Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap

Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap hailed from Balenga village in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh and was born on 21 November 1989. Growing up in a region known for its rugged terrain and resilient people, he imbibed values of hard work, determination, and service to the nation from an early age. After completing his schooling, he chose the path of uniformed service and joined the Indian Army, where his sense of duty and discipline soon distinguished him. He was recruited into the 33 Assam Rifles battalion, a part of the storied Assam Rifles—the oldest paramilitary force in India, with its headquarters in Shillong. Renowned for its operational excellence and deep-rooted legacy, the Assam Rifles has, for decades, safeguarded India’s borders while simultaneously undertaking the difficult responsibility of maintaining internal security in some of the country’s most volatile and strategically sensitive regions, particularly the North-East. Within this elite force, Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap embodied the very ethos of the Assam Rifles.

After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Savitri and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Dhani. His unwavering discipline, strong sense of duty, and unflinching courage not only earned him respect among his comrades but also reflected the proud traditions of the force he served. 

Bishnupur Ambush (Manipur): 19 Sep 2025

In September 2025, Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap’s unit, the 33 Assam Rifles, was deployed in Manipur, a region that had recently witnessed a sharp escalation in militant activity. Since the beginning of the year, cross-border insurgency and smuggling operations have intensified along the 1,643-km-long, largely unfenced border between Manipur and Myanmar. The porous terrain and growing network of insurgent groups posed a serious threat to regional security, demanding constant vigilance and a robust counter-insurgency response. To address this challenge, the Indian Army and paramilitary forces launched intensified operations, with the 33 Assam Rifles at the forefront. Their responsibilities extended beyond direct combat to include border management, area domination, and maintaining stability in volatile districts. Within this framework, routine troop movements between company operating bases were critical for ensuring logistical support, rotation of personnel, and maintaining overall operational readiness. On 19 September 2025, one such movement was scheduled between the Patsoi Company Operating Base and the Nambol Company Operating Base in the Bishnupur district. The designated route ran through the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), passing near Nambol Sabal Leikai, approximately 8 kilometers from Imphal airport. The stretch was classified as a denotified area, generally regarded as secure compared to active conflict zones. However, the deceptive calm was shattered that evening.

At around 5:40 p.m., as a truck carrying troops of 33 Assam Rifles returned from a flood-relief mission and proceeded along NH-2, it was suddenly ambushed by armed militants. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire, transforming a seemingly safe roadway into a battleground. The suddenness of the assault highlighted the unpredictable nature of insurgency operations, where danger could strike even in areas assumed to be secure. Amidst the chaos, Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap and Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung rose to the occasion. With unflinching courage, they fought back against overwhelming odds, determined to protect their comrades and prevent further casualties. Despite being mortally wounded, both soldiers displayed commendable valour and steadfastness until their last breath. Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap displayed unwavering commitment to the service of the nation throughout his career. At the 36th year of his life, he laid down his life in the line of duty while performing his operational responsibilities under challenging conditions.

Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap is survived by his wife, Smt Savitri Kashyap, and daughter, Ms Dhani Kashyap.