subject: Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Captain Bana Singh [print this page] Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Captain Bana Singh
Captain Bana Singh, was born on January 6th 1949 at Kadyal in Jammu and Kashmir. He enrolled in the Indian Army on January 6th 1969 into the 8th J&K Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment.
In June of 1987 during the Siachen Conflict 8th J&K Light Infantry Regiment was at Siachen Glacier. It's discovered that a large number of enemy infiltrators had intruded in the Siachen Glacier. The elimination of the infiltrators was difficult but considered very important that's why a special task force was formed. Naib Subedar Bana Singh was posted in the Glacier and he volunteered for the task force.
The enemy intruders intruded at the highest peaks in the Siachen Glacier area at a height of 6450 meters. This high position made a good sniper position for the Pakistanis. The height gave a good view of the complete siachen glacier and saltoro range.
Pakistanis called the post "Quaid" after Quaid-e-azam Md Ali Jinnah. The post was an impregnable glacier fortress with walls made with ice. It was 457 meters on both sides.
Indian army launched Operation Rajiv, which was named after 2nd Lt Rajiv Pande Vir Chakra. Naib Subedar Bana Singh took his troops from extremely dangerous and hazardous path climbing 1500 meters in a dark snowstorm. He inspired his troops with leadership, courage and indomitable sprit. He along with his troops crawled and surrounded the enemy forces. He charged on them with bayonet and hand grenades. Moving from trenches to trenches clearing the posts with intruders. A total of 6 enemy soldiers were killed where 4 of them were killed in hand-to-hand combat with bayonets.
Naib Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the highest wartime gallantry award in India, the Param Vir Chakra, for conspicuous bravery, courage and leadership under most adverse conditions.
The peak that he captured was later renamed to "Bana Top" in his honor. During the Kargil War, Bana Singh was the only PVC winner who was still serving.
