19 October 1987 | Remembering a brave sapper
On 19 October 1987, Sapper Mahipal Singh Jhajharia of the 270 Engineer Regiment, Corps of Engineers, made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka while serving with the Indian Peace Keeping Force.
Born on 8 June 1960 in Govla village, Chirawa tehsil, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, he was the son of Sultan Ram Jhajharia and Marwan Devi. He joined the Indian Army on 28 July 1984 and served with the Corps of Engineers.
Combat engineers, commonly known as sappers, provide essential support to military formations. Their responsibilities can include clearing routes, overcoming obstacles, supporting troop movement and dealing with explosive hazards. These tasks are particularly dangerous during active operations, when engineering personnel may have to work under hostile fire or in areas where explosives have been concealed.
In 1987, Sapper Mahipal Singh Jhajharia was deployed to northern Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan. The operation followed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord but developed into intense fighting after the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam resisted the disarmament process. The Jaffna Peninsula became a major theatre of operations, with Indian troops facing fortified positions, explosive hazards and resistance in built-up areas.
As Indian formations advanced during October 1987, engineer units played an important role in supporting movement through difficult and contested terrain. Sapper Mahipal Singh Jhajharia made the supreme sacrifice on 19 October 1987 during the Jaffna operations.
His service represents the contribution of combat engineers whose work is essential to the movement and operational effectiveness of military formations. Their responsibilities demand technical proficiency, concentration and courage in conditions where danger can be concealed and immediate.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Sapper Mahipal Singh Jhajharia of the 270 Engineer Regiment, Corps of Engineers, who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan. His service and sacrifice will be remembered with honour and gratitude.
