Naik Chand Singh MVC

Naik Chand Singh was born in a village of Jaid, Rampuraphul in Punjab in 1922. Son of Shri Phuman Singh, Naik Chand Singh was recruited into 1 Sikh Regiment on 21st March 1939. After completing his training Naik Chand Singh served with his unit in places having different terrain and operating conditions. By 1947, Naik Chand Singh had evolved into an experienced and committed soldier with considerable expertise in field craft skills. During 1947, Naik Chand Singh’s unit was deployed in Uri sector of J & K.

Uri Operation : 22-23 Nov 1947

During the Indo-Pak war of 1947, the domination in Uri sector was very vital to thwart the enemy’s attempt to advance to Srinagar. By 13th Nov 1947, Indian Forces had recaptured Uri , but the enemy troops maintained constant pressure on Uri-Poonch area. On 22 November 1947 an Indian Picket was attacked by the 600 strong enemy force on a hill across the  Jhelum river at 22.15 hrs. This picket was held by 1 Sikh platoon and was very crucial in the defence of the Uri camp.The enemy attacked the Indian picket in three waves from a feature overlooking the picket about 750 meters away.

Naik Chand Singh was leading a section of the platoon that was manning that crucial picket. The enemy forces carried out the assault with heavy automatic fire. Naik Chand Singh held off fire until the first enemy wave was within 25 yards of his position, and then opened up with all he had-LMG, rifles and hand grenades. The enemy was completely surprised and withdrew some 20 yards and took up position behind boulders and bushes. At this juncture, Naik Chand Singh realized that his hand grenades could not reach the enemy position, so he came out of his trench thrice in spite of heavy enemy fire and standing in the open hurled grenade after grenade at the enemy. During this daredevil action Naik Chand Singh got wounded in the forearm.

Frustrated by Naik Chand Singh’s heroics, at about 2230 hrs the enemy brought a 3-inch mortar into action. Naik Chand Singh, in spite of his wounded arm, volunteered to lead a raid to destroy this mortar. The party, making good use of cover, crawled up to within a few yards of the mortar position. Here Naik Chand Singh threw a couple of grenades and charged the mortar position with bayonets. Naik Chand Singh killed one of the crew with his bayonet and the remainder fled. The mortar was put out of action. then, Naik Chand Singh withdrew safely with his two comrades.

The enemy was still in position behind cover on the left flank. As the automatic and rifle fire was not effective Naik Chand Singh came out of his trench and started throwing grenades. However during this rare display of daredevilry, Naik Chand Singh got a burst of enemy LMG fire and was martyred. The destruction of the mortar demoralized the enemy and they did not put in another attack. Naik Chand Singh’s gallant action saved the picket and stopped the enemy’s advance.

Naik Chand Singh was awarded Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for his conspicuous gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice.