Born on 19 March 1965, Sepoy Bachittar Singh served with the 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment. He was among the Indian Army personnel deployed to Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force during Operation Pawan.
Operation Pawan involved extensive military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Indian troops operating in Sri Lanka faced a difficult battlefield environment, with attacks from concealed positions, ambushes, landmines and booby traps posing constant threats to patrols and movement along important routes.
On 6 November 1987, a patrol of 26 Punjab was assigned the task of clearing the road between Trincomalee and Nilaveli in Sri Lanka. The route was important for the movement of troops, and its clearance was necessary to facilitate military operations in the area.
During the task, the patrol came under a carefully planned ambush by LTTE fighters who opened fire with automatic weapons from concealed positions.
Sepoy Bachittar Singh was struck by a burst of light machine-gun fire. Despite being wounded, he refused to withdraw from the fight. He charged towards the attackers, returning fire as he advanced and closing the distance between himself and the enemy.
Continuing his assault despite the enemy fire, he engaged one of the attackers at close quarters with his bayonet. His aggressive response under fire disrupted the ambush and gave his fellow soldiers an opportunity to react.
During the continuing engagement, a grenade exploded close to him, causing his martyrdom. His comrades, inspired by his courage and determination, launched a counter-charge against the attackers. Three LTTE fighters, including the leader of the ambush party, were killed during the action.
Sepoy Bachittar Singh made the supreme sacrifice while serving with 26 Punjab during Operation Pawan. His conduct in the face of a determined enemy reflected extraordinary courage, determination and commitment to his fellow soldiers.
For his conspicuous gallantry and selfless action during the ambush, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. His bravery remains part of the history of the Indian Army's service in Sri Lanka and the sacrifices made by its personnel during Operation Pawan.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Sepoy Bachittar Singh, Vir Chakra (Posthumous), remembering his courage and supreme sacrifice on 6 November 1987.
