Service No : IC-45879

Date of Birth : February 27, 1961

Place of birth : Mysore Dist (Kar)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Major

Unit : 30 RR

Arm/Regt : The Regiment of Artillery

Operation : CI & IS Ops

Martyrdom : July 1, 2001

Major Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori

Major Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori was born on February 27, 1961, in Mysore, Karnataka, to Shri Ghulam Mahmood Khan Ghori. His formative years were spent in Mysore, where he received his primary and secondary education at Maharaja's High School. He continued his academic pursuits at Maharaja's College, graduating with a degree that laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Driven by a profound sense of duty and patriotism, Major Ghori successfully cleared the rigorous selection process for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. He joined the prestigious SS 43 course, demonstrating his commitment to serving the nation. Upon completing his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 7, 1987, at the age of 26. He was assigned to the 172 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a critical combat support branch of the Indian Army.

 

Throughout his career, Major Ghori consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and dedication. He quickly established himself as a proficient officer and a proud member of the artillery. His commitment to excellence was recognized in 1991-92, when he was awarded the 'General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command Commendation Card' for his meritorious service. His proficiency in marksmanship was further highlighted by his first-place victory in the Headquarters 16 Artillery Brigade Firing Competition in June 1992. Beyond his military duties, Major Ghori was an avid sportsman, participating actively in various regimental sports events. His passion for life extended to his love for singing, and he frequently expressed his philosophy through his favorite song, "Zindagi toh bewafa hai ek din thukrayegi, Maut mehbooba hai apne saath lekar jayegi" (Life is unfaithful, it will betray you one day; Death is the beloved, it will take you along). This reflected a deep understanding of life's transient nature and a readiness to embrace its uncertainties.

 

After serving with his parent regiment, Major Ghori was deputed to the 30 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion, a unit deployed in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for counter-insurgency operations. This assignment placed him in one of the most challenging and volatile regions of India, where he faced the complexities of combating insurgency. Prior to his deployment in J&K, he had also served in Tripura in the northeast and Punjab, gaining valuable experience in diverse operational environments. This wide range of deployments speaks to his adaptability and the trust placed in his abilities by the Indian Army.

 

Baramulla Operation: 01 July 2001
 
In 2001, Major Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori was serving with the 30 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) battalion, a unit deployed in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), engaged in counter-insurgency operations. On Sunday, July 1, 2001, his battalion received credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the dense Boban Watsar forest within the Baramulla region. Following the established operational protocols, Major Ghori, leading his troops, initiated a search and cordon operation to apprehend the militants. As the troops advanced into the forest, they encountered the militants, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the intense firefight, Major Ghori sustained critical gunshot wounds. Despite his own life-threatening injuries, Major Ghori observed that one of his soldiers had been critically wounded and was in immediate danger. Demonstrating extraordinary courage and a profound sense of duty, he prioritized the safety of his comrade over his own. Ignoring his own severe wounds, Major Ghori made the selfless decision to evacuate the injured soldier to a nearby jeep, aiming to shield him from the ongoing onslaught. While executing this act of unparalleled bravery and compassion, Major Ghori succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
 

Major Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori's actions on that day exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His unwavering dedication to his duty, coupled with his remarkable compassion for his fellow soldiers, resulted in his supreme sacrifice. Prior to his martyrdom, Major Ghori's exemplary service and professionalism had been recognized with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal on January 15, 2001. This award acknowledged his outstanding contributions and highlighted his status as an officer par excellence. His ultimate sacrifice cemented his legacy as a valiant soldier and a true hero.

 

Maj Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori is survived by his wife Smt Salma Shafeeq Ghori, daughter Ms Sufia, and son Shri Saif. Smt Salma Shafeeq Ghori has dedicated herself to supporting the families of fellow soldiers. Since the martyrdom of her husband, she has been actively involved in assisting widows of armed forces personnel across the country in securing their rightful entitlements and benefits. Her unwavering efforts reflect a deep commitment to the welfare of military families and a heartfelt dedication to preserving the legacy of her husband’s supreme sacrifice.
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29 Comments
  • Salma Shafeeq

    2024 at 3:19 pm Reply

    Thank you for your kind words.

  • Rahul Kaushik

    2024 at 3:20 pm Reply

    Valiant Officer and his Supreme Sacrifice is the result of what all the Indians are living safely inside the border.
    JAI HIND!!

  • Syed Nishath Ahmed

    2024 at 3:21 pm Reply

    Feel proud, However he has attained the darja of Shaheed and would be granted Jannah, In Sha Allah. “Ya Allah, his family be honoured with the choicest blessings and rizk”.

  • Lakshman

    2024 at 3:22 pm Reply

    Supreme sacrifice for the nation,not only by the Major but the entire family!
    Our Sincere Prayers to the Almighty for the wellbeing of the Major’s family!!

  • Abushalih Rowther

    2024 at 3:22 pm Reply

    Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon.

  • Rizwan Malick

    2024 at 3:23 pm Reply

    May the great almighty grant Maj. Shafeeq highest place in heaven and keep all his loved ones safe.

  • Ashish Ashwini Vohra

    2024 at 3:24 pm Reply

    We are always thankful to Shahid Major Ghori …. Supreme sacrifice for others….

  • Dr Ramamurthy M G

    2024 at 3:25 pm Reply

    Hats off to you and all such families , whose most loved ones are martyred fighting till their last breath , saving their motherland by such evil forces.

    Please continue to live in such hearts, left by their loved ones and bring back lovely life to lives of many more such familes forever.
    God bless you.

  • Namita Pandey

    2024 at 3:26 pm Reply

    Hats off to you mam

  • Salma Shafeeq Ghori

    2024 at 3:27 pm Reply

    Major SMK Ghori 27-2-1961 to 1-7-2001
    A day which became the saddest day of our lives from the year 2001.It happened to be a Sunday. A day when l lost the love of my life, a day when my children lost their beloved father.The day started with me and my kids spending time at my mom’s house and visiting relatives as it was the last day of summer vacation of my daughter Sufia and the next day Monday 2nd July 2001 was the first day of my son Saif’s L.K.G who was four years old then. I left my mother’s home in the evening to go back to my home during the whole day l was not aware of the tragedy that had stuck our happy home. My husband Maj Shafeeq Ghori attained martyrdom while fighting militants in an operation at Watsar Baban forest in Baramulla district of Srinagar at 8am in the morning. Local army authorities were trying to reach me from early morning 8-7 in the evening, those were the days when there was no mobile phones. When l reached home, l got involved in the cleaning the house, kept my children’s school uniform for the next day and was preparing dinner when I heard that call bell that changed our lives in a second. A group of army officers and their wives came into my home and started asking me about Shafeeq, when did you talk to him, when did you meet him last. I was then told that my husband Maj Shafeeq Ghori fought bravely to protect his nation in operation Rakshak and succumbed to a bullet fighting militants at Baban Watsar Forest in Baramulla district of Srinagar Valley.His last act was saving a fellow-soldier’s life from the bullets.His end came along with his buddy SEP Bheem Singh who was inseparable also martyred on this day with him.
    He was so full of life , he loved singing, he was a very good speaker,keen sports person good at cricket, football, hockey and badminton.His friends remember him as a very friendly and loving person. They used to fondly call him as Smokey.(Shafeeq Mahmood Khan Ghori).
    Seventeen years is a long time to be without a loved one.I miss daily life with him,our conversations,our travels together, the ferocious way he defended what he believed in,his love and up bringing of our children.Life continues with the belief that:
    Living in the heart A loved one leaves behind is not to die.

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