20 October 1988 | A life remembered through service
On 20 October 1988, Naik Shivpal Singh of 4 Jat Regiment made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He was among five soldiers of his battalion who lost their lives when a rail-opening party was ambushed while carrying out its assigned task.
Service With 4 Jat Regiment
Naik Shiv pal Ram served with 4 Jat Regiment during the Indian Army's deployment in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The mission followed the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987, but the operational environment became increasingly dangerous as armed resistance continued.
Indian soldiers were required to conduct patrols, protect movement and carry out assigned duties in areas where ambushes remained a serious threat.
The Incident
On 20 October 1988, a rail-opening party operating in Sri Lanka came under an ambush. Five soldiers of 4 Jat Regiment made the supreme sacrifice in the incident, including Naik Shivpal Singh.
The available historical accounts establish his name, rank, unit and date of sacrifice. Further personal details and individual actions during the ambush have not been added without supporting records.
Remembering His Sacrifice
Naik Shivpal Singh's sacrifice deserves remembrance alongside that of his fellow soldiers who served during Operation Pawan. Their service reflects the risks undertaken by Indian Army personnel while carrying out difficult assignments far from home.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Naik Shivpal Singh of 4 Jat Regiment, who made the supreme sacrifice on 20 October 1988. His service and devotion to duty will be remembered with respect.
