Capt Sandeep Shankla AC

Captain Sandeep Shankla hailed from Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh and was born on 3rd January 1964. He was the proud son of an Army veteran, Lt Col J.S. Kanwar, and Smt. Manju Kanwar. Growing up in a disciplined and patriotic environment, young Sandeep was deeply inspired by his father’s service in uniform. From his childhood days, he nurtured a strong desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and dedicate his life to the Armed Forces. His formative years were marked by a sense of determination and focus. With a dream to wear the olive green uniform, he worked with perseverance and dedication throughout his education. After completing his graduation, he turned his long-cherished aspiration into reality by opting for a military career.

To fulfill his dream, Sandeep Shankla joined the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun—an institution renowned for shaping some of the finest officers of the Indian Army. At the IMA, he underwent rigorous physical, tactical, and leadership training, which prepared him for the challenges of a military career. His commitment, discipline, and zeal for soldiering made him stand out among his peers. On 14th June 1986, at the young age of 22, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Indian Army. He was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, an infantry regiment known for its valour, rich history of gallantry, and battle honours in various wars. Once he joined his battalion, he quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier in field conditions and honed his field craft, weapon handling, and tactical skills.

Kupwara Operation : 08 Aug 1991 

In 1991, Captain Sandeep Shankla’s battalion, 18 Dogra, was deployed in Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. At that time, the region was witnessing a surge in militancy, with frequent clashes between security forces and armed insurgents. The area of responsibility (AOR) of the battalion was extremely challenging—marked by thick forests, remote rugged mountains, and harsh weather conditions, especially in winter. In addition to routine anti-terrorist operations, the troops also had to guard against infiltration attempts across the border, which required relentless patrolling and round-the-clock vigilance. On 8th August 1991, the unit received credible intelligence inputs about the presence of heavily armed terrorists in Zafarkhani village of Kupwara district. The responsibility of leading the search-and-destroy mission was entrusted to Captain Sandeep Shankla, who was known for his courage, clarity of thought, and ability to inspire his men in critical situations.

Leading from the front, Captain Sandeep along with his team swiftly moved to the target area and launched a cordon-and-search operation. As the soldiers closed in, the terrorists, feeling cornered, opened indiscriminate fire. A fierce gun battle erupted, with heavy exchange of fire between the two sides. Amidst the chaos, one of the soldiers was grievously injured in the crossfire. Without hesitation, Captain Sandeep displayed remarkable bravery—he crawled through the line of fire, dragged the wounded soldier to safety, and simultaneously neutralized one terrorist. Enraged by their losses, the other terrorists retaliated with grenades. In a rare act of defiance, Captain Sandeep picked up one grenade and hurled it back at the attackers, averting greater casualties. However, during the exchange, he was grievously wounded by splinters and bullets. Despite his severe injuries, he continued to engage the enemy, motivating his men to fight on, until he collapsed and lost consciousness. He later succumbed to his wounds, attaining martyrdom at just 27 years of age.

The operation, executed under Captain Sandeep Shankla’s fearless leadership, was a resounding success. Nine terrorists were eliminated and 22 others were apprehended, delivering a severe blow to militant networks in the Kupwara sector. His selfless courage not only saved the lives of his comrades but also ensured a decisive victory for his unit. Captain Sandeep Shankla had been married only six months earlier, yet when the call of duty arose, he placed the nation above personal happiness. His gallantry, leadership, and supreme sacrifice became a shining example of the ethos of the Indian Army. In recognition of his extraordinary courage, indomitable spirit, and devotion to duty, Captain Sandeep Shankla was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award—the Ashok Chakra.

Capt Sandeep Shankla is survived by his father Lt Col J.S. Kanwar (Retd), mother Smt. Manju Kanwar, and a younger brother.