Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma

During April 2004, Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma was serving with the 47 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), an elite counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley, especially the regions near the Line of Control (LoC), was a volatile and dangerous operational area due to frequent infiltration attempts by heavily armed militants from across the border. The terrain—characterized by dense forests, rugged mountains, and strategic infiltration routes—posed a constant challenge to security forces. Given the high levels of militant activity, 47 RR was engaged in relentless counter-insurgency operations, conducting surveillance, search missions, and direct combat engagements to neutralize threats and safeguard civilians. On April 3, 2004, intelligence agencies provided specific and credible inputs regarding the presence of a group of heavily armed militants who had recently infiltrated from across the LoC. Reports suggested that these militants were hiding deep within a forested area, using the thick vegetation and mountainous terrain as natural cover to evade detection. Given the potential threat to national security, a well-coordinated cordon and search operation was immediately planned to eliminate the infiltrators before they could execute any attacks.

Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma, was selected as part of the assault team assigned to the high-risk operation. The mission was led by Captain Ripudaman Singh, a courageous and skilled officer who had earned the trust of his men through his leadership and fearlessness in battle. The team of highly trained soldiers moved swiftly yet cautiously towards the suspected hideout, aware that the militants could launch a surprise ambush at any moment. Every movement was calculated, and every step was taken with heightened alertness, as they knew that the encounter could be intense and prolonged. As Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma and his team closed in on the enemy’s position, the militants, sensing the approaching troops, opened heavy and indiscriminate fire. A fierce gun battle erupted, with both sides exchanging intense firepower for several hours. The militants, familiar with the terrain and its natural defensive advantages, attempted to break the cordon and escape using the dense vegetation as cover. However, the RR troops tightened their positions, ensuring that the infiltrators were completely surrounded and had no escape route.

During the intense firefight, Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma sustained multiple bullet injuries while bravely engaging the terrorists at close quarters. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued firing back, holding his position, and inspiring his comrades to keep pressing forward. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he eventually succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield, making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Alongside him, Captain Ripudaman Singh also displayed extraordinary valour and laid down his life in service of the nation. Their sacrifice ensured the success of the mission, preventing the militants from escaping and inflicting significant losses on the enemy. 

Lance Naik Sanjay Kumar Sharma is survived by his wife Smt Anita Sharma.