Kishan Singh Bhandari, SM

Biography

Lance Naik Kishan Singh Bhandari hailed from Jajurali village in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The son of Shri Man Singh Bhandari, he was drawn to military service from his early days and joined the Army after completing his schooling. He was recruited into the 18 Garhwal Rifles Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its courageous soldiers and distinguished battle record. By 1999 he had accumulated substantial years of service across varied operational terrains. During the Kargil War, his battalion was inducted into the Drass sector under 56 Mountain Brigade. As part of Operation Vijay, 18 Garhwal Rifles was tasked with capturing Tommy, Saddle and Point 4700, a feature that dominated the Drass valley and the national highway. The assault began at 2030 hours on 28 June 1999, with troops advancing under relentless artillery and automatic fire over treacherous ground. In fierce hand-to-hand fighting for the heavily fortified bunkers, Kishan Singh Bhandari and his comrades captured both Point 4700 and Tommy by 0400 hours on 29 June 1999. In the course of this action he was severely wounded and soon succumbed to his injuries. For his courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Sena Medal.