Major Sushil Aima KC

Major Sushil Aima was born on 15 July 1966 into a distinguished and culturally rich family from Srinagar, which later settled in Gurgaon, Haryana. From a young age, he displayed independence of thought and a quiet determination. In the mid-1980s, while still a Class XII student, he applied for admission to the National Defence Academy without informing his parents, apprehensive that they might not approve of his decision to pursue a career in the armed forces. When he was selected in 1985, he approached his father with hesitation, expecting strong opposition. However, to his relief and surprise, his father, Shri Makhanlal Aima, an insurance officer, responded with understanding and encouragement, marking the beginning of Sushil’s journey into military service. Academically inclined and intellectually curious, Major Sushil had a deep interest in computers at a time when the field was still emerging in India. He would spend long hours exploring software programs and understanding new technologies, reflecting both his analytical mindset and his ability to adapt to evolving domains. Physically, he was an imposing figure—standing at six feet five inches—and his commanding presence was often remarked upon by his seniors and peers. His Commanding Officer once observed that his mere presence could unnerve militants. Yet, beneath this formidable exterior was a compassionate individual, deeply committed to the safety and well-being of innocent civilians. He epitomized the Army’s ethos of maintaining a firm stance against adversaries while showing empathy and care towards the innocent.

Major Sushil Aima belonged to a family that had made notable contributions to the cultural landscape of Kashmir. His uncle, the late Shri Mohanlal Aima, was instrumental in the revival and popularization of Kashmiri music in the post-1947 era. He elevated the traditional folk form “Chhakri,” giving it wider acceptance and recognition, and played a key role in bringing “Sufiana” music out of elite gatherings into the homes of the common people through radio broadcasts in Srinagar. Another uncle, Shri Omkar Aima, was a prominent stage personality who later entered the world of cinema, earning distinction by playing the lead role in Mainzraat, the first-ever Kashmiri feature film. Commissioned into 47 AD Regiment of the Corps of Air Defence Artillery (later renamed Army Air Defence) in 1988, he quickly established himself as a dedicated and professional officer. Over the years, he earned the respect and admiration of his superiors and colleagues for his courage, initiative, and leadership qualities. His tenure in the militancy-affected Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir, one of the most challenging operational environments of the time, further highlighted his operational acumen and steadfast resolve.

On 1 August 1994, he married Ms Archana, and together they built a loving family, blessed with a daughter, Ridhi, and a son, Siddharth. Despite the demands of military life, he remained a devoted husband and father. In 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Major, a recognition of his professional competence and dedication. Subsequently, he was deputed to serve with the 17 Rashtriya Rifles, which was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, where he continued to serve the nation with unwavering commitment and courage.

Poonch Operation: 01 Aug 1999

In 1999, Major Sushil Aima was serving with 17 Rashtriya Rifles, a unit operating under the Romeo Force of the Counter Insurgency Grid. The force functioned under the operational control of XVI Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps, which has its headquarters at Nagrota Cantonment in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. On the night of 1 August 1999, just as Major Sushil Aima was resting after completing preparations for his departure to Delhi the following morning, urgent intelligence reached his unit. Reports indicated that a large group of heavily armed foreign mercenaries had assembled on a nearby hill in the Poonch district. Intelligence sources further warned that the group was planning an imminent attack on a nearby village, predominantly inhabited by members of a particular community. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Major Sushil swiftly assessed the threat and formulated an operational plan. It was decided to cordon off the suspected area and launch a decisive assault to neutralize the militants before they could carry out their intentions. Leading from the front, Major Sushil and his team moved into action and soon established contact with the enemy. What followed was a fierce and prolonged encounter that lasted nearly seven hours, marked by intense exchanges of fire and culminating in close-quarters combat.

Displaying exceptional courage and leadership, Major Sushil personally engaged the militants and shot down two of them during the initial phase of the encounter. As the battle intensified, he sustained a critical gunshot wound to his left temple. Despite this grievous injury, and in an extraordinary display of indomitable spirit, he continued to fight. Holding his revolver in his left hand, he eliminated a third militant—the very one who had inflicted the fatal wound. Even in his critically wounded state, he showed remarkable presence of mind and selflessness by providing covering fire to a severely injured comrade, enabling him to crawl to safety after being hit in a grenade blast. The combat eventually turned into a brutal hand-to-hand fight that lasted nearly fifteen minutes. It reportedly took five militants to finally overpower him, during which he had already neutralized three of them. Under his leadership, the operation resulted in the elimination of five hardened militants and the recovery of a significant cache  of arms and ammunition, including four AK rifles, multiple bags of improvised explosive devices, explosives, and large quantities of ammunition.

At the age of just 32, with a promising future ahead, Major Sushil Aima laid down his life in the line of duty, defending the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. He fought with unmatched bravery until his last breath, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. When his mortal remains were brought to his residence in Palam Vihar, Delhi, hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects. Many among them had never met him, yet they stood in solemn silence, united in grief and pride, paying homage to a brave son of India who had made the supreme sacrifice. In recognition of his exceptional courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Sushil Aima was posthumously awarded the 'Kirti Chakra", the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

Major Sushil Aima is survived by his wife, Smt Archana Aima; daughter, Ms Ridhi; son, Shri Siddharth Aima; father, Shri Makhanlal Aima; and sister, Smt Savitri Aima.

The citation for "Kirti Chakra" awarded to Maj Sushil Aima reads:

On Aug 1, 1999, when Major Sushil was resting after having made preparations for his departure for Delhi next morning, the news was brought to him that a large group of foreign mercenaries had assembled on a nearby hill. It was learned that the group had plans to attack a village in the vicinity, largely inhabited by members of one particular community.

A hurried conference was held. It was decided to go into action, surrounding the terrorists, and then launch a full-blooded attack, to be led by Maj Sushil. The young officer and his jawans soon made contact with the enemy and a fierce encounter followed. It lasted for seven hours, and ended up with a hand-to-hand fight, with heavy losses among the intruders. Two terrorists fell to the bullets of Major Sushil, but in the later stage of the encounter, he was fatally wounded when a bullet hit him in his left temple. Holding the revolver in his left hand, he also shot dead the third terrorist who had fired the fatal shot at him. Then he provided cover to a colleague, who had been grievously injured in a grenade blast and helped him crawl to safety.

For his conspicuous bravery, leadership and supreme sacrifice, Major Sushil Aima was awarded the Kirti Chakra (Posthumously).

• A road in Sector 23, Gurugram, has been named “Major Sushil Marg” in honour and remembrance of Major Sushil Aima.