On 23 August 1997, two soldiers of 24 Punjab, Major Deepender Bhuchar and Lance Naik Shamsher Singh, displayed extraordinary courage during intense firing along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu & Kashmir. Both continued fighting despite suffering grievous injuries and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Both were later awarded the Vir Chakra, posthumously, for their gallantry.
Major Deepender Bhuchar, Vir Chakra
24 Punjab | The Punjab Regiment
Major Deepender Bhuchar hailed from Firozpur, Punjab, and came from a family in which he had developed an inclination towards military service from an early age. He was commissioned into 24 Punjab of the Punjab Regiment, an infantry unit with a long record of service. By August 1997, he was serving as a Company Commander with his unit in the Uri sector.
At the time, 24 Punjab was deployed along forward positions near the Line of Control. The terrain was rugged and the posts were situated in difficult high-altitude conditions. Soldiers were required to maintain constant vigilance, conduct patrols and remain prepared for firing from across the Line of Control.
On the morning of 23 August 1997, heavy firing began on the unit's forward positions. One of the isolated posts came under intense mortar, artillery and heavy machine-gun fire.
Major Bhuchar was at Nanak Post when the situation developed. Realising that the forward position needed immediate support, he moved through the crawl trench towards the post despite the continuing enemy fire.
Once there, he personally took charge of the retaliation.
He moved into the open and manned a 106 mm recoilless gun, exposing himself to considerable danger. Alongside Lance Naik Shamsher Singh, he engaged an enemy bunker and destroyed it, killing two enemy soldiers in the process.
The battle, however, was far from over.
An enemy mortar shell caused grievous splinter wounds to both Major Bhuchar and Lance Naik Shamsher Singh. Despite their injuries, neither abandoned the fight.
Major Bhuchar continued operating the recoilless gun and subsequently engaged another enemy heavy machine-gun bunker with an 84 mm rocket launcher. The bunker was destroyed by a direct hit.
By then, Major Bhuchar had suffered severe blood loss and was in a semi-conscious state. Yet he continued to motivate his soldiers and direct the retaliatory fire.
He continued doing so until his final moments.
Major Deepender Bhuchar made the supreme sacrifice on 23 August 1997.
In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, fighting spirit and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, posthumously. The forward position was later named Buchar Post in his honour.
Lance Naik Shamsher Singh, Vir Chakra
24 Punjab | The Punjab Regiment
Lance Naik Shamsher Singh was born on 30 April 1969 and hailed from Sangrur district of Punjab. He was the son of Bikar Singh and Surjit Kaur and joined the Army after completing his schooling. He was posted with 24 Punjab and was part of Delta Company.
On 23 August 1997, Lance Naik Shamsher Singh was deployed at Nanak Post in the North Jhelum sector of Uri.
When the firing intensified, he stood alongside Major Bhuchar in the battle.
The two soldiers engaged an enemy bunker with the 106 mm recoilless gun, destroying it and eliminating two enemy soldiers. During the engagement, Shamsher Singh was seriously wounded by mortar splinters.
But he refused to be evacuated.
Instead, despite his wounds, he took control of an 84 mm rocket launcher detachment and continued the fight. He engaged another enemy bunker and destroyed it, also eliminating another enemy soldier.
His condition continued to deteriorate, but he remained at his weapon.
According to the citation for his gallantry award, Lance Naik Shamsher Singh continued firing even while semi-conscious. He eventually breathed his last while still engaged in the battle.
He was 26 years old.
For his exceptional courage, fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice, Lance Naik Shamsher Singh was awarded the Vir Chakra, posthumously, on 26 January 1998.
Two Soldiers, One Battle
The story of Major Deepender Bhuchar and Lance Naik Shamsher Singh is closely connected.
They stood together at a forward position when it came under intense enemy fire. They operated their weapons under extremely dangerous conditions. When both were seriously wounded, they chose to remain at their posts and continue the fight.
Major Bhuchar continued directing the response and motivating his men despite severe blood loss.
Lance Naik Shamsher Singh refused evacuation and continued firing his weapon until his final moments.
Their actions were not simply acts of individual courage. They also reflected the bond between a commander and the soldiers serving alongside him.
The forward post where Major Bhuchar fought that day was later named Buchar Post, ensuring that his name would remain connected to the ground where he made his final stand.
Remembering Their Sacrifice
Nearly three decades later, the events of 23 August 1997 remain part of the history of the soldiers who served along the Line of Control.
Major Deepender Bhuchar, Vir Chakra
24 Punjab | The Punjab Regiment
Lance Naik Shamsher Singh, Vir Chakra
24 Punjab | The Punjab Regiment
Uri Sector, Jammu & Kashmir
23 August 1997
Two soldiers who remained at their posts under relentless fire.
Two soldiers who continued fighting after being grievously wounded.
Two soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Their service is remembered.
Their courage is honoured.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
**Lest We Forget.**
