A retired Indian Army soldier, who was denied a place on the electoral roll over two decades ago while defending the nation, has taken a significant step towards justice. Anupam Singh, a 48-year-old recipient of the Operation Vijay Medal for his role in the 1999 Kargil War, appeared for a crucial hearing in Midnapore this Wednesday, armed with a stack of documents to prove his case.
The Long Wait for Electoral Recognition
The heart of the issue dates back to 2002, during the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the voter list. At that critical time, Anupam Singh was stationed in the Batalik sector of Kargil, serving on the front lines. His military duty made it impossible for him to be present to enroll his name. "During the SIR exercise 23 years ago, I was serving the nation as an Armyman, and that is why I could not register my name on the voter list," Singh explained.
After an honorable retirement in 2017, Singh returned to his roots in Midnapore. He successfully registered as a voter and is currently listed at serial number 994 in booth 163 of the 236 Midnapur Assembly constituency, which is located at Saraswati Vidyamandir.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Anupam Singh's story is one of dedication from a young age. Born in 1978, he lost his father about 42 years ago. His journey in the Army began when he joined the Army Service Corps. His training started in Bangalore on January 1, 1996, from Kolkata.
His service timeline highlights his commitment:
- First posting in Nasirabad, Rajasthan.
- Posted to the Batalik sector in Srinagar in 1999, just before the Kargil War erupted.
- Served through the war, which lasted from April to August 1999.
- Was in Meerut during the pivotal 2002 voter list revision.
- Retired with the rank of 'Naik' on December 31, 2017.
Today, he continues to serve the administration as the Confidential Assistant (CA) to the Additional District Magistrate (Panchayat) in Midnapore.
Armed with Proof, He Seeks Resolution
For the recent hearing, Singh came thoroughly prepared to the SHG building in the District Magistrate's compound. His dossier included definitive proof of his military service, photocopies of his Pension Payment Order (PPO), and his school certificate. His ancestral home is in Kenchakapur village under the Chandrakona 2 Block, and he currently resides in the Habibpur area under ward 8.
Notably, his mother's name was also absent from the 2002 list, compounding the family's electoral exclusion. This hearing represents a long-overdue opportunity to correct a historical oversight against a soldier who sacrificed his personal civic duties for national duty.
The case underscores the challenges faced by military personnel in managing civilian administrative processes during active service. Singh's persistent effort, years after his retirement, highlights the enduring importance of democratic participation for every citizen, especially those who have served the flag.
