Lt Ashok Kumar Saklani SC

Lieutenant Ashok Kumar hailed from Bulaki Wala village in Vikasnagar tehsil of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. He was the son of Army veteran Honorary Captain D. C. Saklani (Retd.), whose service and dedication to the nation deeply inspired him from an early age. Growing up in a disciplined Army environment, young Ashok developed a strong admiration for the Armed Forces and resolved to follow in his father’s footsteps. Pursuing his dream, he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in July 1996 as part of the 96th NDA Course (Cheetah Squadron) after completing his schooling. His years at the NDA shaped him into a determined and disciplined young leader, ready to serve the nation with courage and integrity. 

After graduating from the NDA in July 1999, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he was part of the 106 Regular Course. On 13 May 2000, he was commissioned into the 2 Dogra Battalion of the Dogra Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most decorated infantry regiments, known for its gallantry, traditions, and battlefield valour. Within a year of service, he had already earned the confidence of his superiors and the respect of his men, eventually becoming the leader of the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of his battalion — a critical role tasked with rapid deployment in high-risk counter-insurgency operations.

Counter-Insurgency operation (J&K): 11 Jul 2001

During 2001, Lt Ashok Kumar's unit was deployed in the Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir, and was engaged in counterinsurgency operations. The sector was heavily militarized, and soldiers were stationed on mountaintop posts to guard the Line of Control and prevent the infiltration of militants. The unit troops, besides manning the forward posts in the Sector, were also engaged in counter-infiltration operations. The posts of the unit were located in high-altitude areas with inhospitable terrain and extreme weather conditions. In addition to manning the stationary posts, the unit launched regular armed patrols to monitor the area between the posts.

On 11 July 2001, around 1130 hours, Lt Ashok and his QRT were launched into an operation to track down terrorists reported to be hiding in the Darvesh Forest — a rugged and hostile terrain situated at an altitude of over 12,000 feet. As the team advanced through the dense and unforgiving forest, they were suddenly ambushed by a group of terrorists. In the initial burst of fire, Lt Ashok sustained serious injuries. Despite being wounded, the young officer showed exceptional courage and presence of mind. He crawled through the uneven terrain to a tactically advantageous position and engaged the enemy. Displaying remarkable marksmanship and determination, he successfully neutralized one terrorist at close range. However, the threat was far from over. The remaining terrorists manoeuvred around and managed to fire upon Lt Ashok again, this time hitting him in the thigh — a wound that immobilized him. Though gravely injured and exposed to enemy fire, Lt Ashok’s concern was not for himself but for the safety of his men. Fully aware that any attempt to evacuate him could put his comrades at great risk, he urged them to continue the assault and eliminate the fleeing terrorists.

In a display of unmatched valour and grit, Lt Ashok continued to engage the enemy on his own. As one of the terrorists attempted to close in and finish him off, Lt Ashok lobbed a grenade, killing the second terrorist. His steadfast resolve and offensive action, even in a critical condition, directly led to the elimination of two terrorists, whose bodies were later recovered from the encounter site. The firefight lasted for nearly three hours. Once the remaining terrorists had been neutralized by the rest of the team, Lt Ashok was finally evacuated. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries en route to the base. Lt Ashok Kumar's actions exemplify the highest standards of gallantry and selflessness. Even in the face of grave injury and imminent death, he refused to be evacuated, placing the safety of his men and the success of the mission above his own life. Lt Ashok Kumar was given the nation’s third-highest gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra”. 

Lieutenant Ashok Kumar is survived by his father, Honorary Captain D. C. Saklani (Retd.).

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Lt Ashok Kumar commissioned on 13 May 2000, was the leader of the Battalion Quick Reaction Team (QRT). At 1130 hours on 11 Jul 2001, he was launched to track down terrorists hiding in the Darvesh Forest. While operating at heights over 12000 feet, his party was ambushed in which the officer was wounded. Despite his injuries, he crawled to an advantageous position' and killed one terrorist. Meanwhile remaining terrorists maneuvered and again shot the officer ~n the thigh, immobilizing him and continued to fire on him. Realizing the danger to his comrades in evacuating him, he urged them to pursue the remaining terrorists. Grievously wounded, he continued to fire and lobbed a grenade on one more terrorists trying to close in to kill him, thus accounting for two terrorists, whose bodies were subsequently recovered. Three hours later when the terrorists were eliminated by his team, Lt Ashok was evacuated, but succumbed to injuries en route to base.

Lt Ashok though seriously injured, refused evacuation to prevent further casualties to his men and accomplished the task of eliminating the terrorists, thus displaying supreme sacrifice in the best the most conspicuous gallantry and made
traditions of the Indian Army.

• As a mark of honour and lasting remembrance, a memorial gate has been erected at Lt Ashok Kumar’s native village, Bulakiwala in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, to commemorate his valour and supreme sacrifice for the nation.
• The parent unit of Lt. Ashok Kumar Saklani, 2 Dogra Battalion, has instituted an Inter-Company Football Championship in his honour. The tournament, named after Lieutenant Ashok Kumar Saklani, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), is conducted as a mark of respect and remembrance for his exemplary service and supreme sacrifice.
• A 'Silver Trophy' was instituted by the 96 CEASERS in honour of Lt Ashok Kumar during their 'Silver Jubilee' reunion, along with a Salver that continues to be presented to the best cadet.