Haryana: The veteran officers who fought for the country in the Kargil war have countless brave stories to share. Haryana’s Deepchand Singh is one of them, who fought so courageously that even after losing his hand and legs, he stood fearlessly in the face of danger and helped India win against the Pakistan’s Army. 

17 bottles of blood

Deepchand Singh was part of the Missile Regiment in the Kargil war; he held the position of a gunner in the regiment. During that time, the terrorists were instilling a sense of fear in the local people by increasing their territory in Jammu and Kashmir. Deepchand shot 8 terrorists in the encounter after which he was deployed at a height of 17000 feet of Tiger Hill. The intense cold weather of the area makes it difficult to breathe. 

Deepchand was the first one to fire a shot in Tololing in Operation Vijay. While he was on duty, a cannon ball exploded, leaving Deepchand in a seriously injured condition. He was taken to the hospital and along the way he lost so much blood. 17 bottles of blood were transfused to save his life. The doctors took the decision of amputating his legs and one hand to stop the infection from spreading. 

The first shot

Deepchand shares that after receiving the orders of proceeding for the war, the first shot was released from his gun Charlie. His battalion fired ten thousand rounds. He used to carry the gun on his shoulders to be ready for the unexpected situations. His battalion changed the gun positions at 8 places. 

Deepchand’s battalion received 12 Gallantry Awards. His team of soldiers was determined to make their country win in the war even if that resulted in their martyrdom. They could survive without consuming food and water, but they could not compromise with the shortage of ammunition.

Saluting with the right hand

Deepchand’s right hand was amputated during the operation. He had learned to salute with his right hand in his training as all the soldiers do. He shares that he still salutes with his right hand as it is his duty to be in the service of his nation without caring about his physical shortcomings.

He shares a story about his dear friend Mukesh, who spoke his last words to Deepchand. They had promised each other that whoever would remain alive after the war, would visit each other’s families to pay their respects. Deepchand met the families of his martyred friends. 

Deepchand could not continue his service in the army after his injuries, but he still prays to God that he wants to become a soldier in his next life too. 

Concealing the news from wife

A soldier’s family is always on alert to receive the news of the passing away of their loved ones. The families live in constant panic and worry about the soldier’s wellbeing when they are busy fighting the wars. 

Deepchand did not relay the news to his wife after his operation. He was worried that his wife would get terribly sad. One day, his wife received the news. Deepchand says that her grief would have been unbearable had they not won the war. But Deepchand’s battalion had declared their victory in the war, and it was a moment of celebration.

Deepchand does not feel anything missing in his life. He is happy that he can still walk with his prosthetic legs. He can still salute the Indian flag and feel proud of his nation. 

Bravery Award

During the Kargil Vijay Diwas, Deepchand was awarded the title of Kargil War by former CDS General Bipin Rawat. Presently, Deepchand serves the disabled soldiers in the line of duty under the Adarsh Sainik Foundation.