Hav Subhash Chander SC

Havildar Subhash Chander was born in Jammu district, Jammu & Kashmir, into a humble and patriotic family. He was the son of Shri Rhuni Lal and Smt Janti Devi, who instilled in him strong values of integrity, discipline, and service to the nation. From an early age, he exhibited a deep sense of responsibility and a keen interest in serving his country. After completing his school education, he was determined to pursue a career in the armed forces, driven by his innate patriotism and a desire to protect his motherland. His dedication and perseverance led him to be recruited into the Indian Army, where he was assigned to the 8 Dogra Battalion of the Dogra Regiment. The Dogra Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments of the Indian Army, has a long and illustrious history of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. Known for its fearless warriors, the regiment has participated in numerous military operations, earning accolades and respect for its valour. Upon joining the 8 Dogra Battalion, Havildar Subhash Chander underwent rigorous military training, honing his combat skills, discipline, and leadership qualities.

Over the years, he served in various challenging terrains and operational environments, proving his mettle as a dedicated and courageous soldier. His exceptional skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers and superiors alike. Rising through the ranks, he attained the rank of Havildar, a testament to his hard work, and devotion to duty.

Counter Insurgency Operation (Punjab): 8/9 March 1992

On the night of 8th/9th March 1992, two companies of 8 Dogra Regiment were conducting an ambush operation in Amritsar district, Punjab, in an effort to curb militant activities in the region. The soldiers had strategically positioned themselves along different tracks leading to Borchhi Rajputana village, a known route for militant movement. At approximately 2230 hours, one of the ambush teams, deployed along the Bobbi Rajputana-Vinakpur track, observed a group of four individuals moving suspiciously from the direction of the village. The patrol, led by Havildar Kuldip Singh, immediately challenged them. In response, the armed men opened fire, initiating a fierce exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the militants. Realizing they were caught, the four insurgents attempted to take cover by running into the nearby wheat fields, all the while continuing to fire at the ambush party in a desperate bid to escape. During this intense firefight, one of the militants was heard instructing his group members to throw a grenade—a move that could have endangered the entire ambush team.

At this critical juncture, Havildar Subhash Chander, displaying extraordinary courage and selflessness, charged at the nearest terrorist without any regard for his personal safety. In the ensuing combat, he successfully neutralized the militant, who was later identified as self-styled Lieutenant General Devinder Singh alias "Commando", a notorious leader of the Babbar Khalsa group. However, during this heroic charge, Hav Subhash Chander was hit in the abdomen by a burst of AK-47 fire from another hidden terrorist. Despite his grievous injuries, he refused to back down. Summoning immense determination, he continued his assault, engaging the second terrorist, Iqbal Singh, with his Sten gun. He shot and killed him, eliminating another major threat to his team. Witnessing Hav Subhash Chander’s relentless and determined charge, another militant, concealed in the wheat field, unleashed a second burst of fire from his AK-47. This fatal burst struck Hav Subhash Chander in the chest, mortally wounding him. Even in his final moments, he demonstrated unwavering bravery and dedication to his duty, ensuring the mission's success and preventing a potential attack. Havildar Subhash Chander was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty,

Havildar Subhash Chander is survived by his wife Smt Manjit Kaur.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the night of 08th/09th March 1992 two Companies of 8 Dogra had laid an ambush on the different tracks leading to the village Borchhi Rajputana in the district of Amritsar (Punjab). At about 2230 hours, an ambush party deployed at track, Bobbi Rajputana Vinakpur noticed a group of four persons :aproaching 1:om the the village. These persons were challenged by Havildar Kuldip Singh and there was heavy exchange of fire. The four armed men ran into the cover of the wheat field and started firing in a bid to escape. One of them was shouting and asking his group members to throw a grenade. On hearing this, in order to prevent the terrorists from escaping after lobbing grenades, Havildar Subhash Chander, unmindful of his personal safety, charged at the nearest terrorist killed him. He was later identified as self styled Lieutenant General Devinder Singh alias commando of the Babbar Khalsa group. In the process he was hit in his abdomen by a burst of AK-47 rifle. Another hidden_terrorist who saw him charging fired at him with his AK-47 rifle injuring him gravely. In spite of his grave injuries Havildar Subhash Chander kept on charging and firing his stengun at the second terrorist named Iqbal Singh and killed him. Seeing his continued and determined charge, the terrorist fired a second fatal burst which hit Havildar Subhash Chander in his chest.

Havildar Subhash Chander, thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and courage in the face of anti-national elements and laid down his life , making the supreme sacrifice.