Service No : 5746182Y

Place of birth : Kaski Dist (Nepal)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Havildar

Unit : 6/8 GR

Arm/Regt : 8 Gorkha Rifles

Operation : Op Pawan

Awards : Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : March 2, 1989

Hav Guman Singh Gurung VrC

Havildar Guman Singh Gurung hailed from Khandarjung village in the Kaski district of Nepal, a region renowned for producing brave and skilled soldiers who have historically contributed to the legacy of the Gurkhas. After completing his initial education, Hav GS Gurung chose the path of serving in the military, driven by a sense of duty and honour. He was recruited into the 6th Battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles Regiment (6/8 GR), an infantry regiment celebrated for its fearless soldiers and distinguished history of valour. The 8 Gorkha Rifles Regiment was originally raised in 1824 under the British East India Company and later became part of the British Indian Army following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. With its origins deeply rooted in a tradition of courage and discipline, the regiment gained widespread recognition for its gallantry in numerous campaigns.

 

The regiment has played a significant role in major conflicts across the globe. During World War I and World War II, the soldiers of the 8 Gorkha Rifles earned a reputation for their indomitable spirit and combat prowess, receiving numerous battle honours and awards. Post-independence in 1947, the regiment was transferred to the Indian Army, along with several other Gorkha regiments, as part of an agreement with Nepal. Since then, the 8 Gorkha Rifles has continued to uphold its illustrious legacy. The regiment has participated in several critical military engagements, including the Indo-Pak War of 1947–48, where it played a vital role in defending the sovereignty of the newly independent nation, and the Sino-Indian War of 1962, where its soldiers fought with unparalleled courage against overwhelming odds in challenging high-altitude terrains. Additionally, the regiment has been involved in numerous other operations, both domestic and international, consistently displaying exceptional professionalism and bravery.

 

Operation Pawan: 02 Mar 1989

 

Following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in July 1987, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka to assist in stabilizing the region. The accord aimed to bring peace by requiring militants, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), to surrender. However, the LTTE reneged on the agreement and launched a full-scale war against the Indian forces. Initially, only the 54th Division of the Indian Army was deployed, but as hostilities escalated, three additional divisions—3rd, 4th, and 57th—were brought in to reinforce operations. By March 1989, the IPKF had conducted numerous operations against the LTTE, but the conflict showed no signs of abating. Among the units deployed was the 6th Battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles (6/8 GR), commanded by Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi, which immediately became involved in combat operations. Havildar GS Gurung was a key member of the battalion and part of its elite team.

 

On March 2, 1989, Hav GS Gurung's Company Group of the 6/8 Gorkha Rifles was tasked with executing a search-and-destroy mission in the Nayaroo Lagoon area of the Wanoi Sector, Sri Lanka. The operation was part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) deployment during the Sri Lankan Civil War, a challenging mission aimed at neutralizing militant strongholds. The unit was under the command of Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi, who led the troops with precision and determination. As the company advanced into the lagoon area, they encountered a heavily armed militant camp. The initial contact, marked by sporadic exchanges of gunfire, escalated rapidly into a full-scale engagement. The militants, firing from multiple concealed positions, created a chaotic battlefield scenario. Despite these adversities, the 6/8 Gorkha Rifles stood their ground, initiating a fierce and prolonged firefight that stretched over 24 grueling hours.

 

Amidst the chaos, Hav GS Gurung, the radio operator for the commanding officer, played a critical role in maintaining vital communication lines. His position was particularly exposed, yet he demonstrated unflinching resolve in the face of danger. While maneuvering through the treacherous terrain under heavy fire, Hav GS Gurung sustained serious injuries. Despite his condition, he refused to withdraw and continued relaying essential information to ensure the success of the operation. In addition to his role as a radio operator, Hav GS Gurung engaged the militants directly. With extraordinary courage and tactical precision, he neutralized three to four militants in close combat, displaying remarkable skill and determination. His actions not only disrupted the enemy’s offensive but also inspired his comrades to press forward.

 

Hav GS Gurung fought with complete disregard for his own safety, embodying the highest ideals of selflessness and valour. Amid the intense close-range firefight, Hav GS Gurung and his comrades demonstrated unmatched bravery as they faced relentless militant fire. However, during the heavy exchange of gunfire, Hav GS Gurung, along with five other soldiers, including their leader, sustained severe injuries. Despite their valiant efforts, they succumbed to their wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. The other five martyred heroes were Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi, Naib Subedar Gambir Mall Thakuri, Havildar KP Gurung, Lance Naik KS Gurung, and Rifleman Ram Prasad Thapa. Together, they exemplified extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to their mission, standing resolute in the face of overwhelming odds. In recognition of his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice, Havildar Guman Singh Gurung was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra", one of India’s highest gallantry awards. 

 

Havildar Guman Singh Gurung is survived by his wife Smt Tika Devi Gurung.

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