Remembering Param Vir Chakra Awardee Martyr Naik Jadunath Singh on his birth anniversary, hero of the battle of Taindhar during Indo-Pak war of 1947-48

In Aug 1947, after India announced its Independence before the world, the country also declared that it would guard J&K from any attacks from Pakistan. The formal call was taken on 28th Oct 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir decided to merge the princely state with India. Pakistan began to attack India on many fronts, Taindhar being one such front in Naushera sector that the conspirators managed to make their way to the Indian pickets. Although, on 1st Feb 1948, 50 Para Brigade of Indian Army won back the Naushera sector from the enemy causing them heavy casualties.

 

But what made this Battle of Taindhar of 6th Feb 1948 historic, was the heroism and profound leadership of Indian Army Jawans that is still unforgettable. One such brave Hero of the country was Naik Jadunath Singh. The selfless soldier laid his life fighting off the enemy and helped his troop win back the Naushera sector.

 

 

 

 

 

On 21st Nov 1916, the farmer family of Khajuri village of Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh borne a brave heart Jadunath Singh. One among eight siblings, Jadunath’s family couldn’t afford to provide him a good education so he was raised shuttling between a village school and his father’s field contributing to the family earnings. Though he was quite known in his village for wrestling abilities.

 

 

 

The Indian Army enrolled a young Jadunath Singh on 21st Nov 1941 in Rajput Regiment. On completion of his training, Naik Jadunath Singh joined 1 Rajput and proving his fine abilities as a brave soldier he even took part in World War II. He got his first promotion after about 6 years of service in the Army and got the rank of Lance Naik in July 1947.

 

In Dec 1947, 1 Rajput Regiment of Naik Jadunath Singh was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir to fight off Pakistani enemies after they attacked the state in Oct 1947. On 6th Feb 1948, the enemy attacked this sector by opening fire on the pickets of Taindhar ridge. The entire ridge and surrounding hills were under gunfire and mortar fire. And the enemy managed to made their way to the Indian pickets in the dark. The dawn of 6th Feb saw massive attacks by the enemy to capture the post.

 

 

 

Naik Jadunath Singh, who commanded the picket No.2 displayed remarkable valor and profound leadership. With his troop, he managed to make the enemy retreat in confusion. The attack from enemy’s side left four of his men injured, but he re-organized the forces for another attack. Despite being outnumbered and injured, the troop continued guarding their post. Meanwhile, Jadunath’s Bren-gunner got seriously injured so he took over the Bren-gun himself. The enemy emerged for another attack, this time right on the walls of the post. But his offense was so strong that he turned what looked like defeat into a victory and saved the post a second time. By this point, Naik Jadunath had lost all his fellow soldiers of his post. The enemy launched a third attack to capture the post.

 

 

Naik Jadunath Singh charged the enemy with his sten-gun, despite being the only survivor from his troop and also wounded. Surprised by his venturous spirit, the enemy fled in disorder. However, two enemy bullets pierced his head and chest which led Naik Jadunath Singh take his last breath. The brave soldier of Indian Army made the nation proud and was martyred chasing the enemy. At such a critical stage for Naushera, he not only saved his picket but was also honoured with the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” for his outstanding bravery and selfless service to the nation.

 

Remembering his unyielding fighting spirit, we salute the Hero of the nation, PVC Naik Jadunath Singh.