Lt Anup Kumar TH

Lt Anup Kumar TH hailed from Alappuzha district, Kerala, and was born on 14 June 1979. He was the son of Subedar Nair Harijan (Retd), who served in the Army Medical Corps for 30 years, and Smt. Vijaya Kumari. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in traditions and values and shared a close bond with his parents and sister, Swapna. A bright and dedicated student, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Physics at SN College, Cherthala, where he distinguished himself as the college topper. Driven by his long-cherished dream of serving the country in uniform, he pursued a career in the Armed Forces. Following his graduation, he was selected to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he underwent rigorous military training to prepare for a career as an Army officer. Upon successfully completing his training, he was commissioned into the Indian Army on 9 December 2000, at the age of 21, fulfilling his long-cherished dream of serving the nation in uniform.

Lt Anup Kumar was commissioned into the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), the technical arm of the Indian Army responsible for the design, development, testing, inspection, maintenance and refit of military equipment and weapon systems. Alongside his academic achievements, he had also developed a keen interest in martial arts and earned a black belt, reflecting his discipline, determination and commitment to physical fitness.  His strong academic background, martial arts training and unwavering determination to fulfil his childhood ambition reflected a combination of intellectual ability, physical discipline and a deep sense of commitment to serving the nation. In the course of his military career, he was subsequently attached to the 2/4 Gorkha Rifles Battalion, part of the illustrious 4 Gorkha Rifles, a regiment renowned for its valour, fighting spirit and distinguished battle history. This attachment brought him into the fold of an infantry unit celebrated for its courage, discipline and steadfast devotion to duty.

Op Rakshak (J&K): 22 Oct 2001

In 2001, Lt Anup Kumar’s unit 2/4 GR was deployed in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, where it was manning the forward posts in the Nowshera sector along the Line of Control (LoC). The region was strategically sensitive, with frequent ceasefire violations, attempts at infiltration by armed militants from across the border, and heightened military activity. Such infiltration attempts were often accompanied by artillery shelling from the Pakistani side, while the possibility of hostile action by Pakistan’s Border Action Teams (BAT) posed an additional threat to Indian troops deployed along the LoC. Operating in these challenging conditions as part of "Operation Rakshak" required constant vigilance, operational preparedness and the ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

On 22 October 2001, Lt Anup Kumar was on duty at the Ashoka Post, where he was responsible for a force of 85 soldiers. As the troops were engaged in setting up a mortar when, at approximately 1:00 AM, Pakistani forces opened artillery fire on the Indian positions. Recognising the immediate danger posed by the shelling, Lt Anup Kumar acted swiftly to protect his men. He immediately ordered all the soldiers to take shelter inside the bunkers, ensuring that they moved to safety amid the sudden bombardment. His prompt decision and presence of mind helped save the lives of all 85 soldiers under his command. However, while carrying out his duty and ensuring the safety of his men, he himself was struck by a shell fragment on the right side of his forehead. He sustained a grievous injury and suffered excessive blood loss.

One of his soldiers immediately carried the critically wounded officer on his back to the Medical Inspection (MI) room in an urgent attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts, Lt Anup Kumar could not be saved, and he succumbed to his injuries. He was just 22 years old when he made the supreme sacrifice on 22 October 2001. Lt Anup Kumar TH displayed exceptional courage, presence of mind and a profound sense of responsibility in the face of enemy fire. As the officer in command, he placed the safety of his men above his own, ensuring that every soldier under his charge reached the relative safety of the bunkers. His actions reflected the finest traditions of military leadership, in which duty, courage and concern for one's comrades remain paramount. Though his life was cut short at a young age, his selfless act and steadfast devotion to duty remain a lasting testament to his character as a soldier and an officer. 

Lt Anup Kumar TH is survived by his father, Sub KK Nair Harijan (Retd), mother Smt Vijaya Kumari and sister Smt Swapna V Nair.