Sepoy Arvind Singh was a dedicated soldier of the Indian Army whose life of service came to its supreme conclusion during a counter-terrorism operation in the difficult and heavily forested terrain of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, on 13 September 2024. Hailing from Lahar village in the Nadaun area of Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, Arvind Singh had chosen the path of military service with a deep sense of duty and commitment to the nation.
Born in 1997, Arvind Singh joined the Indian Army in 2019 and was recruited into the 20 Dogra Regiment. After serving with his parent unit, he was deputed to 11 Rashtriya Rifles, where he served in the challenging counter-terrorism environment of Jammu and Kashmir. By 2024, he was operating with 11 RR in Kishtwar as part of the Army’s continuing efforts to track and confront terrorists operating in the remote mountainous areas of the region.
Away from the battlefield, Sepoy Arvind Singh was a husband and a father. He married Ikhsu in 2022, and the couple was blessed with a son, Riyansh. He was also survived by his parents, Rajinder Singh and Saroj Kumari, and his younger brother Paramjit Singh. His younger brother too served in the Army, making the family’s connection with military service especially poignant.
Operation Shahpurshal: 13 September 2024
On 13 September 2024, security forces received intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the Chhatroo area of Kishtwar district. A joint operation involving troops of 11 Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in the area. Sepoy Arvind Singh was part of the Army team deployed for the operation.
The operation took the troops into the Pingnal Dugadda forest in the upper reaches of Naidgham village. At approximately 3:30 pm, contact was established with the terrorists, who opened fire on the security forces. A fierce exchange of fire followed in the difficult forested terrain. Four Army personnel were injured during the intense engagement, including Sepoy Arvind Singh and Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar.
Arvind Singh was evacuated for medical treatment after sustaining serious injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice on 13 September 2024. Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar also made the supreme sacrifice during the same operation. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute to both Bravehearts, saluting their supreme sacrifice.
Sepoy Arvind Singh was only 27 years old when he laid down his life in the service of the nation. His mortal remains were taken to his native village in Himachal Pradesh, where he was accorded full military and state honours. The Tricolour was presented to his father, Rajinder Singh, while his younger brother Paramjit Singh performed the final rites.
His sacrifice was later formally recognised through Mention-in-Despatches (Posthumous). The Government of India’s 2025 list records Sepoy Arvind Singh, The Dogra Regiment, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, among those awarded Mention-in-Despatches, while the Gazette of India specifically records the honour as posthumous.
Sepoy Arvind Singh’s journey from the quiet village of Lahar to the demanding operational environment of Jammu and Kashmir reflects the commitment of countless young soldiers who serve far from home in the defence of the nation. His life was dedicated to the uniform, and his final duty took him into the forests of Kishtwar, where he stood with his comrades in the face of danger.
His name now remains part of the Roll of Honour of the Indian Army and of 11 Rashtriya Rifles. His supreme sacrifice on 13 September 2024 will forever be remembered with pride and gratitude by the nation, his regiment, his comrades, and the people of his native Himachal Pradesh.
We Remember
Lest We Forget.
