Major Salman Ahmad Khan SC

Major Salman Ahmad Khan hailed from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and was born on 22 October 1978 to Shri Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and Smt Rashida. From a young age, he exhibited remarkable discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility—qualities that would shape his future in the Armed Forces. He was educated at the prestigious Sainik School, Lucknow, an institution that has nurtured generations of military leaders. His aspirations to serve the nation led him to the National Defence Academy, where he further honed his military and leadership skills. He later went to IMA Dehradun for further training, and in June 1999, he was commissioned into the 4 Sikh Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most decorated and battle-hardened regiments, known for its valour and gallantry. Over the years, he proved himself to be an outstanding officer—resilient, decisive, and highly dedicated to his duties. Through consistent performance and professionalism, he rose to the rank of Major by 2005.

Following a distinguished tenure in his parent unit, Major Khan was deputed to the 6 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a unit engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. His deployment in the sensitive Rajwar sector of Kupwara district placed him at the forefront of high-risk operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and maintaining peace in the region. Major Salman was more than just a courageous soldier—he was a man of character, humility, and deep spiritual conviction.  Among his comrades, he was affectionately known as ‘Sallu’, admired for his camaraderie, selflessness, and ever-approachable nature. A gifted sportsman, he brought energy and enthusiasm to both the playing field and his military responsibilities. What truly set Major Khan apart was his connection with the local population of Kakroosa village in Kupwara. With a people-centric approach rooted in mutual respect, he won the hearts of villagers and built strong bonds of trust. His genuine compassion and concern for the well-being of the locals made him immensely popular, and he became a symbol of hope and peace in a conflict-ridden area. 

Kupwara Operation: 05 May 2005

In 2005, Major Salman Ahmad Khan was serving with the 6 Rashtriya Rifles, a unit deployed in the volatile Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir. The region was a hotbed of terrorist infiltration, with militants—both local and Pakistan-sponsored—frequently attempting to cross the Line of Control and destabilize peace in the valley. As part of its counter-insurgency mandate, 6 RR was actively engaged in high-risk operations, requiring fearless leadership and resolute action. Among its finest was Major Salman Ahmad Khan, known for his exceptional dedication, tactical acumen, and courageous spirit. On 5 May 2005, the unit received actionable intelligence about the movement of heavily armed terrorists in the vicinity of Trehgam. Responding swiftly, Major Salman laid an ambush near Bangargund at around 20:00 hours. His team successfully engaged the terrorists, and Major Salman personally eliminated one of them. While searching the body, he recovered critical documents indicating further routes and hideouts being used by the militants.

The next day, 6 May, fresh information indicated that one of the terrorists had escaped the previous night’s encounter and was hiding in the nearby village of Pazipora. Without delay, Major Salman led a team and cordoned off the specific house suspected to be sheltering the terrorist at around 17:30 hours. As the search operation began, the team came under heavy fire from automatic weapons and under-barrel grenade launchers. Major Salman was hit by bullets in the leg and abdomen, yet he refused to retreat. Despite profusely bleeding, he pressed forward, determined to protect his men from harm. Demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership, he charged at the terrorist, injuring him in close combat. The militant, though wounded, managed to flee into a nearby outhouse. Displaying quick thinking and valour even in his critical state, Major Salman lobbed two grenades into the structure, successfully eliminating the final threat. With the mission accomplished, Major Salman collapsed due to his grievous injuries. He was rushed to the Military Hospital, but the next day, on 7th May 2005, he succumbed to his wounds, attaining martyrdom in the line of duty. His fearless actions not only saved the lives of his comrades but also dismantled a significant threat to the region’s security. For his outstanding gallantry, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Salman Ahmad Khan was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra", one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. 

Major Khan was not just a brave soldier but also a beloved son and brother. He is survived by his father, Shri M. A. Khan, his mother, Smt Rashida, and his younger brother, Shri Ikram Ahmad Khan—who honoured his memory by naming his son Salman, ensuring that the legacy of the courageous officer lives on.

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

On 05 May 2005, information was received from intelligence sources about the presence of terrorists in a village in Kupwara district, J&K. After analyzing the situation, a decision was taken to launch an operation to flush out the terrorists. The team from the 6 RR unit swung into action, cordoned off the suspected area in that village in the wee hours. On being challenged, the terrorists opened fire at the security troops, and a fierce gun battle ensued. Maj Salman killed one terrorist in the gun-battle. Thereafter, he saw another terrorist fleeing and chased him. During this time, other militants hiding in a house targeted Maj Salman with automatic weapons. Maj Salman got seriously wounded, but despite his injuries, he lobbed a grenade at the second terrorist and killed him.

However, he later succumbed to his injuries and laid down his life. Maj Salman Ahmad Khan was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

• A stadium has been built in honour of Major Salman Ahmad Khan, Shaurya Chakra, at Sainik School Lucknow.  The stadium was officially inaugurated on 07 March 2013 by his father, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, as a heartfelt tribute to his son’s valour and supreme sacrifice.