Sep Makhan Singh

Sepoy Makhan Singh hailed from Dinanagar in Pathankot district of Punjab and was born on 15th Nov 1979. Son of Shri Hansraj Singh and Smt Laaj Kaur, Sep Makhan Singh had a brother Mahindra Singh and a sister Sonia has his siblings. Like many young people in Punjab, he too was fascinated with army life and nursed a dream of joining the army since his childhood. Eventually he joined the army on 3rd July 1999 at the age of 19 years.

He was recruited into the 4 Sikh LI Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, an infantry Regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and various battle honours. After serving for sometime, he was posted to the trouble torn J&K area.  

Nowgam Operation (J&K): 14 Jan 2002

During 2021, Sep Makhan Singh’s unit 4 Sikh LI battalion was deployed in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and was engaged in operations against the militants on a regular basis. On 14th Jan 2002, there was an attempt by the militants from across the border to sneak into the valley in the Nowgam sector about 100 kms from Srinagar. The troops of the 4 Sikh LI battalion were already on high alert as the intelligence sources had informed the security forces about such possible attempts along the LOC. On getting specific intelligence, the troops of the 4 Sikh LI battalion launched a search and cordon operation in the suspected area in its AOR(Area of Responsibility). Sep Makhan Singh was part of the team that was entrusted with the task of taking on the infiltrators.

Sep Makhan Singh and his comrades reached the suspected area and launched the search and cordon operation. The troops some time later made contact with the terrorists, who fired at the troops on being challenged.  A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter with heavy exchange of fire from both sides. During the operation, Sep Makhan Singh got severely injured in the exchange of fire. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.  Sep Makhan Singh was a valiant and dedicated soldier, who at the young age of 24 years, laid down his life in the service of the nation. 

Sep Makhan Singh is survived by his father Shri Hansraj Singh, and mother Smt Laaj Kaur, brother Shri Mahindra Singh and sister Smt Sonia. 

• A Government Girls' Senior Secondary School in Dinanagar in Pathankot district has been named after Sep Makhan Singh in his honour.