Rifleman Atma Singh

Rifleman Atma Singh hailed from Chapper village in Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir and was born on 5 Oct 1980. Son of Shri Narayan Singh and Smt Santosh Devi, he had a brother Vikram Singh, and sisters Babli Devi & Vijaylakshmi as his siblings. He joined the Indian Army after passing his matriculation examination on 8 Feb 1999 at the age of 19 years. He was recruited into 11 JAK LI Battalion of the J&K Light Infantry regiment, known for its brave soldiers and various battle honours. After serving for sometime with his parent unit, Rfn Atma Singh was deputed to serve with the 27 RR Battalion deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations.

Surankot Operation: 27 Nov 2001

During 2001, Rfn Atma Singh was serving with 27 Rashtriya Rifles, deployed in the Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir. The unit was operating in a militant-infested area and consequently, it had to undertake operations against the militants on a frequent basis. Major Ashok Sangali of 27 RR battalion was tasked to lead one such operation on 27 Nov 2001. Rfn Atma Singh was made part of the team that was tasked to undertake this operation. When Rfn Atma Singh along with his comrades were on their way to Kaka Hills in the Surankot sector of the Poonch district, they were attacked by a group of heavily armed militants. Though the attack was sudden, Maj Ashok Sangali and his troops rose to the occasion and swung into action.

It was a pre-planned attack by the militants who were hiding in safe places and using automatic weapons. The ensuing gun battle was fierce and lasted for over 24 hours. However, during the exchange of fire, Rfn Atma Singh received gunshots and was seriously injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Rfn Atma Singh was a valiant and committed soldier, who laid down his life at the age of 21 years in the line of duty.

Rfn Atma Singh is survived by his father Shri Narayan Singh, mother Smt Santosh Devi, brother Shri Vikram Singh and sisters Smt Babli Devi and Smt Vijaylakshmi.

• The school in Chanunta village in Ramnagar Tehsil of Udhampur district in Jammu & Kashmir, has been named as " Amar Shaheed Atma SIngh Memorial Govt Middle School" in his honour.