Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra SC

Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra hailed from the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. He pursued his early education at the prestigious Sainik School Ghorakhal, located in the same region. It was during his years at Sainik School—an institution known for shaping future military leaders—that his interest in the Armed Forces grew steadily. The disciplined environment, military-oriented training, and inspirational ethos of the school helped shape his character and laid the foundation for his future career in uniform. Motivated by a strong sense of duty and patriotism, he went on to join the Indian Army. After completing his training, he was commissioned into 14 Jat Battalion of the Jat Regiment—one of the Indian Army's oldest and most decorated infantry regiments, renowned for its valour, rich traditions, and distinguished service in numerous wars and operations.

Major Mishra served with his parent unit for several years, gaining experience and honing his leadership skills. With time, as the operational requirements of the Army evolved, he was deputed to the 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency duties. Serving with the Rashtriya Rifles demanded exceptional resilience, adaptability, and courage as it involved continuous operations in hostile and volatile environments. Major Mishra accepted this responsibility with commitment and professionalism, continuing to lead from the front in the service of the nation.

Kupwara Operation (J&K): 06 Dec 1996

In December 1996, Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra’s unit was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, a region that was witnessing heightened militant activity. The unit was regularly involved in counter-insurgency missions, responding to frequent infiltration attempts across the Line of Control. At the time, Major Mishra was commanding one of the rifle companies of 34 Rashtriya Rifles, stationed at Badgam in Kupwara district. During this period, reliable intelligence inputs indicated that a group of heavily armed foreign terrorists was attempting to infiltrate the area. In response, security forces planned a search-and-destroy operation for 06 December 1996, tasking 34 RR with intercepting the infiltrators before they could penetrate deeper into Indian territory. As planned, Major Mishra led his team—including a Ghatak element—into the suspected area and launched a systematic search-and-cordon operation. After some time, Major Mishra and his commandos established contact with the infiltrating terrorists. Realizing that the enemy intended to break through and escape, Major Mishra immediately led an aggressive charge to prevent their movement.  A fierce exchange of fire ensued, with both sides engaging heavily.

The six terrorists, armed with automatic weapons, opened indiscriminate fire in a desperate attempt to breach the cordon. With clarity of mind and tactical brilliance, Major Mishra swiftly positioned his men into dominating locations, tightening the cordon and blocking all escape routes. Leading from the front, he personally neutralized two terrorists in close combat. In the continuing exchange, a third terrorist fired at him with an automatic assault rifle, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds. Despite being critically injured, Major Mishra refused to withdraw or seek cover. Drawing upon immense willpower and courage, he pressed on—closing in and neutralizing the third terrorist. Inspired by his leadership and resolve, his team continued the assault and eliminated two more militants. Even in his severely wounded state, Major Mishra chased the last fleeing terrorist and successfully eliminated him, completing the mission with extraordinary determination and fearlessness. Following the successful completion of the operation, Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra succumbed to his injuries and was martyred on the battlefield he had fought to defend. His leadership, gallantry, and refusal to accept defeat even in the face of mortal danger exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his exceptional bravery, unwavering resolve, and supreme sacrifice, Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards.

Maj Chandra Shekhar Mishra is survived by his wife Smt Rajshri Mishra, son Shri Dhiraj Mishra and daughter Ms Diviyani Mishra.

The Citation of “Shaurya Chakra” awarded to him reads:

Major Chandra Shekhar Mishra, 34 Rashtriya Rifles, was the Company Commander posted at Badgam in Kupwara district. On 6th December 1996, Major Mishra was reported infiltration by Afghan terrorists in his area of jurisdiction. He, along with his Ghatak commandos charged towards the terrorists to stop them from entering into the Indian territory. There were 6 terrorists who entered a severe gun battle with Major CS Mishra and his company. Major Mishra eliminated two terrorists and the third one fired at Major Mishra heavily with automatic assault rifle leaving him wounded with multiple bullets. Despite his severe wounds, Major Mishra charged ahead killing the third terrorist. In this process his team eliminated two more terrorists and Major Mishra without thinking of his personal safety ran after the last terrorist and his final bullet eliminated the terrorist. Major Mishra then succumbed to his severe wounds and gave supreme sacrifice for the nation and attained martyrdom.

Major CS Mishra displayed, bravery, dogged determination and raw courage in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and was posthumously awarded Shaurya Chakra.