Kartar Singh

Biography

Havildar Kartar Singh hailed from Bhaderwah town in the picturesque Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Known for his unwavering commitment and courage, he served with distinction in the 12th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, earning through years of discipline and dedication the respect of his officers and men. During Operation Vijay in June 1999, his battalion was tasked with recapturing Point 5203 in the Batalik sector. As part of a specialised thirteen-member team led by Captain Amol Kalia, he was airlifted into the hostile heights on 7 June 1999, and the assault on the heavily fortified enemy positions was launched in the early hours of 9 June. After establishing a foothold on the north-western slopes amid repeated enemy counter-attacks, Havildar Kartar Singh succumbed to his injuries on 10 June 1999, falling alongside Rifleman Tarsaim Lal. His sacrifice in the recapture of this strategically vital feature contributed to India's success in the Batalik sector, and he is remembered with deep respect for his valour and devotion to duty.