Rifleman Mohan Singh VrC

Rifleman Mohan Singh hailed from Ketoo Kalan village in Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan and was born on 1st January 1962. Son of Shri Shaitan Singh, he developed a keen interest in Armed Forces since his younger days. Following his inclination, he got selected to join the army and eventually donned the military uniform. He was recruited into the 11 Raj Rif battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours.

Sri Lankan Operations(Op Pawan) : 29 Jul 1989

After the induction of Indian forces in Aug 1987, the militants were supposed to surrender but the dreaded LTTE backed out and unleashed a war on Indian forces. By Jul 1989, Indian forces had undertaken numerous operations against LTTE but the war was far from over. Rfn Mohan Singh’s unit, 11 Raj Rif, as part of Operation Pawan was tasked for one such operation on 29th Jul 1989. Based on the intelligence sources regarding the frequent move of militants in Tanniyuttu town in Sri Lanka, an operation was planned by the security forces on 29 July 1989. Rfn Mohan Singh was part of the team of 11 Raj Rif battalion that was assigned the task. He was Light Machine Gunner No 1 in the ambush platoon.

As the ambush was located in a built up area, the militants received information regarding the presence of troops. At about 1220 hours, militants numbering 60 to 80 opened heavy fire on the ambush party. Rfn Mohan Singh responded immediately and engaged the militants effectively. While firing, he suddenly saw a group of militants rushing to the neighboring section to snatch the weapons from the injured soldiers. Without caring for his own safety and displaying tremendous courage, he rushed with his Light Machine Gun and brought down heavy fire on the militants, inflicting casualties on them. The militants fired back but had to fall back owing to this daredevil attack. However while doing so, Rfn Mohan Singh got hit by bullets and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Rfn Mohan Singh was a courageous soldier, who fought gallantly to save his fellow soldiers and their weapons.

Rfn Mohan Singh showed commendable courage and camaraderie and laid down his life in the service of the nation. Rfn Mohan Singh was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his exceptional courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice.

Citation for the 'Vir Chakra' awarded to him reads:-

On 29 July 1989, information regarding the frequent move of militants in Tanniyuttu town in Sri Lanka was received. Accordingly, an Ambush was planned.  Rifleman Mohan Singh was Light Machine Gunner No 1 in the ambush platoon. As the ambush was located in a built up area, the militants received information regarding their presence. At about 1220 hours, militants numbering 60 to 80 opened heavy fire on the ambush party. Rifleman Mohan Singh responded immediately and engaged the militants effectively. While firing, he suddenly saw a group of militants rushing to the neighboring section to snatch the weapons from the injured soldiers. Unmindful of the risk to his life and displaying tremendous courage, he rushed with his Light Machine Gun and brought down heavy fire on the militants, inflicting casualties on them. The militants fired back but had to beat a hasty retreat due to this onslaught. In the process, Rifleman Mohan Singh was hit and met a glorious end. He fought gallantly to save his fellow soldiers and their weapons.