71 war decorated Army veteran falls to Covid

Chandigarh: Col Panjab Singh VrC (Retd) passed away at the age of 79 at Command Hospital, Chandimandir, on Monday due to some post Covid complications.

On May 21, his elder son Anil Kumar had also succumbed to the dreaded virus.

He is survived by his wife Vidya Devi, their daughter Usha, son Ajay Kumar, son-in-law Lt Gen D P Pandey, daughters-in-law Smriti, Suman and grandchildren.

Born on February 15, 1942, he was commissioned into 6th Batallion, The SIKH Regiment on December 16, 1967. He went on to have the honour of commanding the prestigious Battalion from October 12, 1986 to July 29, 1990.

In 1971 war, during Operation Cactus Lilly, 6 SIKH occupied 13 KMs frontage on the heights above Poonch covering two strategic points, the loss of which would have directly threatened Poonch. Col Panjab Singh, then a Major, was commanding a company deployed at Tund which had been actually limited to a platoon with the company headquarter. Enemy attacked the position with more than a Battalion on December 3, 1971, supported by artillery and mortar fire.

The next 72 hours were classical defensive battle fought by the soldiers of 6 SIKH under the command of Col (then Major) Panjab Singh. The enemy came as close as few meters to the defences. Col Panjab with complete disregard for his safety, moved from trench to trench and ensured that all weapons under his command engaged the assaulting force till the attacking force retreated leaving behind their dead and weapons. The enemy attacked the position nine times over two nights which were similarly foiled. For this brave act he was awarded the prestigious Vir Chakra on December 24, 1971.

Post retirement Col Panjab Singh was the Director of Sainik Welfare, Himachal Pradesh and he dedicated himself to look after the welfare of veteran’s fraternity. He was also the Vice President, Indian Ex Service League, Himachal Pradesh of Southern Area.

A popular gentleman, as a veteran he continued to inspire a generation of young officers who were lucky to interact with him. He leaves behind a proud legacy of a brave soldier and a gentleman. (UNI)