1971 war hero – a decorated army veteran, falls to COVID

In line with officers, he was cremated with full army honours, as per the stringent pandemic protocols on Monday.

On Sunday, Might 23, 2021, India misplaced `71 struggle hero Colonel Panjab Singh to COVID associated problems on the age of 79. He was the hero of the Battle of Poonch through the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation Struggle, and was the recipient of the third highest struggle time gallantry award — the Vir Chakra. In line with officers, he was cremated with full army honours, as per the stringent pandemic protocols on Monday.

In line with Maj Gen (Retd) Ajay Das, “He was born February 15, 1942, and on December 16, 1967, he was commissioned into the sixth Battalion, of The Sikh Regiment.” “He went on to have the honour of commanding the distinguished Battalion from Oct 12, 1986 to Jul 29, 1990.

Lt Gen DP Pandey, who’s the present commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, is the son in legislation of late Col Panjab Singh.

Tributes by former ADGPI Maj Gen (Retd) Ajay Das

Col Panjab Singh, VrC, was my ex Commanding Officer.

He went on to have the honour of commanding the distinguished Battalion from 12 Oct 1986 to 29 Jul 1990.

In 1971 struggle, throughout Operation Cactus Lilly, 6 SIKH occupied 13 KMs frontage on the heights above Poonch protecting two strategic factors, the lack of which might have instantly threatened Poonch. Col Panjab Singh, VrC (Retd) then a Main, was commanding an organization deployed at Tund which had been really restricted to a platoon with the corporate headquarter. Enemy attacked the place with greater than a Battalion on 03 December 1971, supported by artillery and mortar hearth. The subsequent 72 hours have been classical defensive battle fought by the fierce troopers of 6 SIKH underneath the inspiring command of Col (then Main) Panjab Singh.

The enemy got here as shut as few meters to the defenses. Col Panjab with full disregard for his security, moved from trench to trench and ensured that every weapon underneath his command engaged the assaulting pressure until the attacking pressure retreated abandoning their lifeless and weapons. The enemy attacked the place 9 instances over two nights which have been equally foiled. For this courageous act he was awarded the distinguished VrC on Dec 24, 1971.

“Submit retirement Col Panjab Singh was the Director of Sainik Welfare, Himachal Pradesh and he devoted himself to take care of the welfare of veteran’s fraternity. He was additionally the Vice President, Indian Ex Service League, and Himachal Pradesh of Southern Space. A preferred gentleman, as a veteran he continued to encourage a era of younger officers who have been fortunate to work together with him. He leaves behind a proud legacy of a courageous soldier and a gentleman.”

“Col Panjab Singh, VrC (Retd) handed away on the age of 79 at Command Hospital, Chandimandir. Lately Col Panjab Singh, VrC (Retd) who had efficiently recovered from COVID, suffered from post-COVID medical problems and left for heavenly abode on Sunday (Might 23, 2021).

Sadly, on Might 21, 2021, his elder son Anil Kumar had additionally succumbed to COVID. He’s survived by his spouse Mrs Vidya Devi, their daughter Mrs Usha, son Ajay Kumar, son in legislation Lt Gen DP Pandey, daughters in legislation Mrs Smriti, Mrs Suman and grandchildren.”