Capt Ripudaman Singh

Counter-insurgency operation: 03 Apr 2004

During April 2004, Captain Ripudaman Singh was serving with 47 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), an elite counter-insurgency unit deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley, particularly the regions near the Line of Control (LoC), remained a hotbed of militant activity, with frequent infiltration attempts from across the border. The dense forest cover, rugged mountainous terrain, and proximity to Pakistan made it a challenging and volatile operational environment. 47 RR was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations, working relentlessly to neutralize militant threats and safeguard civilians. Given the high level of militant activity, troops had to remain on constant alert, often undertaking challenging missions to track and eliminate infiltrators hiding in the region. On April 3, 2004, intelligence agencies provided specific and credible inputs regarding the presence of heavily armed militants who had recently infiltrated from across the LoC. The information suggested that the terrorists were hiding in a forested area, using the difficult terrain as cover. Given the sensitivity of the situation, 47 RR quickly formulated a well-coordinated plan for a cordon and search operation to eliminate the threat before the militants could cause harm.

Recognized for his leadership, tactical acumen, and courage under fire, Capt Ripudaman Singh was assigned to the assault team that was given the critical task of flushing out the infiltrators. His team, consisting of highly trained soldiers, moved swiftly and strategically toward the target area to engage the militants. Upon reaching the suspected hideout, Capt Ripudaman Singh and his team initiated the search operation with great caution, knowing that the militants could launch an ambush at any moment. As they closed in on the enemy, the militants—sensing the advancing troops—opened heavy and indiscriminate fire on the soldiers. A fierce gun battle erupted, lasting several hours, as the militants tried to break the cordon and escape using the dense vegetation as cover. Despite the hostile terrain and intense enemy fire, Capt Ripudaman Singh led from the front, directing his men to hold their ground and maintain the cordon to cut off all possible escape routes. Understanding the criticality of the mission, he displayed exceptional courage and tactical brilliance, ensuring his team maintained the upper hand despite the relentless gunfire.

As the encounter intensified, Capt Ripudaman Singh sustained multiple bullet injuries while bravely engaging the terrorists at close quarters. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued fighting, inspiring his comrades to press forward and neutralize the enemy. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he eventually succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield, making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Alongside him, Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma also displayed extraordinary bravery in the operation and laid down his life in service of the nation. Their sacrifice ensured that the mission was a success, preventing the militants from escaping and inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Capt Ripudaman Singh’s supreme sacrifice at the young age of 26 remains a testament to his unflinching courage and dedication to protecting the nation.

Capt Ripudaman Singh is survived by his mother Smt Usha Kanwar Rajawat, brother Shri Jaideep Singh, and sister Smt Natasha Kanwar.

• The Government college in Sawai Madhopur was renamed on 19th May 2015 as "Shaheed Captain Ripudaman Singh Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya" in the honour of Captain Ripudaman Singh.