Saikap

Sukhi as Scinde horsemen know him. The maharaja of kapurthala.

Pic credit : Randip Warraich

Brig Sukhjit Singh, MVC, is also the Maharaja of Kapurthala. An extremely polished, humble, and unassuming person, known by all in his Regiment, The Scinde Horse, as "Raja Sahab".

Sukhjit Singh was commanding 14 Horse (Armoured Regiment) during the operations against Pakistan on the Western Front. On 10 December 1971, the regiment was deployed west of Naina Kot when the enemy launched an armoured attack in strength under cover of intense medium artillery and heavy mortar fire. In utter disregard of his own safety, he placed himself in the most threatened sector and under heavy shelling and tank fire, opened the cupola of his tank so that he could observe and direct the fire of his tanks effectively. Due to his presence and inspiring leadership, the enemy attack was beaten off without any loss to own troops. Then on 11 December he personally led an outflanking force and under heavy medium artillery and mortar fire closed in with the enemy and destroyed eight tanks and captured one officer, two junior commissioned officers and two other ranks. Sukhjit Singh displayed exemplary leadership, outstanding courage and firm determination in the face of the enemy.