Counter Insurgency and Peace Keeping
| Most of the Battalions contributed towards achieving stability in the country while operating in Counter Insurgency operations. The first SIKH LI battalion to be inducted in Nagaland was 3 SIKH LI, from then all the battalions have had their turn in thr Northeast along the hills of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. The Sikh Light Infantry soldier has attended the call of duty to maintain peace. |  "The ascent to Dalal Top under extermely accurate enemy fire is considered more hazardous than any expedition to Mount Everst" - Lt Col OK Verma |
In 1985, 14 SIKH LI added a new dimension by their courageous operations a top Siachen Glacier by carrying out physical assault to capture Dalal Top. This was achieved by climbing the 75 meter ice wall step by step, supported by one rope and attacking in sub-zero temperature at night. The Pakistani troops fled leaving behind all their personal equipment and weapons which included two MMGs , a sub machine gun, an automatic rifle, a rocket launcher (RPG-7V), and stacks of ammunition. During OP PAWAN four of its battalions contributed towards peace keeping in Sri Lanka. The battle of Kokkuvil where 13 Sikh LI proved its metal is a study in itself
 The Cloth Emblem of University of Jaffna
"The gallant fight put up by the beleaguered platoon on the 12th October 1987 and their opting to face certain death has few parallels in military history. 29 gallant men laid down their lives for obeying orders without questioning them.'' - Colonel R.D. Palsokar, M.C.
On 22nd October the Battalion cleared the axis Urumpirai-Kopai North. Jaffna University at Kokkuvil was captured on 24th October. The 13th hoisted its flag on the main building. The captured flag and some wooden sculpture recovered by 13th SIKH LI occupy a privileged place in the Regimental Museum.
 Multi-faceted Goddess Sarasvati
The Sikh Light Infantry, with its 16 regular Battalions, three Rashtriya Battalions and one Territorial Army Battalion holding 25 Battle Honours, occupies a place of pride in the great fighting Regiments of the Army.
Traditions and Culture
A soldier of the Sikh Light Infantry is a good fighter has a reputation of being hardy and brave, obedient to discipline attached to his officers and uncomplaining by nature. His needs are frugal; his ingenuity to produce things of comfort for his officers, from nowhere has earned him appreciation of all arms and services. Instinctively he is god fearing with roots strongly entrenched in soil of Punjab. Practicing Sikhism and faithfully following its tenets is the binding force between him and his duty towards the Regiment. It is the Regiment, which has socially uplifted him and he remain grateful. Unwinding or recreation for him is a few pegs of rum, some meat and a lilting voice to uplift his spirit.
 23 Sikh Pioneer Gurudwara - 1908
Other than soldiering, Gatka and Bhangra come naturally to him. The Sikh LI soldier is a man of all seasons anywhere and everywhere. The apposite motto of his fore fathers " Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam'' meaning "Either find a road or make one". Even after 150 years this remains applicable for him in his quest on new roads with a new motto " Deg Teg Fateh" meaning "Prosperity and Victory'' The past is faithfully bonded with present.
 Sub Mai Jaspal Singh initiating a young Officer into the
Regiment on his first visit to the centre
Young Officers after commissioning from IMA and OTA when they report at the centre are presented with a Kirpan, Kara and Saropa as a mark of respect. It is an initiation ceremony signifying their bond with the Regiment and men they command. |
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