1971 war hero dies, cremation in Chandigarh on Tuesday
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 24
A hero of the Battle of Poonch during the 1971 India-Pak war, Col Panjab Singh, died at Command Hospital Chandimandir on Sunday.
He had recovered from Covid-19 and was out of the intensive care unit (ICU). This morning he passed away.
Awarded the Vir Chakra – the third highest war-time gallantry award – the colonel hailed from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh and was in the Sixth battalion of the Sikh Regiment.
During the war, he as a major and commanding a company deployed in the Western Sector.
December 3, 1971, the company was attacked by two enemy companies supported by artillery and mortar fire.
The Sikh Regiment boys retaliated and held back the attackers.
“Three more attempts by the enemy to assault the position were similarly foiled in the next two days,” read his citation for the gallantry award.
Sadly, just four days ago he had lost his son, Anil Singh to Covid at a hospital in Delhi.
Col Panjab Singh’s son-in-law is serving as a Lieutenant General of the Indian Army, posted as Corps Commander.
