Col Megh Singh

Col Megh Singh stands as a pioneering figure in the history of Indian Special Forces. His daring leadership and bold initiatives during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Para Special Forces of the Indian Army.

Background and Early Career

Before joining the Brigade of Guards, Megh Singh served with the Patiala State Forces. By 1965, he was serving as a staff officer at Headquarters Western Command in Shimla. Denied promotion after serving as the Second-in-Command of 3 Guards, Maj Megh Singh had submitted his resignation. However, the outbreak of conflict in Jammu and Kashmir in August 1965 changed the course of his career.

Formation of Meghdoot Force

Amid massive armed infiltration into J&K by Pakistani forces, Maj Megh Singh volunteered to launch deep raids behind enemy lines. He proposed raising a small unit for special operations based on his prior experience in similar missions during World War II in Burma. Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, then GOC-in-C, accepted the proposal and promised to promote him to Lt Colonel upon successful execution.

Maj Megh Singh reported to XV Corps and was authorized to select volunteers from infantry battalions. He swiftly formed and trained a highly motivated unit, which was named the "Meghdoot Force" in his honor. Within weeks, the unit was declared operationally ready.

Operational Achievements

Role in Haji Pir Operation

The Meghdoot Force was instrumental in the 1965 Haji Pir operation aimed at sealing infiltration routes into Kashmir. While 68 Infantry Brigade launched the main attack from the Uri-Baramulla side, and Poonch Brigade advanced from the south, the Meghdoot Force conducted sabotage and diversionary raids deep behind enemy lines.

Key missions included:

• Destruction of a critical bridge on the Dwarandi–Bandigopalpur road on 1–2 September 1965.
• Capture of Pakistani picquets Neza and Ari Dhok to complement Poonch Brigade’s attack on Raja and Chand Tekri.
• A failed attack on an empty ammunition dump at Kahuta, followed by a successful raid on Kahuta Bridge, crucial for linking Poonch and Haji Pir forces.

In recognition of his successes, Maj Megh Singh was awarded the Vir Chakra and, as promised, promoted to Lt Colonel by Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh on 16 September 1965.

Operations in Chhamb Sector

Following the success in Haji Pir, the Meghdoot Force shifted operations to the Chhamb sector. Between 19–22 September, they launched a series of deep raids that inflicted significant damage on Pakistani logistics and morale:

• Attack on Thil in the Kalidhar sector on 19 September.
• Destruction of the logistics base at Nathal on 22 September.
• A surprise assault on the enemy post at Thuggi involving hand-to-hand combat, during which Lt Col Megh Singh was wounded.

These missions demonstrated the Indian Army's capability for effective special operations deep within enemy territory, emphasizing the importance of bold leadership and unconventional warfare.

Legacy

The success of Meghdoot Force served as a blueprint for the formation of the 9 Para Commando Battalion, initially tasked with special operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Col Megh Singh's model highlighted the strategic value of small, elite, and agile units capable of executing precision strikes in hostile environments.

Later Life

After his military service, Col Megh Singh joined the Border Security Force (BSF), where he raised the first BSF Commando unit. His family also bore sacrifices for the nation — his son-in-law was killed during the Bangladesh Liberation War. He retired as a DIG of the BSF.

In 1973, Col Megh Singh retired and returned to his village, Kharia Mithapur near Jodhpur. He continued serving society as the President of the Rajasthan Kisan Union, advocating for farmers' rights. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 88.