Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu

Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu hailed from Rohera village in Kaithal district of Haryana and was born on 5 October 1996 to Shri Dalbir Singh and Smt Roshni Devi. He grew up in a close-knit family with a younger brother and two elder sisters. From an early age, L/Nk Narender was deeply inspired by the courage and dedication of Indian soldiers. The idea of wearing the olive-green uniform and serving the nation ignited a dream in his heart—a dream that shaped his ambitions and guided his choices. After completing his schooling, he chose a life of service and sacrifice by joining the Indian Army in 2016 at just 19 years of age. He was recruited into the Rajputana Rifles, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most decorated infantry regiments, renowned for its fearless soldiers and a proud legacy of battle honours. Following his rigorous training, he was inducted into the 3rd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, where he began his journey as a disciplined and committed soldier.

Eager to take on greater challenges, Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu was later deputed to the 9th  Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force tasked with combating militancy in the sensitive region of Jammu & Kashmir. Service with the Rashtriya Rifles demanded exceptional courage, resilience, and determination—qualities that L/Nk Narender embodied with pride. Despite the hardships and dangers inherent in a soldier’s life, L/Nk Narender held his service close to his heart. His unwavering commitment and performance in demanding operational conditions earned him a well-deserved promotion to the rank of Lance Naik by 2022. 

Operation Guddar (J&K): 08 Sep 2025

In 2025, Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu was serving with the 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), an elite counter-insurgency unit deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. The battalion operated under the operational control of the XV Corps—popularly known as the Chinar Corps—headquartered in Srinagar, which oversees all military operations across the Kashmir Valley. Entrusted with maintaining security in one of the most volatile and strategically sensitive regions of the country, 9 RR faced constant challenges posed by treacherous terrain, harsh weather, and persistent militant activity. Operating in this high-risk environment required exceptional skill, discipline, and composure under pressure. The unit frequently conducted independent raids as well as coordinated missions with other security forces to neutralize threats and maintain stability in the valley. Their role was critical in ensuring the safety of local communities and upholding national security in a region long known for its complex security dynamics. On 8 September 2025, security agencies received credible intelligence about a group of heavily armed militants taking refuge deep within the dense Guddar forest of Kulgam district in South Kashmir. The area, notorious for its rugged landscape and history of militant hideouts, posed a significant threat if the group was allowed to operate unchecked. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, senior commanders swiftly formulated a meticulously planned joint mission, codenamed Operation Guddar.

The assault force was a combined team of highly trained personnel from the 9 Rashtriya Rifles and 10 Para (Special Forces), supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This multi-agency effort was designed to ensure complete area domination, effective cordon control, and a decisive strike against the militants. Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu, known among his comrades for his discipline and composure under pressure, was chosen to be part of this operation. Their mission was to flush out the militants from their fortified hideouts—a task fraught with danger and requiring precision, teamwork, and immense courage. As dawn broke over the forest canopy, the troops advanced cautiously, navigating the difficult terrain and thick undergrowth. When the cordon-and-search operation began, the militants, sensing their imminent capture, opened indiscriminate fire. The silence of the forest was shattered by a fierce exchange of gunfire, and the operation quickly escalated into an intense gun battle.

In the chaos of close-quarters combat and under a hail of enemy bullets, Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu displayed exceptional leadership. Moving skillfully from cover to cover, he ensured that his team maintained the tactical advantage despite the militants’ aggressive resistance. However, during the fierce engagement that followed, Lance Naik Sindhu was struck by multiple gunshots as he led the charge from the front. Even as he was grievously wounded, his actions continued to motivate his comrades to press forward. He was evacuated from the battlefield but, despite all efforts, succumbed to his injuries, making the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 28. In the same encounter, Subedar Parbhat Gaur of 10 Para (Special Forces) also laid down his life while fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with his brothers-in-arms. Their bravery, determination, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Operation Guddar stood as a testament to their sacrifice—two gallant soldiers who put service before self and faced overwhelming danger to protect the nation.

Lance Naik Narender Singh Sindhu is survived by his father Shri Dalbir Singh, mother Smt Roshni Devi, two elder sisters and one younger brother Shri Virender Singh.