Lance Hav Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar KC

Lance Havaldar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar hailed from Sauni village in Falpa, Nepal. Born and raised in a humble environment, he imbibed the values of discipline, courage, and selflessness early in life. After completing his initial education, he was inspired to join the Indian Army and was recruited into the 1st Battalion of the Gorkha Rifles Regiment in 1997 — a regiment renowned for its exceptional gallantry and fierce combat legacy. Over the course of his nearly 18 years of dedicated service, Lance Hav Prem Bahadur served in several challenging operational areas, including insurgency-affected and high-altitude zones. His unwavering commitment and exceptional soldiering skills earned him a place in the elite Ghatak Platoon of his unit — a specialized commando team entrusted with high-risk missions requiring exceptional physical and mental endurance.

While serving in Jammu and Kashmir, Lance Hav Prem Bahadur played a crucial role in numerous counter-insurgency operations. Notably, during his tenure in the Tangdhar sector, his Ghatak team carried out two significant operations in which seven militants were neutralized. These operations demanded meticulous planning, stealth, and courage, all of which Lance Hav Prem Bahadur exemplified throughout his service.

Tangdhar Operation : 16th June 2016

In 2016, Lance Havaldar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar was serving with the 1st Battalion of the 3 Gorkha Rifles, which was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations. The Tangdhar sector, located along the Line of Control, was known for its volatile conditions and frequent infiltration attempts by Pakistan-based militants. The rugged terrain, dense forests, and proximity to the border made it a vulnerable area, demanding constant vigilance and preparedness from the troops stationed there. Lance Hav Prem Bahadur, being part of the unit’s elite Ghatak team, was regularly involved in high-risk patrols and operational duties in this hostile environment. On the night of 16th June 2016, an infiltration attempt was detected in the Tangdhar area when a group of terrorists tried to cross over into Indian territory. Lance Hav Prem Bahadur was part of the patrol team that identified the suspicious movement and immediately swung into action. As the soldiers challenged the infiltrators, they came under heavy and indiscriminate fire. A fierce gun battle ensued in the difficult terrain under low-visibility conditions. Displaying exceptional courage, tactical acumen, and field craft, Lance Hav Prem Bahadur engaged the militants with remarkable precision.

Despite the intense and unrelenting exchange of fire, he managed to eliminate four heavily armed terrorists, thus foiling a major infiltration bid that could have led to devastating consequences. In the course of the operation, however, Lance Hav Prem Bahadur sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the close-quarters firefight. Even after being grievously injured, he continued to fight with unwavering determination until the threat was neutralized. His injuries proved fatal, and he later succumbed to them, laying down his life in the line of duty. Lance Hav Prem Bahadur lived and died by the Gorkha ethos that he deeply believed in—“Kāyar hũnu bhanda marnu ramro”, which means, “Better to die than to live the life of a coward.” For his extraordinary bravery, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice in the face of grave danger, Lance Hav Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar was posthumously awarded the :Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His gallant action not only safeguarded the nation's borders but also inspired generations of soldiers with the true essence of courage and sacrifice.

Lance Hav Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar is survived by his wife Smt Devi Resmi Magar and two children, son Dol Bahadur and daughter Yogita .

• The then  Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua while paying glowing tributes to Lance Hav Prem Bahadur said, “The nation shall remain indebted to him and present generation will continue to draw inspiration from him.”
• “Lance Hav Prem made the supreme sacrifice while fighting infiltrators in Tangdhar in an operation that eliminated four terrorists. He has been  given a befitting tribute by his comrades in arms at BB Cantt in Srinagar,” said Indian Army spokesman.