Udey Veer Anthal
The history of the Duggar region is deeply intertwined with a proud martial tradition. From the legendary campaigns of General Zorawar Singh Kahluria under the rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh to the modern battlefields where Dogra soldiers serve with distinction in the Indian Army, the people of this land have long been known for their courage, resilience, and loyalty in the service of the nation. Over generations, the Dogras have built a reputation as fearless warriors whose commitment to duty often placed them in the frontlines of the country’s defence.
Among the highest recognitions of such battlefield gallantry is the Vir Chakra, which is the third highest wartime gallantry award in the country. The district of Udhampur has produced several brave sons who earned this prestigious honour through their extraordinary courage in combat.
Their stories are not merely accounts of individual heroism but they represent the enduring Dogra spirit of valour, sacrifice, and service to the nation. This article remembers four such heroes from the Udhampur district whose bravery on the battlefield brought glory to the country and everlasting pride to their homeland.
SUBEDAR KRISHAN SINGH JAMWAL
Subedar Krishan Singh Jamwal belonged to village Urlian of Udhampur District. Like many other young men of the region, he also had the passion for joining the armed forces. After completing his basic education, he joined the State Forces of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was inducted into the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
During the Indo Pak war of 1947-48, Poonch sector came under the attack from enemy and in the process Picket No.12 was captured by the enemy. It became very important to recapture the post as it was strategically very important. In order to recapture the post, a small group was formed and was given the task. This small group was led by Subedar Krishan Singh Jamwal. On the midnight of July 15-16, 1948, they decided to recapture the picket. Under the leadership of Subedar Krishan Singh Jamwal, the group fought valiantly and displayed utmost courage and valour to recapture the picket. The task of recapturing the picket was completed, but during the mission Subedar Krishan Singh Jamwal lost his life. He displayed ultimate leadership skills and courage in defending the motherland against the enemy. Along with Subedar Krishan Singh Jamwal, Sepoy Bua Ditta also displayed unmatched valour and lost his life defending the motherland.
Their exemplary sacreifice and valour was recognized by the Government of India and both of them were awarded with the Vir Chakra. In the recognition of their unmatched bravery, the place where the brave soldiers lost their lives was named Krishna Ghati in the Poonch Sector.
MAJOR NARAIN SINGH
Major Narain Singh was born on August 19, 1936. His father was Kartar singh and Mother was Dhan Devi. He was born in village Krimchi-Mansar of District udhampur. After completing his education, he decided to join the Armed Forces and was commissioned into 4 JAT of the Jat regiment on June 30, 1963, with service No. IC-18086. He served with the Assam Rifles on deputation for a few years and served in the north-east during the period. During his service, he always displayed leadership qualities and courage and rose to the rank of Major. He was martyred in the 1971 Indo Pak War in the Fazilka sector, where he along with his troops displayed unmatched courage and valour.
On the 5th December 1971, Major Narain Singh, was commanding a company of a Battalion of the Jat Regiment was assigned the task of capturing an enemy locality in an area in the Fazilka sector. When the counter-attack was launched, the enemy brought down intense artillery and small arms fire inflicting heavy casualties on our troops. Undeterred Major Narain Singh led his men and charged on to the objective. In the process, he was hit by a burst from a machine gun but, he continued to direct the operation and engaged the enemy in hand to hand fighting during which he was mortally wounded. In this action, Major Narain Singh displayed gallantry leadership and determination of a high order.
SEPOY NIL KANTH
Sepoy Nil Kanth was born on December 20, 1915 in village Sarthal of the erstwhile Udhampur district. His father’s name was Shri Mangoo. From the childhood, he wanted to join Armed Forces like many other young men of the region. Joining Armed Forces was, and still today, is dream of many young men of the region. He achieved his dream of serving in the Armed Forces by joining the State Force of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with Service Number: 583. He was part of the 1 JAK Militia of the JAK Rifles. When Jammu and Kashmir acceded with the Union of India, in October 1947, the State Forces came under the command of Indian Army.
