Sowar D Kiran Kumar Reddy

Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy hailed from Sundhalavri Palli village in K.V. Palli tehsil of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Motivated by his aspiration to wear the uniform, he pursued his goal after completing his schooling and joined the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 16 Cavalry Regiment of the Armoured Corps, one of the distinguished combat arms of the Indian Army. The Armoured Corps plays a crucial role in modern warfare by providing mobility, firepower and protection to ground forces. Its personnel operate armoured fighting vehicles in challenging operational environments, where technical proficiency, alertness, sound judgement and the ability to respond swiftly to changing battlefield situations are essential. Service in this arm demands a high degree of physical fitness, professional competence, discipline and courage. As a member of 16 Cavalry, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy became part of a proud military tradition built on valour, comradeship, and an unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation. After serving in the Army for a few years, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy married Ms. Mamtha and began a new chapter in his personal life. 

Counter-Terrorist Operation (J&K): 26 Sep 2013

In September 2013, the unit of Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy's unit was deployed in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, a strategically sensitive area that remained vulnerable to terrorist infiltration and attacks. The troops stationed in the region had to maintain constant vigilance and remain prepared to respond to threats against military installations and personnel. On the morning of 26 September 2016, the unit’s Officers’ Mess Complex came under attack by a group of heavily armed terrorists. At approximately 7:10 AM, intense gunfire was heard in the vicinity of the complex, prompting an immediate response from the troops. On receiving information about the attack, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy, as part of the assigned response team, moved towards the affected area alongside Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh, Dafadar Indra Singh and Sowar Srinivas Meesala to confront the terrorists and contain the threat. The terrorists had taken cover in a nullah and were firing at the troops with automatic weapons. Their position posed a serious threat, as they were attempting to advance towards the adjoining Officers’ Married Accommodation Complex, where the families of serving Army personnel resided. Recognising the urgency of the situation and the danger to the families, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy and his comrades moved to engage the terrorists and prevent them from reaching the residential area. Despite coming under heavy and sustained fire, he remained committed to his assigned task, displaying courage, determination and a strong sense of duty. The troops continued to engage the terrorists, seeking to contain their movement and prevent them from breaking through towards the family accommodation. During the fierce exchange of fire, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh was grievously wounded but continued to lead from the front, advancing towards the terrorists’ position despite the danger.

Throughout the engagement, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy stood firm alongside his comrades, continuing to confront the heavily armed terrorists despite the grave risk to his own life. As the terrorists attempted to change positions and escape while firing indiscriminately, the troops maintained pressure on them and continued their efforts to prevent them from reaching the nearby residential complex. The encounter was intense, and several soldiers sustained serious injuries while carrying out their duties. The injured personnel were evacuated to the Army Hospital for emergency treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical team, Lt Col Bikram Jit Singh, Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy, Dafadar Indra Singh and Sowar Srinivas Meesala succumbed to their injuries. Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while confronting heavily armed terrorists and helping protect his fellow soldiers and their families.

Sowar Kiran Kumar Reddy is survived by his wife, Smt. Mamtha.