk at the front.
Those choices defined his character.
His life reminds us that courage is not born in a single moment. It is built through years of discipline, integrity and unwavering commitment to one's principles.
Today, young officers continue to study the leadership shown by commanders like Colonel Manpreet Singh. His example teaches that rank alone does not inspire soldiers. Character does.
His name now stands alongside countless brave men who gave everything they had for their country.
Their stories are not written merely in military records or gallantry citations.
They are written in the hearts of the soldiers who served beside them.
They are remembered by the families who continue to carry their legacy.
They are honoured by every citizen who sleeps peacefully because someone, somewhere, stood guard through the night.
Colonel Manpreet Singh did not seek fame.
He sought only to fulfil his duty.
In doing so, he earned something far greater than recognition.
He earned the everlasting respect of a grateful nation.
His journey began in a quiet village in Punjab, where a young boy dreamed of wearing the uniform worn by his father.
Years later, that dream led him through the gates of the Indian Military Academy, into the ranks of the Sikh Light Infantry, across demanding operational areas and finally to the forests of Kokernag, where he gave his life protecting the nation he loved.
Some heroes are remembered because history records their achievements.
Others become immortal because their lives define the meaning of courage.
Colonel Manpreet Singh belongs to the latter.
His story will continue to inspire generations of Indians, reminding them that the highest form of patriotism is not found in words, but in selfless service, steadfast leadership and the willingness to place the nation before oneself.
"The life of Colonel Manpreet Singh was a testament to courage. His martyrdom was the final chapter of an extraordinary journey, but his legacy will remain alive for generations to come."
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