Major Anurag Srivastava SC

Major Anurag Srivastava, was born in Kavalappara in Shoranur town of Palakkad district in Kerala, and traced his roots to Uttar Pradesh. The son of Late Lt Col P N Srivastava and Late Smt P Janaki Nair, he was deeply influenced by his family’s legacy of service. From a young age, he was driven by an unyielding passion to serve the nation, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to joining the prestigious Indian Army. His dedication and perseverance eventually bore fruit as he achieved his goal, earning a commission into the 2nd Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment (2 Mech Inf). The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, though one of the youngest in the Indian Army, has carved a distinguished reputation for its operational efficiency and adaptability. With 27 battalions stationed across the country under various armored formations, the regiment represents the cutting edge of modern warfare. Maj Srivastava’s induction into such an elite unit marked the beginning of a career characterized by courage, tactical brilliance, and an unrelenting commitment to duty.

Upon commissioning, Major Srivastava was assigned to serve in some of the most challenging and operationally sensitive areas across India. His exposure to diverse terrains and combat scenarios honed his leadership skills and enhanced his understanding of military strategy. Over time, his unwavering dedication and outstanding performance earned him the rank of Major, a testament to his competence and potential. Throughout his career, Major Srivastava embodied the values of honour, duty, and sacrifice. His contributions to his unit and the Indian Army remain a shining example of what it means to serve the nation with unwavering resolve and fearless determination.

Kupwara Operation : 11 Jan 1996  

Major Anurag Srivastava, of the Mechanised Infantry and later attached to the 2nd Battalion, Assam Rifles, demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical acumen throughout his illustrious career. Early in his service, he showcased rare courage and outstanding leadership by leading the destruction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland's (NSCN) regional headquarters in Senapati District, Manipur. His ability to plan and execute high-risk missions with precision earned him a reputation as an officer of remarkable skill and valour. Following the induction of his unit into Jammu and Kashmir in March 1995, Major Anurag Srivastava demonstrated exemplary courage and strategic brilliance by conceiving, planning, and executing several Company-level operations. These operations led to the elimination of key militant leaders, including an Al-Burq Divisional Commander, two Hizbul Mujahideen Battalion Commanders, and five other notorious Hizbul Mujahideen operatives, significantly disrupting militant activities in the region.

On January 11, 1996, credible intelligence revealed the presence of 4-6 militants in Jagarpur, Kupwara District. Tasked with leading an operation to cordon the village and conduct a search, Major Anurag Srivastava spearheaded a mission under the banner of 21 Assam Rifles. At approximately 0800 hours, the search team encountered heavy small-arms fire from militants entrenched on nearby heights, which left one soldier injured. Realizing the critical nature of the situation, Major Srivastava attempted to rescue the wounded soldier but was obstructed by intense gunfire emanating from a fortified Universal Machine Gun position. With a steadfast resolve, he directed Rocket Launcher and Light Machine Gun detachments to suppress the enemy fire. However, the militants' fortified positions proved highly resistant. Determined to secure the safety of his comrade, Major Srivastava resolved to neutralize the threat personally. With complete disregard for his safety and extraordinary bravery, he advanced under heavy fire, moving from cover to cover. Demonstrating exceptional combat skills, he crawled through hostile fire and charged the militant position single-handedly, engaging in close combat and neutralizing the threat. In the ensuing firefight, he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, sacrificing his life to save his injured colleague. 

Major Anurag Srivastava’s extraordinary courage, unwavering loyalty, and selfless leadership exemplify the highest ideals of the Indian Army. His heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice stand as a testament to his commitment to duty and his comrades, upholding the finest traditions of service to the nation. Major Srivastava was posthumously honoured with the "Shaurya Chakra", India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award. Major Anurag Srivastava is survived by his sister Smt Shireen Sharma.

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

Major Anurag Srivastava had earlier demonstrated rare courage and exceptional leadership qualities by destroying the National Socialist Council of Nagaland's Regional Headquarters in Senapati District, Manipur. Following the induction of the unit into Jammu and Kashmir in March 1995, the officer conceived, planned, and executed Company-level operations with remarkable courage. These operations resulted in the elimination of an Al-Burq Divisional Commander, two Hizbul Mujahideen Battalion Commanders, and five dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen militants. On January 11, 1996, confirmed intelligence indicated the presence of 4-6 militants in Jagarpur, Kupwara District, Jammu and Kashmir. Operations were subsequently launched by 21 Assam Rifles. Major Anurag Srivastava was tasked with cordoning the village and conducting a specific search.

At approximately 0800 hours, the search team came under heavy small-arms fire from Anti-National Elements positioned on adjacent heights, injuring one of the soldiers. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Major Anurag Srivastava attempted to extricate the injured comrade but was unable to do so due to intense fire from a concealed Universal Machine Gun position. Acting decisively, he deployed his Rocket Launcher (RL) and Light Machine Gun detachments on the flanks to suppress the militant fire. However, the militants’ well-fortified positions rendered this ineffective. Prioritizing the immediate evacuation of the injured comrade, Major Anurag Srivastava resolved to neutralize the threat himself. With utter disregard for his personal safety and displaying unparalleled courage, he advanced single-handedly from cover to cover, closing in on the militant position. Crawling through heavy fire, he charged the militant and successfully killed him in close combat. Tragically, during the ensuing exchange of fire, Major Anurag Srivastava sustained a fatal bullet wound to the head, making the ultimate sacrifice to save his injured comrade.

Major Anurag Srivastava’s actions exemplified unparalleled bravery, loyalty to his comrades-in-arms, and leadership of the highest order, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Army.