Col Manpreet’s last words to his wife echo in the grieving home: ‘Abhi op main jaa raha hoon’
The nation salutes the supreme sacrifice of three officers and one rifleman who laid down their lives as per the highest traditions while fighting the terrorists in Anantnag. Today, the whole nation pays condolences to the bereaved families.
Join Operation launched
According to reports by the security personnel, an operation was launched on 12/13 Sep night in the area along with elements of 19 RR and J & K Police against the suspected terrorists. The operation was commanded by Col Singh. As per the planning, the joint team initiated the search operation in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir.
A smell of suspicion reached the terrorists, and a fierce gun battle ensued thereafter with a heavy exchange of fire from both sides in the Gadole forest of Kokernag.
However, during the exchange of fire, Col Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak from 19 RR and DSP J&K Police Humayun Bhatt and Rifleman Ravi Kumar received gunshots and got severely injured. Retrieving the bodies turned out to be a challenging task because of the advantageous position occupied by the terrorists.
Col Manpreet Singh and background
Col Manpreet Singh was a valiant soldier and an officer of substance. He was active in leading from the front whenever his duty demanded him to do so. He displayed immense courage and leadership of a very high order during the operation and laid down his life at the age of 41 years in the service of the nation.
Colonel Singh was known for his unconventional approach and cordial relations with locals. Maj Yash Mor who has served in the area talks of immense local support received by forces.
Col Singh was awarded the prestigious Sena Medal for Gallantry in 2021 for his exceptional services. Col Singh's son Kabir Singh, and daughter Bani Kaur are 7 years and 2 years of age respectively.
Colonel Manpreet Singh was born in 1982. His native village is Bharonjian near Mullanpur in the Mohali district of Punjab. His father, Late Naik Lakhmeer Singh was an Army veteran. His ancestors, grandfather Sheetal Singh, and uncle Ranjit Singh also served in the army and inspired him to display exemplary courage.
After completing his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya Mullanpur, he pursued his higher studies in Chandigarh. As mentioned by his Uncle, he used to travel by bicycle to reach the city. Col had a longing to serve the nation by joining the Armed Forces while growing up.
He completed B. Com from SD College Sector-32 Chandigarh. He studied Chartered Accountancy for a few years and worked as a Chartered Accountant thereafter.
Some reports mention his friends calling him being very professional in his work. As he always nurtured the idea of joining forces, he took the CDS exam in 2004 and passed out from the IMA, Dehradun in 2005 at the ripe age of 23 years.
He was commissioned into the 12 Sikh LI Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regt, a well-known and decorated infantry Regiment of the Indian Army. He also had a passion for photography and his camera acted as an icing on the cake to beautiful scenes of Africa, wherein he was posted in IPKF. In 2016, he got married to Ms Jagmeet Kaur in the year 2016.
Later he was deputed to serve with the 19 RR Battalion as 2IC for counter-insurgency operations in the sensitive areas of J&K. This continued for three years after which he assumed the role as a commanding officer of the unit.
Proud Family
His uncle, Chacha ji, while talking to the media mentions highly of Colonel. He talks about him being so dedicated and secretive towards forces. His uncle said that Col Manpreet Singh never talked about operations and never shared other confidential information with the family.
Welled-up eyes of a mother
A wailing mother who still waits for her child told the media person that her son worked so hard at each step of his life. Colonel Manpreet Singh used to mention about the workload and his priorities. He always preferred country over family. They used to get to call after eight days or so.
She was not told about the news initially but she sensed the pall of darkness and apprehensive faces by the hordes of people surrounding their house. She says, "I wish Manpreet remained on the lower ranks so that I could see my son around today. But, she has immense courage to accept the service of his son towards the nation."
She applauds Manpreet as being a grounded son who never bragged about his accolades and is proud of his son. She has anger inside her surrounding the issue of terrorism and wishes for every soldier's safety who is posted in the sensitive area.
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