Major P Srikumar KC

Major Padmanabhan Srikumar hailed from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and was the son of Shri S. P. Ayyar. He was commissioned into the 142 AD Regiment (Self-Propelled) of the Corps of Air Defence Artillery—now known as the Corps of Army Air Defence—an important combat support arm of the Indian Army entrusted with protecting vital assets against enemy air threats. After completing his initial tenure with his parent regiment and gaining professional experience in air defence operations, he was deputed to serve with the 27 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion. The unit was actively deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, conducting intensive counter-insurgency operations in one of the most challenging operational environments in the country. Major Srikumar joined 27 Rashtriya Rifles on 23 November 1996. By then, the battalion had built a formidable reputation for executing numerous successful operations across the Kashmir Valley. The unit was known for its operational efficiency, high morale, and professionalism, and Major Srikumar quickly integrated into its demanding operational routine, committed to contributing to its ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.

Operation Scorpion: 12 Dec 1997

During 1997, Major Padmanabhan Srikumar was serving with his unit, 27 RR, in the Jammu & Kashmir region, which was experiencing a significant escalation in militant activity. In response to the increasing threat, security forces initiated a large-scale counterinsurgency effort known as Operation Scorpion, aimed at neutralizing militant groups operating in the area. In the second week of December 1997, Major Srikumar’s unit received specific and credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of a group of hardened terrorists within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). After a detailed assessment of the information, the unit command decided to launch a search-and-destroy mission as part of Operation Scorpion. Major Srikumar was entrusted with the responsibility of leading this critical operation on 12 December 1997, owing to his professionalism, courage, and proven leadership abilities. As planned, Major Srikumar quickly mobilized his troops and began an arduous march towards the suspected hideout, negotiating difficult terrain and hostile conditions. Upon reaching the general area, the leading platoon of his company made contact with the militants. A fierce gun battle broke out, during which two soldiers under his command sustained injuries.

Displaying exceptional composure and courage under fire, Major Srikumar immediately reorganized his troops, ensuring their safety and maintaining the momentum of the assault. He then led a well-coordinated attack on the hideout, successfully eliminating one militant. Undeterred by the challenging situation, he continued to inspire and exhort his men, pressing forward with determination. His leadership proved decisive as the troops engaged the militants in close combat, eventually neutralizing four more hardcore terrorists and recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. However, during the intense exchange of fire, Major Srikumar was grievously wounded. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remained steadfast, ensuring that the operation was successfully executed. He later succumbed to his wounds at 1145 hours on 12 December 1997, laying down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Major Padmanabhan Srikumar was a brave soldier and an exemplary officer whose actions embodied dedication, leadership, and selfless service. In recognition of his outstanding courage, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, the Kirti Chakra, on 26 January 1998.

The citation for Kirti Chakra awarded to him reads :

Maj Padmanabhan Srikumar, KC (posthumous) was commissioned into Air Defence Regiment (SP) and was posted with 27 Rashtriya Rifles on 23 Nov 1996. The unit launched Operation Scorpion to flush out militants from their hideout in the District of Jammu & Kashmir.

Tasked to encircle the suspected hideout, Maj P Srikumar the leading column commander, came under heavy automatic fire of a Machine Gun which wounded two other ranks and stalled his advance. Without caring for his personal safety he moved through the jungle and assaulted the hideout killing one militant in a fierce firefight in which he also got grievously wounded. Despite all odds, Maj P Srikumar exhorted his troops and continued the operation killing four more hardcore militants and recovering large quantities of arms and ammunition. In doing so, the officer succumbed to the injuries at 1145 hrs on 12 Dec 1997.

For his leadership, courage, unflinching devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, Maj P Srikumar was awarded Kirti Chakra (posthumous) on 26 Jan 1998.