Cpl Nilesh Kumar Nayan SC

Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was born on 10 February 1986 in Udhadih village, Bhagalpur district of Bihar, into a humble and close-knit family that valued discipline, hard work, and service to the nation. From a young age, he displayed a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering desire to serve the country, qualities that would later define his journey in uniform. He joined the Indian Air Force in 2005, beginning a career marked by dedication, perseverance, and a pursuit of excellence. Through his exceptional performance, physical endurance, and mental resilience, he earned selection into the elite Garud Special Forces, one of the most demanding and prestigious units of the Indian Armed Forces. The Garud Air Commandos, formally raised in 2003, are among the youngest Special Operations Forces (SOF) units in India. Their formation was driven by the urgent need for a highly specialized force after militants carried out coordinated attacks on two Indian Air Force bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, highlighting vulnerabilities in air base security and the growing complexity of modern threats.

The first batch of Garud commandos was inducted on 6 February 2004, with the vision of creating a versatile, highly mobile, and technologically adept force tailored to the operational needs of the Indian Air Force. In peacetime, one of their primary roles is the protection and security of IAF airfields and critical installations, while in operational environments, they are trained for special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, and joint operations alongside the Army and other services. By the beginning of 2017, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was undergoing advanced joint training with the Indian Army for counter-insurgency and high-risk operational deployments. This rigorous preparation focused on close-quarter battle techniques, jungle and urban warfare, intelligence-based operations, and seamless inter-service coordination. His commitment during this demanding phase reflected not only his professional excellence but also his unwavering resolve to stand at the forefront of the nation’s defence, wherever duty called.

Hajin Operation (J&K): 11 Oct 2017

Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was deployed with the Rashtriya Rifles in a counter-insurgency role in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir since 28 July 2017, as part of the 617 Garud Flight of the Indian Air Force (Garud Special Forces). He had been undergoing intensive joint training with the Indian Army since early 2017, preparing for high-risk counter-terrorism missions. The training emphasised seamless inter-service coordination, precision in close-quarter combat, and the ability to operate decisively in hostile and unpredictable terrain, where every action could determine the success of the mission and the safety of his comrades. On the night of 10 October 2017, acting on specific and credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists on the outskirts of Hajin village, a cordon and search operation was launched by personnel from the 13 Rashtriya Rifles and the Garud Commandos. Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was deployed in the inner cordon as part of the stop party, positioned to secure the rear of the target house and prevent any attempt by the terrorists to break out of the cordon.

In the early hours of 11 October 2017, at approximately 0440 hours, as the joint team tightened the cordon and sealed all possible escape routes, the stillness of the pre-dawn hours was abruptly shattered when a group of five to six heavily armed terrorists burst out of their hideout, firing automatic weapons and hurling grenades toward Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan’s position. Demonstrating exceptional courage and remarkable presence of mind, he immediately returned accurate and sustained fire, effectively pinning down the attackers and blocking their escape path. Despite being grievously wounded by bullets and shrapnel, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan refused to withdraw from his position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to engage the terrorists in a fierce close-quarter battle, during which he neutralised one terrorist and seriously injured another, thereby preventing a breach in the cordon and protecting the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Under relentless enemy fire, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan sustained critical injuries. His teammates, braving intense hostile fire, evacuated him to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where he later succumbed to his wounds, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan displayed bravery of the highest order, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force and the Armed Forces of India. For his extraordinary courage and supreme devotion to duty, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was posthumously awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra'. His valour and sacrifice, alongside that of Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishore during the same operation, stand as a lasting testament to the indomitable spirit and highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Cpl Nilesh Kumar Nayan is survived by his wife, Smt Ninsa Nayan.

The Citation for the Shaurya Chakra award reads him to:

Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan was deployed with Rashtriya Rifles in Counter Insurgency role in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. Based on specific intelligence input about the presence of a group of terrorists, a cordon was laid at night on 10 Oct 17 for search operations on the outskirts of Hajin village. Corporal Nayan was in the inner cordon along with his track leader as stop party towards the rear of the target house.

At 0440 hrs on 11 Oct 17, five to six heavily armed terrorists charged out of their hideout, firing with automatic weapons and lobbing grenades directly towards the position of Corporal Nayan. Corporal Nayan was quick to respond and retaliated by heavy and accurate fire thereby containing the terrorists and preventing their escape. During the ensuing gun battle, his track leader was injured by bullet and shrapnel. He provided covering fire to ensure the safety of his comrade. The terrorists now directed massive fire towards his position due to which he was hit by a volley of bullets. However, Corporal Nayan displayed exemplary courage and in the highest traditions of military, held his ground. In spite of serious injuries, he killed one terrorist. The remaining terrorists now closed-in on to his position and directed all firing towards him. In the consequent battle with the escaping terrorists, Corporal Nayan fired at another terrorist and injured him. However in the melee, he suffered fatal bullet injuries and attained martyrdom. During the mission, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan displayed extreme valour, highest order of camaraderie and with total disregard to personal safety made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

For this display of raw courage, valiant gallantry and making the supreme sacrifice, Corporal Nilesh Kumar Nayan has been awarded Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous).