Lance Naik Rajneesh Kumar SC

During  December 2002, Lance Naik Rajneesh Kumar's unit, 1st Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (1 JAK Rif), was deployed in the volatile Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district, in Jammu and Kashmir as part of "Operation Parakram". The area, marked by dense jungles, rugged mountainous terrain, and harsh winter conditions, was a hotbed of militant activity. Regular infiltration attempts from across the border necessitated heightened vigilance and frequent armed patrols. Despite the formidable challenges posed by the hostile environment, the unit relentlessly carried out operations to neutralize terrorists and secure the region. On the night of December 26, 2002, the unit was on a domination patrol in the Mendhar sector when they observed suspicious movements along a nalla, indicating an infiltration attempt by a group of heavily armed terrorists. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the unit immediately swung into action and L/Nk Rajneesh Kumar was part of an ambush team strategically positioned to intercept the infiltrators. At approximately 0200 hours, as the terrorists moved closer, he demonstrated exceptional composure and precision, opening fire at point-blank range, injuring several of them. Despite heavy retaliatory fire, he skillfully maneuvered to establish stop positions, effectively cutting off the terrorists' escape routes and ensuring the operation retained its tactical advantage.

By 0645 hours, as daylight broke, the operation transitioned into a search phase. While combing through a patch of dense undergrowth, Lance Naik Rajneesh Kumar's sharp instincts detected the presence of terrorists. His intuition proved accurate when three heavily armed militants suddenly opened fire and hurled grenades at him, leaving him wounded. Despite his injuries, he displayed extraordinary resilience. Crawling under the cover of fire, he closed in on the terrorists and eliminated one of them with precise shooting. In the intense firefight that ensued, L/Nk Rajneesh Kumar sustained additional injuries but refused to back down. Bleeding profusely and facing insurmountable odds, he fearlessly launched a daring close-quarters assault on the second terrorist, neutralizing him in hand-to-hand combat. However, the cumulative toll of his injuries proved fatal, and he succumbed to them shortly afterward. His heroic actions served as a rallying cry for the rest of the search parties, who pressed on with renewed determination. Inspired by his courage, the unit successfully eliminated eight hardcore terrorists, dealing a significant blow to militant operations in the region. In the face of overwhelming odds, Lance Naik Rajneesh Kumar exemplified the highest ideals of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty. For his extraordinary bravery and remarkable devotion to duty, Lance Naik Rajneesh Kumar was posthumously awarded the gallantry award “Shaurya Chakra.”