Veteran of 1971 War Falls Prey of COVID-19
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The
war veteran of 1972, Col Panjab Singh, VrC (Retd), falls prey of deadly
coronavirus at Command Hospital of Chandimandir last evening. He was 79 year
old. Recently, Singh had already recovered from the illness, but due to some
post COVID medical complications he died last evening.
Born on February 15, 1942, Panjab Singh
was commissioned into the 6thBatallion, the SIKH Regiment on16 Dec 1967. He
went on to have the honour of commanding the prestigious Battalion from 12 Oct
1986 to 29 Jul 1990. Post retirement Col Panjab Singh was the Director of
Sainik Welfare, Himachal Pradesh and he dedicated himself to look after the welfare
of veteran’s fraternity. He was also the Vice President, Indian Ex Service
League, Himachal Pradesh of Southern Area. A popular gentleman, as a veteran he
continued to inspire a generation of young officers who were lucky to interact
with him. He leaves behind a proud legacy of a brave soldier and a gentleman.
In 1971 war, during Operation Cactus
Lilly, 6 SIKH occupied 13 KMs frontage on the heights above Poonch covering two
strategic points, the loss of which would have directly threatened Poonch. Col
Panjab Singh, VrC (Retd) then a Major, was commanding a company deployed at
Tund which had been actually limited to a platoon with the company headquarter.
Enemy attacked the position with more than a Battalion on 03 December 1971,
supported by artillery and mortar fire. The next 72 hours were classical
defensive battle fought by the fierce soldiers of 6 SIKH under the inspiring
command of Col (then Major) Panjab Singh. The enemy came as close as few meters
to the defences. Col Panjab with complete disregard for his safety, moved from
trench to trench and ensured that all weapons under his command engaged the
assaulting force till the attacking force retreated leaving behind their dead
and weapons. The enemy attacked the position nine times over two nights which
were similarly foiled. For this brave act he was awarded the prestigious VrC on
December 24, 1971.
