Lt Ummer Fayaz

Born on 08 June 1994 in Sudsona village of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Ummer Fayaz Parrey was the son of Shri Fayaz Ahmed Parrey, a farmer, and Smt Jameela. He grew up in a modest rural environment where values such as hard work, discipline, and perseverance were deeply ingrained. From an early age, he displayed a strong sense of purpose and a quiet determination, which gradually shaped his aspiration to serve the nation in uniform. He received his schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Anantnag, where he stood out as a sincere and focused student. During his formative years, the idea of joining the Armed Forces took firm root in his mind. Motivated by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the nation, he set his sights on becoming an officer in the Indian Army. After successfully completing his Class 12, he cleared the highly competitive entrance examination for the National Defence Academy, marking a significant step toward realizing his dream. At the NDA, he underwent rigorous academic and military training that tested his physical endurance, mental resilience, and leadership potential. Known for his dedication and team spirit, he adapted quickly to the disciplined life of the academy. He was also a keen sportsman and actively participated in various games, particularly excelling in hockey, which further reflected his energy, competitiveness, and camaraderie.

Upon successful completion of his training at the NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun for the final phase of his pre-commission training. Here, he honed his military skills, leadership qualities, and tactical understanding, preparing himself to shoulder the responsibilities of an officer in the Indian Army. On 10 December 2016, he was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (2 Raj Rif), part of the illustrious Rajputana Rifles—one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its rich legacy of valour and numerous battle honours. Following his commissioning, he joined his unit for his first operational assignment in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, stepping into active service with a strong sense of duty, pride, and commitment to the nation.

Batapura Incident: 09 May 2017

In 2017, Lt Ummer Fayaz Parrey was serving with his unit in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, an area that demanded constant operational readiness and alertness. By May 2017, he had completed nearly four months with his battalion and had already begun to distinguish himself as a competent and committed young officer. During this period, he honed his field craft skills and developed a sound understanding of ground operations. His professionalism, coupled with his affable and approachable nature, earned him the respect and admiration of both his seniors and fellow soldiers. He quickly became an integral part of the unit, embodying the qualities expected of a young officer in the Indian Army. In early May 2017, Lt Ummer proceeded on leave to his hometown to attend a family function—the wedding of his uncle’s daughter at Batapura near Behibag in Shopian district. It was meant to be a brief period of personal time with his family and community, away from the demanding operational environment in which he served. However, in a tragic turn of events, he became the victim of a heinous and cowardly act. Militants abducted Lt Ummer during his stay in the area. Despite being an unarmed officer on leave, he was targeted and later brutally killed. His bullet-ridden body was subsequently recovered from Harmain village in Shopian district, sending shockwaves across the region and the nation.

Lt Ummer Fayaz was not only a dedicated officer but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for the youth in his village and surrounding areas. Coming from a humble background, his journey to becoming an Army officer had motivated many young individuals to pursue a similar path of service to the nation. He was regarded as a role model, and his presence had positively influenced several youths to join the Armed Forces. It is widely believed that this very influence and his role in encouraging local youth to serve the nation made him a target for militants. The loss of Lt Ummer Fayaz was deeply felt—not only by his family and the Indian Army but also by the community that looked up to him with pride. His life, marked by dedication, courage, and a sense of purpose, was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Lt Ummer Fayaz will always be remembered as a valiant soldier and a fine officer who upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His sacrifice stands as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those in uniform and continues to inspire generations to serve the nation with honour, courage, and unwavering commitment.

Lt Ummer Fayaz is survived by his father Shri Fayaz Ahmed Parrey, mother Smt Jameela and two sisters.