Fearless Tales: Daring stand that helped save Poonch in 1971 India-Pakistan war

The annals of the 1971 India Pakistan war are filled with stories of extraordinary courage, but few are as gripping as the heroism of Major Panjab Singh. A gallant son of Hamirpur, Major Panjab Singh earned the prestigious Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery while defending the strategic town of Poonch.

During the war in the northern theatre, Major Panjab Singh served as a company commander in 6 Sikh, deployed in the Poonch sector under 93 Infantry Brigade of 25 Infantry Division. At a time when Pakistani forces launched a determined offensive to capture Poonch, 6 Sikh rose to the challenge and fought one of the most heroic defensive battles of the campaign.

Major Panjab Singh receives Vir Chakra from VV Giri. the then President.

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The battalion’s courage was widely recognised, earning it one Maha Vir Chakra and five Vir Chakras, including the honour for Major Panjab Singh. Major Panjab Singh’s rifle company held the company-defended locality of Tund, adjacent to Point 406. After suffering defeat at nearby positions, the enemy launched a fierce bi-directional assault on Tund in an attempt to enter Poonch. Anticipating the attack, Major Panjab Singh swiftly reorganised his defences and successfully repelled the first assault during the first night.

The following night, the enemy regrouped for another push. Demonstrating remarkable tactical acumen, Major Panjab Singh repositioned reinforcements and prepared his troops for a close combat.

Major Panjab Singh with Jagjivan Ram, the then Defence Minister.

As the enemy approached assaulting distance, he surged forward with his men, raising the battle cry “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”. What followed was a ferocious hand-to-hand combat in which the officer fought along with his soldiers.

For nearly half-an-hour, an intense battle raged before the attackers were forced to retreat, leaving behind their dead and wounded. In the final attempt, the enemy deployed Special Service Group commandos, but the determined defenders under Major Panjab Singh’s dynamic leadership repelled the attack again. For his exemplary leadership, fearless conduct and outstanding gallantry throughout the operation, Major Panjab Singh was awarded Vir Chakra. He later went on to command 6 Sikh from 1986 to 1990 in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired in February 1996 as Colonel after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

After the retirement, he continued to serve the nation with equal dedication as Director of the state Rajya Sainik Board for three years, leaving behind a legacy of courage, leadership and patriotic commitment.

Sepoy to Vir Chakra awardee

The life of Major Panjab Singh, a decorated hero of the 1971 war, stands as a powerful story of dedication, courage and perseverance. Born on February 15, 1942, at Sikander in Hamirpur, he was the son of Partap Singh and grew up in a family with a proud military tradition.

Major Panjab Singh received his early education at his native village Tikker and completed his matriculation from DAV High School, Tauni Devi, Hamirpur. Inspired by the martial legacy of his family and the spirit of Himachal’s “Veer Bhoomi”, he joined the Army as a sepoy. After serving for three years in the ranks, his determination and talent earned him a place in the prestigious Army Cadet College. He was commissioned into 6 Sikh Regiment on December 16, 1967.

Five years later, his exceptional bravery in the 1971 war earned him Vir Chakra.

Blessed with two sons and a daughter, he was remembered by his loved ones as caring, calm and deeply inspiring. Major Panjab Singh passed away in May 2022 during the Covid pandemic, just two days after losing one of his sons.

He is survived by his wife Vidhya Devi, a son working as a banker, and a daughter married to a Lieutenant General. His daughter fondly recalls him as a man with a warm sense of humour who encouraged his children to read widely and face life’s challenges with composure.