Naib Subedar Bana Singh is one of the three living recipients of India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. Born on 6 January 1949 in Kadyal village, Jammu, to Amar Singh and Bholi Devi, he hailed from a humble agricultural family. Being the eldest of five brothers and three sisters, he grew up with strong values of integrity and discipline. A deeply religious and down-to-earth individual, he often modestly remarks that his act of bravery was not extraordinary, but merely a responsibility that fell upon him. His life serves as an example of unwavering commitment, humility, and devotion to duty.
Early Life and Military Career
Bana Singh joined the Indian Army on 6 January 1969 and was enrolled in the 8th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (8 JAK LI). He underwent rigorous training at the High-Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, which later proved instrumental in his heroic actions at the Siachen Glacier. His regiment, JAK LI, has a unique history of valiant battles, including its significant role in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. The regiment was formally recognized in 1972, and it continued to serve in major military operations, including the Indian Peacekeeping Force mission in Sri Lanka and the United Nations Mission in Somalia. Over the years, JAK LI became known for its outstanding achievements in some of the most challenging combat environments.
Bana Singh’s journey in the army was marked by relentless training and a strong desire to serve the nation. His superior officers noted his exceptional discipline, resilience, and courage, traits that would later distinguish him as one of India’s bravest soldiers. The extreme conditions at high altitudes demand unparalleled physical and mental strength, and Bana Singh excelled in overcoming these challenges.
Siachen Glacier and Its Strategic Importance
The Siachen Glacier, the second-longest glacier in the world, has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan since the Karachi Agreement of 1949. This agreement marked the ceasefire line up to NJ 9842 but did not explicitly extend into the glacier region. Over time, Pakistan’s attempts to stake claims on the area led India to take preemptive action in 1984 with Operation Meghdoot, securing key positions on the glacier and controlling strategic passes such as Sia La and Bilafond La. The hostile terrain and unpredictable weather make Siachen one of the toughest battlefields in the world, where the biggest adversaries are often the extreme temperatures and treacherous ice crevasses.
Given the region’s geo-strategic importance, India has had to maintain a strong presence despite the formidable conditions. Troops stationed at Siachen endure temperatures dropping as low as -50°C, with blizzards, avalanches, and altitude sickness constantly threatening their lives. In this frozen wilderness, only the strongest can survive, and the bravest can fight. The Indian Army’s control over Siachen serves as a crucial deterrent to enemy encroachments and provides a significant advantage in the larger strategic context of the region.
The Capture of Quaid Post
In 1987, Pakistani troops established a stronghold in Bilafond La on Indian territory, naming it Quaid Post after Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Situated at an altitude of 21,153 feet, this fortress-like position had steep ice walls making any assault nearly impossible. Despite several failed attempts, the Indian Army remained resolute in its mission to reclaim the post. Operation Rajiv was launched, named after Second Lieutenant Rajiv Pandey, who lost his life attempting to secure an adjacent peak.
Naib Subedar Bana Singh volunteered for the mission to capture Quaid Post. Alongside four comrades, he embarked on the treacherous climb in extreme weather conditions. With Pakistani soldiers heavily guarding the post, the Indian troops faced insurmountable odds. As a diversionary tactic, other units engaged the enemy while Bana Singh and his team scaled the vertical ice wall, taking advantage of poor visibility due to a snowstorm.
On reaching the top, they launched a fierce attack, using grenades and bayonets in close combat. In a swift and deadly assault, they eliminated seven Pakistani SSG commandos and forced the remaining soldiers to flee. Their mission was a success, and the post was secured under Indian control. In recognition of this extraordinary feat, Quaid Post was renamed “Bana Top.”
This victory was not just a tactical achievement but a morale-boosting moment for the Indian Army. It demonstrated India’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, even in the harshest conditions. The success of this mission sent a strong message to the adversary that India would not allow any encroachment on its territory.
Legacy
For his unparalleled bravery, exceptional leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, Naib Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. His actions not only secured a critical strategic position for India but also exemplified the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army. The award citation commended his extraordinary courage, strategic acumen, and willingness to risk everything for the nation. His heroism became an inspiration for generations of soldiers, reinforcing the values of bravery, sacrifice, and duty.
On 23 January 2023, as part of the Parakram Diwas celebrations, the Government of India honored him further by naming an island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands after him, along with 20 other Param Vir Chakra awardees.
Even after retiring from active service, Naib Subedar Bana Singh continues to be an inspiration. He often interacts with young cadets and soldiers, sharing his experiences and reinforcing the values that define the Indian Army. His story has been featured in various documentaries, books, and motivational speeches, keeping his legacy alive for future generations.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
Comments