Major Lalit Prakash Sharma SC

Bandipora Operation: 17 Jan 2004

In 2004, Major Lalit Prakash Sharma of the 3rd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment was deployed in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, an area known for its strategic importance and susceptibility to insurgent activities. His unit was tasked with counter-insurgency operations, as well as manning the forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) to safeguard against infiltration and militant incursions from across the border. In the second week of January 2004, actionable intelligence indicated the presence of heavily armed terrorists belonging to Pakistan-based extremist organizations in the higher reaches of Bandipora, a region within Baramulla. The information was deemed credible, and an operation was meticulously planned to neutralize the threat. Major Lalit Prakash Sharma, known for his tactical acumen, leadership, and courage, was chosen to lead this crucial mission.

On January 17, 2004, Maj Lalit Prakash and his team executed a well-coordinated move to the identified location. The operation was a search and cordon mission, intended to trap and neutralize the terrorists. Despite the harsh terrain and the extreme cold of the Kashmir winter, Maj Lalit Prakash and his troops reached the area and began their operation with precision and caution. As the troops closed in, they made contact with the terrorists. Upon being challenged, the militants retaliated with indiscriminate and heavy firing, attempting to escape the encirclement. The situation escalated into a fierce gun battle, with both sides exchanging intense fire. The terrorists, well-armed and entrenched, posed a serious threat, but Maj Lalit Prakash, demonstrating exemplary leadership and strategic brilliance, directed the engagement with remarkable composure and bravery.

In the ensuing firefight, six terrorists were eliminated, a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against insurgency. However, the battle came at a high cost. During the exchange of fire, Maj Lalit Prakash and three of his brave comrades — Naib Subedar Prabhu Singh, Lance Naik Ganpat Singh Rathore, and Sepoy Sanjeev Kumar — sustained severe injuries. Despite being gravely wounded, Maj Lalit Prakash continued to lead from the front, embodying the ethos of courage and selfless service until the very end. Tragically, Maj Lalit Prakash and his fellow soldiers later succumbed to their injuries, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. His bravery, tactical skill, and steadfast resolve were instrumental in the success of the mission, ensuring that the threat was neutralized and the safety of the region upheld.

In recognition of his extraordinary valor, unwavering dedication, and supreme sacrifice, Major Lalit Prakash Sharma was posthumously awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra, India's third highest peacetime gallantry award. Maj Lalit Prakash Sharma is survived by his father Lt Cdr SP Sharma (Retd), mother Smt  S Sharma, wife Smt Disha Sharma and son Shri Shaurya Sharma.