Veteran soldier Havildar Baldev Singh (retd), who fought four wars against Pakistan, passed away at his residence in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said on Tuesday. He was 93. The revered war hero passed away due to natural causes in…

Veteran soldier Havildar Baldev Singh (retd), who fought four wars against Pakistan, passed away at his residence in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said on Tuesday. He was 93.

The revered war hero passed away due to natural causes in his hometown Nowshera on Monday. The spokesman said that his last rites will be performed with full military honours at his village on Tuesday.

Born on September 27, 1931, at Naunihal village, Singh was just 16 when 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 despatch 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 Army.

Singh enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1950, and served the force with dedication and valour for nearly three decades, the spokesman said. His service spanned multiple wars, including the 1961, 1962, and 1965 India-Pakistan wars.