During the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48, Sepoy Nil Kanth’s unit was deployed in the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir. On December 24, 1947, Jhangar was captured by the Pakistani raiders. This gave them a strategic advantage to push their advance to Naushera and Poonch. In order to halt the Pakistani advance, various operations were launched by the Indian Army. On January 17, 1948, Sepoy Nil Kanth’s unit was deployed in the north east of Poonch, where it was defending the advancing Pakistani raiding parties. The unit was counter attacked by the enemy forces. Sepoy Nil Kanth was part of the leading group of the forward platoon that was counter attacked.
The story of his valour has been reproduced by Honourpoint. The enemy forces had succeeded in reaching the area by creeping through the jungle and nullah. Sepoy Nil Kanth realizing the gravity of the situation, crawled forward from his position through the bullet-swept area and charged at the enemy. Displaying commendable gallantry and leadership, he killed three of the enemy soldiers and kept hurling grenades on them. When he ran out of his grenades, he shouted for more grenades and meanwhile kept firing at the enemy with his rifle. However during this exchange of fire, Sepoy Nil Kanth got hit by an enemy bullet and was severely injured. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Sepoy Nil Kanth was a gallant and a gritty soldier, who displayed most conspicuous bravery and laid down his life in the line of his duty. Sepoy Nil Kanth was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his extraordinary courage, camaraderie and supreme sacrifice on 26th January 1950. (Source: Honourpoint)
LANCE NAIK JANAK SINGH
Lance Naik Janak Singh was born on February 11, 1942, in village Dandkot of erstwhile Udhampur District. His father’s name was Shri Bello Ram. After completing his school education, he decided to join the Armed Forces. He belonged to a simple rural family and the hardships faced in the childhood made him a resilient and hard-working individual. His dream of joining the Armed Forces came true on February 11, 1960, when he was recruited into the 1 JAK Milita, an infantry regiment with a proud tradition of valour and sacrifice, with Service No. 9070949L. The JAK Militia was later integrated into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Lance Naik Janak Singh’s unit, the 1 J&K Militia, was deployed in the strategically important Gurez Sector of Jammu & Kashmir. This sector, lying close to the ‘Line of Control’, was a sensitive operational area that witnessed frequent enemy activity and posed immense challenges for the defending troops. On 05 December 1971, Lance Naik Janak Singh was part of a raiding party detailed to launch an assault on an enemy post in the sector. His role was crucial, as he was positioned as the leading scout, entrusted with guiding and spearheading the advance. As the raiding party approached the objective, the enemy suddenly opened fire with machine guns, attempting to pin down the assault team. Displaying nerves of steel and extraordinary courage, Lance Naik Janak Singh advanced towards the source of fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he charged at the enemy machine gun bunker. In a daring and determined act, he destroyed the enemy position, paving the way for his comrades to continue the assault.
However, in the process, he was mortally wounded. Despite sustaining fatal injuries, he had already neutralized a grave threat and ensured the success of his team’s mission. He made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield at the young age of 29 years, epitomizing selflessness and devotion to duty. In this action, Lance Naik Janak Singh displayed exceptional valour, initiative, and an indomitable spirit. His fearless conduct not only inspired his comrades but also stood as a shining example of the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the nation’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, the Vir Chakra. (Source: Honourpoint)
The stories of these Vir Chakra awardees are not merely chapters in military history; they are reminders of the extraordinary courage that ordinary men can display in moments of crisis. Their actions on the battlefield ensured the safety and honour of the nation, while their sacrifice elevated the legacy of the land they came from.
For the people of Udhampur, these heroes are more than decorated soldiers-they are symbols of the region’s enduring martial tradition and spirit of service. Remembering them is not only an act of gratitude but also a responsibility, for their stories have the power to inspire future generations to value courage, duty, and love for the nation. It is the need of the hour that a war memorial dedicated to the martyrs of Udhampur District be constructed at some prominent place in Udhampur so that the stories of their valour and courage echo for the generations to come. This will provide inspiration to the youth to join the revered armed forces and carry forward the tradition of sacrifice for the nation.
(The author is student M.Phil. in History, University of Jammu)
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