Remembering Baldev Singh, the Army veteran who fought four wars against Pakistan

Veteran soldier Havildar (retd) Baldev Singh, who fought four wars against Pakistan, passed away at the age of 93.

According to a defence spokesperson, Singh died due to natural causes in his hometown Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Monday.

Born on September 27, 1931, at Naunihal village, Singh volunteered to join the Bal Sena Force under the leadership of Brigadier Usman, Commander of the 50 Para Brigade, during the battle of Naushera and Jhangar in 1947-48. The Bal Sena, a group of local boys between the ages of 12 to 16, served as dispatch runners for the Indian Army in the critical moments of these battles.

He was 16 then.

Singh enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1950, and served the force with dedication and courage for nearly three decades, the spokesman said. His service spanned multiple wars, including the India-Pakistan wars of 1961, 1962, and 1965.

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Although he had retired in October 1969, Singh was recalled during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, and served in the 11 JAT Battalion (25 Infantry Division) for eight months before returning to civilian life.

Singh received multiple honours for his service, including recognition by former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former vice-president Hamid Ansari, and several other distinguished leaders.

"Singh's legacy lives on as a living legend, deeply respected for his service to the country," the spokesman said, adding, his ontributions to the nation serve as an inspiring testament to patriotism and courage.

Singh's last rites will be performed with full military honours at his village on Tuesday.