Mohan Singh, VrC

Biography

Rifleman Mohan Singh hailed from Ketoo Kalan village in Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan and was born on 1st January 1962. The son of Shri Shaitan Singh, he developed a keen interest in the armed forces from a young age. Following this inclination, he was selected to join the army and was recruited into the 11th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, an infantry regiment renowned for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours. Following the induction of Indian forces into Sri Lanka in August 1987, the LTTE reneged on its promise to surrender and unleashed a war against Indian troops. By July 1989, numerous operations had been carried out against the militants, but the conflict was far from over. Acting on intelligence about the frequent movement of militants in Tanniyuttu town, an ambush was planned by 11 Rajputana Rifles as part of Operation Pawan on 29th July 1989. Rifleman Mohan Singh was deployed as Light Machine Gunner No. 1 in the ambush platoon. As the ambush was located in a built-up area, the militants learned of the troops' presence. At about 1220 hours, a force of 60 to 80 militants opened heavy fire on the ambush party. Rifleman Mohan Singh responded immediately and engaged the enemy effectively. Noticing a group of militants rushing towards the neighbouring section to snatch weapons from injured soldiers, he charged forward with his light machine gun, unmindful of the risk to his own life, and brought down heavy fire on them, inflicting casualties and forcing them to retreat. In the process he was hit by bullets and severely wounded, later succumbing to his injuries. For his exceptional courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice, Rifleman Mohan Singh was awarded the Vir Chakra.