Veteran 1971 Indo-Pak War Hero Brigadier Jagmal Singh Rathore Dies at 87 in Bikaner
Brigadier Jagmal Singh Rathore, VrC, VSM, a distinguished veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and a notable figure in the Indian Army, passed away on April 27, 2026, at 87. He died at his home in Bikaner, Rajasthan, after a prolonged illness.
Originally from Garbadesar village in the Bikaner district, Brigadier Rathore grew up in an area with a rich martial heritage. He attended Sadul Public School (now Sports School) in Bikaner for his early education and later graduated from Dungar College. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1961, he served with the 13th Battalion of the Grenadiers Regiment, also known as the Ganga Jaisalmer unit. His career included postings in challenging areas such as Kashmir and the Northeast, and he eventually became the Commandant at the Corps of Military Police Training Centre in Bengaluru from 1989 to 1992, where he led his unit to excel in marksmanship.
Brigadier Rathore gained national acclaim for his bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. On December 6, 1971, as a Major leading a company of the 13 Grenadiers in the Rajasthan sector, he conducted a daring operation deep within Pakistani territory. Under heavy enemy fire in the Thar Desert, he led a flanking attack, employing innovative tactics like camel-mounted advances due to a lack of vehicle support. His forces advanced about 16 kilometers across the border, capturing strategic positions including the Ranihal checkpost, Rukanpur, and Bikanoth. His leadership inspired his troops to overcome fortified enemy defenses, culminating in the Indian Tricolour being hoisted at the captured position and the capture of enemy personnel and weapons. For his extraordinary valor and leadership, he was awarded the Vir Chakra in 1972. He also received the Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.
In his later years, Brigadier Rathore maintained a strong connection to his regiment and heritage. He named his home in Bikaner's Sadulganj area "Battle of Ranihal House" and hosted annual "Ranihal Day" commemorations, attended by soldiers from the 13 Grenadiers to honor the historic operation. His daughter, Kavita Rathore, remembered him as a disciplined and active person who, until his final days, shared stories that emphasized the importance of courage, strategy, and resolve over technology in achieving victory in war.
The funeral of Brigadier Jagmal Singh Rathore was conducted with full military honors on April 29, 2026, at Rajput Shanti Dham in Bikaner. The ceremony featured a guard of honor and a gun salute by Army personnel. His nephew, Rajasthan’s Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, personally carried the bier and paid his respects, highlighting the loss felt both personally and nationally. Senior military officials, local dignitaries, and members of the public attended to pay their last respects to the war hero.
Brigadier Rathore’s passing has led to widespread mourning across Rajasthan and the Indian defense community. Tributes have praised his indomitable spirit, strategic expertise, and lifelong dedication to the nation. As a representative of Rajasthan’s martial tradition, his legacy continues to inspire current and future generations of the Indian Army. The Government and Army have offered their condolences to his family.
