In 1965, Poonam Singh Stood Firm at Bhuttewala Chowk During the Indo-Pak War
Remembering the Hero of Bhuttewala: Poonam Singh, the Lone Soldier Who Held Off 60 Pakistani Rangers
Nestled just a stone's throw away from the tense Indo-Pak border, lies Bhuttewala Chowk in Rajasthan. This silent outpost, steeped in history and valor, was the stage for a remarkable stand by Poonam Singh during the 1965 war.
In the wee hours of night, Bhuttewala Chowk was under siege by over 60 Pakistani rangers, led by the formidable Pakistani commander Afzal Khan. Outnumbered, yet undeterred, Poonam Singh Bhati, along with seven other soldiers, fought with unyielding determination.
As per legend, the Indian soldiers faced a severe ammunition shortage. In a daring move, Singh is said to have crossed enemy lines to retrieve cartridges from the Pakistani camp, before returning to the battlefield.
By the break of dawn, Singh had gunned down the commander, Afzal Khan, and eight other Pakistani rangers. With their leader falls, the remaining enemy forces retreated, leaving the Bhuttewala checkpost securely within Indian territory.
A memorial stands today at this checkpost, a testament to Singh's heroic sacrifice. The memorial displays a portrait of Singh and a brief history of the checkpost.
Interestingly, the checkpost was established to tackle smuggling operations and illegal intrusions in Rajasthan. Bhuttewala-Sultana-Jaisalmer was the primary smuggling route. Before independence, the region was a significant trade market for western Rajasthan.
The memorial's excerpt reads, "Bhuttewala has a small village of 15 to 20 houses, and some villagers were involved in smuggling activities. These people actively supported Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The Check post was damaged by Pakistani forces but constable Poonam Singh Bhati fought fearlessly against Pakistani forces and attained martyrdom while opposing enemy offenses. Hence, this border checkpost has been dedicated in the memory of martyr Poonam Singh Bhati."
The 1965 Indo-Pak war lasted over a month, from August 5, 1965, to September 23, 1965. Thousands are estimated to have lost their lives during that period.
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This standoff at Bhuttewala is not just an instance of individual bravery by Poonam Singh; it serves as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience in the face of adversity. The event also highlights the strategic importance of protecting vulnerable border points against military and non-state threats.
Singh's valiant stand is often spoken of during discussions about border security, especially in times of heightened tensions, such as the 2025 Ferozepur cantonment blackout drills. His heroic actions continue to inspire operational lessons in terms of better equipping border posts and implementing swift response protocols.
The Bhuttewala standoff serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of vigilance and the adaptive nature of challenges in tumultuous regions.
- The singular act of bravery by Poonam Singh, the lone soldier who held off 60 Pakistani rangers at Bhuttewala Chowk, serves as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience during the 1965 war-and-conflicts.
- In the general news and politics of the region, the standoff at Bhuttewala is often discussed, especially during times of heightened tensions, such as the 2025 Ferozepur cantonment blackout drills, to impart operational lessons about securing border points.
- The Bhuttewala checkpost, nestled near the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan, has strategic importance as it was established to tackle smuggling operations and illegal intrusions, back in the days when the area was a significant trade market.
- Today, a memorialized checkpost stands as a constant reminder of Poonam Singh's heroic sacrifice, emphasizing the human cost of vigilance and the adaptive nature of challenges within tumultuous regions, like Kashmir.
