2nd Lt KK Majumdar

Second Lieutenant Karun Kanti Majumdar hailed from Rajasthan and was born on 31st August 1949, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Janmashtami, in the historic city of Jodhpur — the land of the valiant Veer Durgadas Rathore. He was the son of Shri M. L. Majumdar and Late Smt. Khukhu Rani Majumdar. Owing to his father’s service in the Indian Air Force, young Karun Kanti spent his formative years in various Air Force stations across the country, which nurtured in him a natural sense of discipline, adventure, and patriotism. He completed his schooling from the Air Force School, Jodhpur, and later pursued his higher education at the Government Dungar College in Bikaner, Rajasthan. From an early age, he was deeply inspired by the ethos of the armed forces and aspired to wear the uniform one day. His determination and perseverance bore fruit when he was selected to join the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, in December 1967. Upon successfully completing his rigorous training, he was commissioned on 8th December 1969 as a Second Lieutenant into the 10 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, one of the oldest and most respected infantry regiments of the Indian Army.

At the time, 10 Bihar was a newly raised battalion, having been formed in 1967, and was steadily building its traditions and operational identity within the Regiment. Young 2nd Lt Majumdar, with his enthusiasm and professionalism, quickly earned the respect of his seniors and comrades. He played an active role in the early years of the battalion’s growth and was among those who helped establish its reputation for discipline and excellence. A proud moment in his short but eventful career came when his battalion received its Regimental Colours from the Vice President of India, Shri G. S. Pathak, a moment of great honour for every officer and soldier of the unit.

Battle of Akhaura (Indo-Pak War): 04 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, 2nd Lt Karun Kanti Majumdar’s unit, 10 Bihar, was deployed in the Eastern Sector, tasked with operations in the Agartala region of Tripura. The battalion came under the operational control of the 311 Mountain Brigade, which formed part of the 57 Mountain Division, operating under the overall command of IV Corps. One of the most crucial operations in this sector was the Battle of Akhaura, a strategically significant engagement that played a decisive role in paving the way for the eventual capture of Dhaka. As part of the operational plan, the 57 Mountain Division was assigned the responsibility of capturing Akhaura, a heavily defended border town in the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The area held immense military importance as it served as a major communication and logistics hub for enemy forces.

On 1st December 1971, as part of the initial phase of the offensive, 10 Bihar, alongside 4 Guards, crossed the international border into enemy territory. The Pakistani defenders had turned Akhaura into a formidable stronghold, fortified with bunkers, trenches, minefields, and barbed-wire obstacles, backed by artillery fire and armoured support. The area was bristling with resistance, making it one of the toughest objectives in the sector. From 1st December onward, 10 Bihar began systematic operations to encircle and weaken the enemy defences. The main assault on Akhaura was launched on the night of 4th December 1971, with 10 Bihar assigned the critical task of capturing the Akhaura Railway Junction, a key objective whose seizure would cut off the enemy’s lines of communication.

During the operation, 2nd Lt Majumdar, serving as the Intelligence Officer of the battalion, played a vital role in collecting and analyzing information about the enemy’s fortifications, troop dispositions, and defensive fire patterns. His work was instrumental in planning the battalion’s attack strategy. However, as the battle unfolded, the enemy launched fierce counter-attacks supported by heavy artillery and automatic fire. In the midst of this intense combat, 2nd Lt Majumdar was gravely wounded while courageously performing his duties under fire. Despite all efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on 5th December 1971, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Second Lieutenant Karun Kanti Majumdar was only 22 years old when he laid down his life in the line of duty. His courage, commitment, and sense of responsibility exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army.