1971 Indo-Pak war hero dies of post-Covid complications
JAMMU/CHANDIGARH: Col Panjab Singh (retd), a 1971 Indo-Pak war hero and recipient of the third highest gallantry wartime award Vir Chakra, passed away at the age of 79 at Command Hospital, Chandimandir.
Having successfully recovered from Covid-19, he died on Monday evening due to some medical complications, said defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand. His elder son Anil Kumar had also succumbed to Covid on May 21.
Born on February 15, 1942, Singh was commissioned into the 6th Batallion of the SIKH Regiment on December 16, 1967.
He went on to command the prestigious Battalion from October 12, 1986, to July 29, 1990.
In the 1971 war, during Operation Cactus Lilly, 6 SIKH occupied 13 kilometres of 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. The enemy attacked the position with more than a Battalion on December 3, 1971, supported by artillery and mortar fire. The next 72hours 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 Vir Chakra on December 24, 1971,” said Col Anand.
Post-retirement, Col Panjab Singh was the director of Sainik Welfare, Himachal Pradesh, and dedicated himself to the welfare of the veteran’s fraternity.
“He was also the vice president, Indian Ex-Service League, Himachal Pradesh of Southern Area. As a veteran he continued to inspire a generation of young officers lucky to interact with him. He leaves behind a proud legacy of a brave soldier and a gentleman,” said the spokesman.