Major Amarjit Singh, a valiant soldier and a committed officer, was commissioned on 11 June 1961 into the Indian Army to join 20 Lancers, an Armoured Regiment of Armoured corps. He was born to Dr. Hakam Singh and Mrs. Lajwanti. Singh lost his father at age three. Major General Dalbir Singh, his elder brother who commanded the 9th Infantry Division and played a stellar role in the liberation of Jessore during the war in 1971, had taken the onus of raising him. In short, young Amarjit Singh, since his childhood, has displayed interest in sports and athletics.
Major Amarjit Singh was interested in photography and in calligraphy, as such an aspect is related to creativity. He was very sociable and friendly, bringing smiles to the faces of those around him. His love for life, contagious laughter, and warm personality made him a loved figure in family, friends, and colleagues. He was remembered as an affectionate and committed man who lived life to the fullest and inspired others with his positivity. He was then a captain. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Major Amarjit Singh took part in the conflict when operating under the 20 Lancers of the 10 Infantry Division.
On 1 September, the 191 Infantry Brigade was attacked without any warning by Pakistan and the ‘C’ Squadron of 20 Lancers, led by Major Bhaskar Roy. Although the Pakistani forces were equipped with M-48 Patton tanks and M-36 Sherman B-2 tank destroyers and heavy armor, the Indian forces were able to put up a stiff resistance. During the early stages, the ‘C’ Squadron destroyed six Pattons, three recoil-less guns, and captured a Jeep. At 1100 hours, the AMX-13 tanks of 20 Lancers repulsed another attack by the Pakistanis. Although they were outnumbered and outgunned, that day the Squadron destroyed 13 enemy tanks and denied the 191 Infantry Brigade a close encirclement. He was Quartermaster when those operations took place. Those years were a fine-tuning of his fieldcraft that was so crucially used during the 1971 war.
In August 1971, Major Amarjit Singh was posted to the 72 Armoured Regiment, then the youngest armoured regiment of the Indian Army, for the first time. Its baptism by fire during the Indo-Pak war, when it was committed along with 10 Division in the western sector to halt the thrust of Pakistani forces into Indian territory, is now history. 10 Div under Major General Jaswant Singh was located in the Chhamb sector of Jammu and Kashmir. During the 1965 war, it had seen a lot of battles where Pakistan had captured the area for a brief while. In 1971, the Chhamb sector remained an important objective for Pakistan. Indian forces were pretty well prepared for the task. The division was composed of four infantry brigades, two regiments of armour consisting of 9 Horse and 72 Armoured Regiment, artillery regiments, engineer units, air defence elements, and other supporting units. Pakistani forces launched a significant attack on December 4, 1971, along the Chhamb sector, targeting Indian positions with a combination of armour and infantry.
By noon, Mandiala North had been overrun, but the Indians, with a squadron of the 72 Armoured Regiment, fought back hard. A troop of 9 Horse and a paracommando group were sent forward to hold up the Pakistani advance towards Jaurian. Meanwhile, 72 Armoured Regiment advanced under orders from 68 Brigade to retake Mandiala North. The battle continued for several days, with the 72 Armoured Regiment playing a pivotal role in thwarting the Pakistani assault. Major Amarjit Singh, showing enormous grit and leadership, was martyred on 6 December 1971 in the operation. He always led from the front and displayed tremendous grit, determination, and gallantry. His actions reflected the best of the traditions of the Indian Army. He gave his life for his nation as a true hero. His sacrifice would remain immortal.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jasjiwan Kaur, who is the present president of the War Widows Association of India, and his daughter, Jasjit Kaur, and son, Rocky Singh. Major Amarjit Singh’s legacy lives on as an inspiring example of bravery, selflessness, and leadership. His sacrifice on December 6, 1971, remains a testament to the dedication and valor of the Indian Army.
