Still climbing Tiger Hill: Raikot family's 26-year journey for road nameplate to commemorate sacrifice of Ludhiana district's Naik Nirmal Singh in Kargil War.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
in July for 26 years, one family in Punjab has marked the sacrifice of their son with quiet prayers, a community meal, and a fading hope that a road might one day carry the name of a lion who never came home from Tiger Hill.
On July 6, 1999, Naik Nirmal Singh, a soldier with the 8 Sikh regiment, was killed in action while leading an assault to retake Tiger Hill, one of the most strategic peaks during the war with Pakistan. Since then, his family has observed a three-day memorial in their village of Johlan, held annually from July 7 to 9. The ceremony includes prayers (Akhand Paath), tributes by retired servicemen, and a community kitchen (langar) for villagers and visiting comrades.
Soldier's father, 76-year-old Atbar Singh, said the tradition had continued unbroken for more than two decades, with many of his son's fellow soldiers — now retired — returning each year to pay their respects. "We honour his memory not just with rituals, but by bringing people together," said Atbar. "His regiment, his village — they haven't forgotten."
Comrades recall the last assault
Among those who travelled to Johlan this year were 12-odd former colleagues from the 8 Sikh unit.
Captain Ranjit Singh Diwani, now retd, who served alongside Nirmal, said the regiment had lost 35 personnel in the war — including one officer, four JCOs, and 30 jawans — but Nirmal Singh's bravery remained singular. "He served for 13 years and gave everything in that final assault," said Diwani. "The 8 Sikh and the entire army are proud of him.
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Captain Sukhdeep Singh (retd), another comrade from nearby Rattowal village, recalled Nirmal Singh's final words as they prepared to scale Tiger Hill: "If we die today, the govt will name roads after us."
"He said it half-jokingly," said Capt Sukhdeep. "But here we are, 26 years later, still writing letters to get a road named in his honour."
Voices from the village
Though Johlan village has built a memorial to honour Nirmal Singh and two other local martyrs, residents say more could be done. Chamkaur Singh, a 70-year-old Numberdar, said the 7-km Raikot-Johlan road should bear the martyr's name. "We also want basic issues like waterlogging fixed," he added, crediting village Sarpanch Kuldeep Singh Kaddu for his continued efforts.
Atma Singh, 55, Nirmal Singh's cousin and former classmate, recalled cycling with him to Lohat Baddi village to attend school. "Even back then, he would talk about joining the Army," said Atma. The govt high school in the village now bears Nirmal Singh's name. But villagers and retired soldiers still await official recognition beyond plaques — one they believe is due.
"The promise wasn't just about a road," said Capt Sukhdeep. "It was about remembrance. And remembrance, like sacrifice, shouldn't have an expiry date."
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