Jammu-based spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said he died of natural causes.

Having served as a despatch runner for the Army during the Battle of Naushera and Jhangar in 1947-48, and then going on to fight in four Indo-Pak wars, Havildar Baldev Singh (retired) became a respected war hero and received many honours. On Monday, he died in his hometown of Naushera in J&K’s Rajouri district at the age of 93.

Jammu-based spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said he died of natural causes.

Havildar Singh was born on September 27, 1931, in the village of Naunihal in Naushera. At just 16 years of age, he volunteered to join the Bal Sena Force under the leadership of Brigadier Usman, who was Commander of the 50 Para Brigade and came to be known as the Lion of Naushera, during the Battle of Naushera and Jhangar in 1947-48.

The Bal Sena, a group of local boys aged 12-16, served as despatch runners for the Indian Army in critical moments of the battle. In recognition of their bravery, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru presented them with gramophones, watches, and the opportunity to join the Army.

Singh enlisted on November 14, 1950, and served for nearly three decades. His service spanned multiple wars, including the 1961, 1962, and 1965 Indo-Pak Wars, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

After retiring in October 1969, he was recalled during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and served in the 11 JAT Battalion (25 Infantry Division) for an additional eight months before returning to civilian life.

Throughout his career, Singh received numerous honours for his service, including recognition by the country’s first Prime Minister Nehru and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.

The last rites were held at Naunihal village on Monday with full military honours and service protocols.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)