| Name | Subedar Major Mahendra Singh |
|---|---|
| Rank | Subedar Major, then Subedar |
| Unit | 9 PARA (Special Forces) |
| Awards | Kirti Chakra, Sena Medal |
| Date of Action | 2 September 2015 |
| Place | Darel Forest, Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir |
Subedar Major Mahendra Singh is a distinguished soldier of the Indian Army whose service reflects exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to his comrades. A member of the elite 9 PARA (Special Forces), he built his reputation through years of demanding operational service and repeated exposure to difficult situations along the Line of Control and in counter-terrorism operations. His professionalism, battlefield experience and determination earned him the respect of the men who served alongside him. His earlier gallantry in an operation on the Line of Control was recognised with the Sena Medal, further reflecting a career marked by courage in the face of danger.
On 2 September 2015, Subedar Mahendra Singh was operating with his team in the Darel forest area of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, during a counter-terrorism operation. The team came into contact with a group of heavily armed terrorists, leading to a fierce exchange of fire in the difficult forested terrain. During the engagement, two of his comrades were wounded and came under intense enemy fire. With their safety becoming an immediate concern, Subedar Mahendra Singh moved forward with Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami to assist them, placing himself directly in the line of fire.
Extraordinary Courage in Darel Forest
As the encounter intensified, Subedar Mahendra Singh displayed remarkable courage and determination. He engaged the terrorists at close quarters and eliminated one of them. Despite the continuing exchange of fire, he pressed forward against the remaining threat. During the engagement, he was grievously wounded in the abdomen and suffered paralysis below the waist.
Even after sustaining these severe injuries, he refused to be overcome by the situation. With extraordinary determination, he continued fighting and engaged another terrorist at point-blank range, eliminating him. His actions also helped his comrades in the effort to evacuate the wounded personnel from the danger area. His conduct under fire demonstrated the highest qualities of a soldier and a leader, placing the safety of his men above his own wellbeing.
For his exceptional courage, leadership and determination during the operation, Subedar Mahendra Singh was awarded the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His recognition came in addition to the Sena Medal he had previously received for his earlier act of gallantry.
Subedar Major Mahendra Singh's story is not one of sacrifice in death, but of extraordinary courage in the face of grave injury. His actions in Darel forest stand as a testament to the fighting spirit of India's Special Forces and to the bond between a soldier and his comrades. His determination to continue protecting his men despite being critically wounded remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Indian military valour.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Subedar Major Mahendra Singh for his distinguished service, extraordinary courage and unwavering devotion to his comrades and the nation.
Lest We Forget.
