Major Diwan Chand Chauhan

Major Diwan Chand Chauhan hailed from Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh and was born on 07 Aug1962.  He was inclined to join the armed forces since his younger days and continued to follow his dream while growing up. Following his passion he eventually passed the Combined Defence Services Examination and got selected to join the OTA Chennai. He was commissioned into the Brigade of Guards, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers and numerous battle honours

After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms Aruna and the couple was blessed with two daughters Vaishali and Nitisha.  After serving for a few years with his parent unit, he was deputed to serve with the 21 RR battalion deployed in J & K for counterinsurgency operations. He undertook a number of operations against the insurgents and proved his mettle as a fine soldier. He soon developed an effective network of intelligence sources in the AOR (Area of Responsibility) of his unit and conducted various successful counter-infiltration operations. 

Operation Rakshak (J&K): 01 Sep 2005

During Sep 2005, Maj DC Chauhan’s unit, 21 RR battalion was deployed in Kupwar district of Jammu & Kashmir and was engaged in operations against the militants as part of "Operation Rakshak". The unit troops were engaged in counter-insurgency operations on a regular basis as its AOR (Area of Responsibility) was affected by active militancy. The unit was located close to LOC, which remained highly active and volatile with ceasefire violations occurring very often and without any warning. Maj DC Chauhan’s unit also undertook operations to check the infiltration bids as its AOR was prone to infiltration by the militants from across the border. On 01 Sep 2005, one such infiltration bid was reported by the intelligence sources in Rajwar sector of Kupwara district near the anti-infiltration obstacle system close to the LOC.

Maj Chauhan along with his team swung into action to foil the infiltration bid and neutralize the militants. He deployed his troops tactically to block the possible escape routes and engaged them aggressively. In the ensuing fierce gun battle, few militants got injured and the the infitration bid was foiled. However, during the exchange of fire Maj DC Chauhan received gunshots and was seriously injured. Later Maj DC Chauhan succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Maj DC Chauhan was a valiant soldier and a fine officer, who led from the front and laid down his life in the line of his duty following the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Maj Diwan Chand Chauhan is survived by his wife Smt Aruna Diwan, and daughters Vaishali Chauhan and Nitisha Chauhan.