When an Indian soldier stopped 60 Pakistani Rangers

As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, many are recalling the bravery of Poonam Singh, an Indian soldier who valiantly defended against 60 Pakistani rangers during the 1965 war. His courageous actions prevented Pakistan from gaining access to the Bhuttewalla border checkpost, an ANI feature released on May 5 reminisced.

Situated just a few kilometers from the Indo-Pak border on the Indian side, Bhuttewala Chowk in Rajasthan stands as a testament to the heroic defence mounted by Poonam Singh during that pivotal conflict.

It may be noted here that the 1965 Indo-Pak war spanned more than a month, commencing on August 5, 1965, and concluding on September 23, 1965. It is estimated that thousands lost their lives during this intense period of conflict.


In a nighttime assault, over 60 Pakistani rangers, commanded by Afzal Khan, launched an attack on the post. Poonam Singh Bhati, alongside seven fellow soldiers, exhibited remarkable courage in the face of overwhelming odds, refusing to back down despite being significantly outnumbered.

According to accounts from that night, the Indian troops experienced a severe shortage of ammunition, prompting Singh to undertake a daring mission to retrieve cartridges from the enemy camp, which he successfully accomplished before returning to rejoin his comrades in battle.

By dawn, Singh had eliminated the commander, Afzal Khan, along with eight other Pakistani rangers before ultimately sacrificing his own life in service of his country. The remaining Pakistani forces retreated, ensuring that the Bhuttewala checkpost remained under Indian control. In honor of Poonam Singh's sacrifice, a memorial was constructed at the checkpost, which still stands today as a reminder of his valour.

Visitors to the site can view a portrait of Singh along with a brief narrative detailing the history of the checkpost.

The inscription at the memorial notes that the checkpost was established to monitor smuggling activities and prevent incursions into Rajasthan. The Bhuttewala-Sultana-Jaisalmer route was identified as a primary corridor for smuggling. "Before India gained independence, the Sindh province of Pakistan served as a significant trade hub for western Rajasthan.

During that era, the state police were tasked with combating illegal smuggling and incursions in Rajasthan, especially along the Bhuttewala-Sultana-Jaisalmer route. Thus, a border checkpost was established at Bhuttewalla," the excerpt at the memorial states.

Additionally, it mentions that Bhuttewalla is a small village consisting of 15 to 20 houses, with some residents participating in smuggling operations. Many of these villagers were known to have supported Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

The checkpost sustained damage from Pakistani forces, yet constable Poonam Singh Bhati fought valiantly against them and was martyred while defending against enemy advances. Consequently, this border checkpost has been dedicated to the memory of martyr Poonam Singh Bhati, ANI's feature recounted.