Naib Subedar Rajesh Kumar KC

Naib Subedar Rajesh Kumar hailed from Tihra village in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. After completing his studies he joined the Indian Army and was inducted into the Mahar Regiment, a regiment known for its gallant soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

After serving for a couple of years with his parent unit, Naib Sub Rajesh Kumar was deputed to serve with 30 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in J & K for counterinsurgency operations.

Kupwara Operation : 28 Oct 2014

During 2014, Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar’s unit was deployed in Kupwara district of J&K and was engaged in operations against the militants on a regular basis.  On 27 Oct 2014, Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar’s unit received information from the intelligence sources about the infiltration bid by some hard core terrorists in Wadarbala forest falling in its AOR(Area of Responsibility). It was decided by the unit to launch a patrol for search and cordon operation to track and nab the terrorists. As planned in the early morning of 28^th Oct 2014, the patrol led by Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar launched the search operation in the suspected area.

Soon the patrol spotted the infiltrators who fired at the troops on being challenged. A gun battle ensued thereafter and the militants taking advantage of the thick forest tried to escape. On seeing the militants trying to flee, Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar quickly redeployed his patrol and made a dash across the steep slopes of Wadarbala Forest to block the Nullah through which terrorists were trying to escape. The terrorists in desperation started firing indiscriminately at close range. But Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar with utter disregard to his personal safety crawled forward and killed one terrorist. The other terrorists were holed up under a rock. Determined to eliminate them, Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar continued to close in. Sensing grave threat, the two terrorists charged upon Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar but despite his injury, he eliminated one more terrorist before making the supreme sacrifice.

Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar was given the nation’s second highest peace time gallantry award, “Kirti Chakra” for his grit, determination, fighting spirit and devotion to duty. Nb Sub Rajesh Kumar is survived by his wife Nisha Devi.