Legendary warrior Havaldar Baldev Singh (Retd), who had volunteered to join the Bal Sena Force at the age of 16 and later fought multiple wars with Pakistan, passed away at the age of 93 in his native village near the Line of Control (LOC) in Naushera, the Indian Army announced on Tuesday.

Defence spokesman Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said that Havaldar Baldev Singh (Retd), a revered war hero, passed away Monday due to natural causes in his hometown of Naushera.

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

The Bal Sena, a group of local boys aged 12 to 16, served as dispatch runners for the Indian Army in the critical moments of these battles.

In recognition of their bravery, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru honoured the Bal Sainiks, presenting them with gramophones, watches, and the opportunity to join the Indian Army.

Havaldar Baldev Singh enlisted in the Indian Army on November 14, 1950 and served the nation with dedication and valor for nearly three decades.

His distinguished service spanned multiple wars, including the 1961, 1962, and 1965 Indo-Pak Wars. 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, Havaldar Baldev Singh received numerous honours for his service, including recognition by Late Prime Minister Nehru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Vice-President Hamid Ansari and several other distinguished leaders. His contributions to the nation are an inspiring testament to patriotism and courage.

Havaldar Baldev Singh’s legacy lives on as a living legend, deeply respected for his service to the country. The last rites were held in his village of Naunihal, Naushera, today with full military honours and service protocols, Lt Colonel Bartwal said.