Gunner Jageshwar Nagar SM

Gunner Jageshwar Nagar hailed from Barotha village in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh and was born on 07 June 1985. Son of Shri Kedar Singh Dhakad and Smt Sumaran Bai, he joined the Indian Army after completing his school education on 20 June 2005 at the age of 20 years. He was recruited into the 318 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, an important combat support arm of the Indian Army, well known for its booming field guns, howitzers, and other heavy weaponry. 

By 2015, he had completed around ten years of service and developed into a tough and devoted soldier. After serving with his parent unit, Gnr Jageshwar was later deputed to serve with the 29 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations. 

Baramulla Operation (J&K): 02 Apr 2015

During Apr 2015, Gnr Jageshwar’s unit 29 RR battalion was deployed in the Baramulla district of J&K near the LOC. The LOC was highly active and volatile where cease-fire violations occurred very often and without any warning. His battalion was engaged in anti-insurgency operations against the terrorists on a regular basis and often faced very challenging situations. On 02 Apr 2015, the intelligence sources provided information to the security forces about the presence of a group of terrorists hiding in a house in Pattan village of Baramulla district. Consequently, the security forces decided to launch a search and cordon operation in the suspected area on 02 Apr.  It was a joint operation comprising soldiers of the Indian Army from 29 RR and 'Special Operation Group' of J&K Police. Gnr Jageshwar was part of the Army contingent from 29 RR. On 02 Apr 2015, the joint team launched the operation as planned and reached the suspected area. 

Gnr Jageshwar and other members of the joint team cordoned off the suspected area and began the search operation. When the operation was underway, the terrorists felt cornered and attacked the troops from their hiding places. A gun battle ensued thereafter with a heavy exchange of fire. Gnr Jageshwar moving swiftly found one terrorist in his range and quickly eliminated him. Thereafter, sensing danger to his comrades facing enemy fire, he came out in the open without caring for his own safety to give cover fire.  While doing so, he got hit by a bullet on his head and got injured severely.  Undeterred he continued to fire till he collapsed. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Gnr Jageshwar was a valiant and dedicated soldier, who at the young age of 29 years, laid down his life in the service of the nation. He was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” (posthumous) for his exceptional courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

Gnr Jageshwar Nagar is survived by his father Shri Kedar Singh Dhakad, mother Smt Sumaran Bai and wife Smt Usha Devi.