Bharat Ratna Must Be Awarded To Late Lt Gen Sagat Singh Says General Cherish Mathson
By
Colonel Awadhesh kumar, Special Forces
“Lt General Sagat was awarded the Padma Bhusan and Param Vishist Seva Medal for his role in 1971 war.This is not sufficient. He played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and helped liberate Bangladesh in just 13 days,” said Lt General Cherish Mathson, the General Commanding the South Western Army of India.
Lieutenant General Sagat Singh was instrumental in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. In fact 10 years earlier he was the Brigade Commander of the 50 Parachute Brigade which had liberated Goa from the Portuguese in 1961.
Also it is because of him that not only today we have NATHU LA pass in Sikkim with us but also a gave a very bloody nose to China in 1967 and made them forget their euphoria over 1962.
On 16 September 1965, during the Indo Pak war of 1965, China had made the mistake of issuing an ultimatum to India to vacate the Nathu La pass.
However, GOC 17 Mountain Division Major General Sagat Singh, refused to do so, bluntly stating that Nathu La was on the watershed which comprised the natural boundary. He then proceeded to decimate the Chinese.
Today can any Indian imagine the map without Nathu LA or applying for visa for a holiday in Goa ?
No wonder every one including Army officers are now demanding that Lt General Sagat Singh should be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously. The officials were speaking at a function to mark the Generals birth centenary.
Some have recommended that biography of General Sagat Singh should be included in the school and college curricula in Rajasthan. His incredible march to Panjim, and later to Dhaka should be recognised officially by the Government of India.
It seems that in the history of India and even the history of Indian Army, General Sagat’s great contribution has faded. General Mathson said.“Army would also request the Defence Ministry to extend an invite to Bangladesh so that they can participate in General Sagat’s centenary which is being observed in Rajasthan from July 8 to July 14.”
Born in Churu district on July 14, 1919. Sagat began his military career right after completing his Intermediate but not as an Officer. He enrolled as a Naik in the Bikaner Ganga Risala in 1938.
Later, he was promoted to Jamadar (Naib Subedar) and then was commissioned as 2/Lt in Bikaner Ganga Risala. The unit was sent to Sindh in 1941 to deal with Hoor rebellion. Later it went to Jubair in Iraq and Ahwaz in Iran during the war. He was selected for the 12th War Staff course at Quetta from May to November 1945.
On amalgamation of the State Forces with the Indian Army in 1950, he joined the Third Girkha Rifles. He commanded the Second and Third Battalions of the Third Gorkha Rifles. In September 1961, He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier and posted as the brigade commander of India’s only parachute brigade, the 50 (I) parachute brigade. Led by him the brigade played a prominent part in liberation of Goa, and his men were the first to enter Panjim on 19 December 1961.
As a Major General, he commanded 17 Mountain Division and later 101 communication zone, where he played a pivotal role in tackling counter-insurgency operations in Mizoram. For his distinguished services, the general officer was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal.
Starting from the ranks, Naik Sagat Singh eventually rose to the coveted rank of a Lieutenant General after taking on many challenging military assignments. In December 1970, he took over the command of HQ 4 Corps as a lieutenant general.
In the Indo-Pak war of 1971, his 4 Corps not only made the famous advance towards Dhaka but also crossed the Meghna River by a Heli Bridge operation using MI4 helicopters …….this important aerial operation during the war which proved to be of strategic value was his brain child. He was present for the signing of the historical surrender instrument by General Niazi of Pakistan Army.
For his leadership and command for the race to Dacca, the Government of India honored Lt. Gen. Sagat Singh with the third highest civilian award of Padma Bhushan. For much lesser contribution or no contribution at all, many Indian Politicians have been awarded till date Padma Vibhushan or even Bharat Ratna. Hence a vocal demand for award if Bharat Ratna is not out of place.
Lt. Gen. Sagat Singh died at the Army Hospital Research & Referral, New Delhi on 26 September 2001.
