17 October 1995 | Karhama | Jammu and Kashmir
Sapper Balbir Singh of the Corps of Engineers, serving with 13 Rashtriya Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice during an encounter operation in Karhama, Jammu and Kashmir, on 17 October 1995. His actions during the operation demonstrated exceptional courage, determination and skill in close combat.
On 17 October 1995, 13 Rashtriya Rifles was conducting a search-and-encounter operation in Karhama village. At about 1330 hours, terrorists opened fire on the troops, triggering a fierce exchange that continued for approximately six hours.
Sapper Balbir Singh was among the scouts when contact with the terrorists was established. He shot one terrorist before the man could take cover. He then continued to pursue the enemy, maintaining contact and helping corner the terrorists inside two houses.
The terrorists inside the houses opened indiscriminate fire on the troops. As daylight began to fade, Sapper Balbir Singh decided to close in on the enemy position. He broke open a window, charged into a room and engaged a terrorist in hand-to-hand combat, killing him.
During the close-quarter fight, Sapper Balbir Singh sustained a gunshot wound to the neck. He succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital on 17 October 1995. During the operation, he had killed two terrorists, and two AK rifles were recovered.
His actions reflected exemplary devotion to duty, raw courage and exceptional skill at arms in the face of intense enemy fire. Sapper Balbir Singh was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his gallantry.
Sapper Balbir Singh, The Honour Post pays tribute to your courage, determination and supreme sacrifice. Your willingness to close in on the enemy despite grave danger remains an enduring example of devotion to duty.
