Lance Naik Udai Narain Singh

Lance Naik Udai Narain Singh joined the army after completing his school education. He was recruited into the 170 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, the important combat support arm of Indian Army. During 1987, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh was sent to Sri Lanka as part of IPKF operations in "Op Pawan".

Operation Pawan: 15 Dec 1987

During 1987, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh's unit 170 Field Regiment was deployed in Allahabad, as part of 4 Arty Bde under the command of Col HJ Singh.  Following Indo-Sri Lanka accord signed on 29 July 1987, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was inducted in Sri Laka in August 1987. The elements of 170 Fd Regt too were inducted into Sri Lanka from 23 Nov 1987 as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). L/Nk Udai Narain Singh also joined the team of 170 Fd Regt that was inducted as part of IPKF operations. As part of the Indo-Sri Lanka accord, the militants were supposed to surrender but the dreaded LTTE backed out and unleashed war on Indian forces. Initially only 54 division of the Army was inducted but the escalation of the operations brought three more divisions 3, 4 and 57 into the conflict. L/Nk Udai Narain Singh and his comrades had established various observation posts(OP) to monitor the activities of LTTE and secure their AOR(Area of Responsibility). The troops also launched armed patrols to monitor the area in between the posts. On 15 Dec 1987, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh proceeded with an armed patrol under the leadership of Lt Shah Maluk Dutt, to occupy one of the observation posts(OP)in their AOR.

On the morning of 15 Dec 1987, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh along with Lt SM Dutt and other soldiers set off for the OP along the pre-planned route. The route passed through thick jungle and treacherous terrain. However, despite the challenges, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh and his comrades trudged on, in the unknown terrain where springing an ambush was the norm followed by the enemy. As was the modus operandi of the LTTE, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh's team was ambushed by the insurgents in a sudden and surprising manner.  Rising to the occasion, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh's team immediately swung into action and returned fire trying to counter the ambush. The LTTE militants were hiding in safe places and attacking from vantage points. Despite being heavily outnumbered, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh and his men fought bravely unmindful of their own safety. However in the fierce gun battle, L/Nk Udai Narain Singh along with Lt SM Dutt and Gunner (TA) Satyavir Singh got severely injured. They soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. L/Nk Udai Narain Singh was a valiant soldier, who laid down his life in the service of the nation, following the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

• The Lt SM Dutt Memorial Skill-at-Arms Trophy, L/Nk Udai Narayan Memorial Kabaddi trophy and the TA Satbir Memorial Volleyball trophy were instituted in their honour. In addition, a Six-a-Side Hockey ground, Football ground and a Basketball court were built in their memory, at Allahabad, named after the fallen heroes respectively.
• Every year since that fateful day in 1987, the martyrdom of these three brave souls is celebrated as Martyrs Day in 170 Field Regiment on 15 Dec, seeking to pay homage to their supreme sacrifice and to instil a sense of pride in all ranks of the Regiment.