Naik Hari Singh KC

Naik Hari Singh hailed from Syampura village in Buhana Tehsil of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan. He was the son of Shri Bhopat Ram and Smt. Chankour Devi. Raised in a humble, disciplined family, he grew up imbuing the values of integrity, courage, and dedication. He always remained deeply connected to his roots and carried forward the strong principles instilled in him by his parents. He served in the 4 Rajputana Rifles (4 Raj Rif), a battalion of the prestigious Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army. The Rajputana Rifles is the senior-most rifle regiment of the Indian Army, with a distinguished history dating back to the 18th century. The regiment has earned an illustrious reputation for its bravery, discipline, and exemplary service in numerous wars and counter-insurgency operations. Known for its rich traditions, high standards of professionalism, and legacy of gallantry, the Rajputana Rifles has consistently upheld the highest ideals of military service across varied and challenging battlefields.

Kupwara Operation: 29 August 1991

In 1991, Naik Hari Singh's unit was deployed in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir. On 29 August 1991, he was a member of a patrol from 4 Rajputana Rifles (4 Raj Rif) Battalion, tasked with counter-infiltration duties and maintaining vigil against terrorist movement in the sector. The area was known for frequent infiltration attempts and hostile activity, demanding constant alertness and swift action from troops deployed there. During the course of the patrol, in the Gutham Dhori area of Kupwara district, Naik Hari Singh observed suspicious movement and soon spotted a group of heavily armed terrorists at a distance of nearly 30 yards. Realising the imminent threat to his patrol and the potential danger to security forces in the area, he immediately warned his comrades and assessed the situation with remarkable presence of mind. Without hesitation, and displaying extraordinary boldness, he charged towards the terrorists with lightning speed to prevent them from gaining a tactical advantage. As he advanced, the terrorists opened intense and indiscriminate fire. In the initial burst, Naik Hari Singh sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Despite being grievously injured and in severe pain, he refused to fall back or seek cover. Demonstrating exceptional courage and an indomitable fighting spirit, he returned accurate rifle fire and successfully shot dead one terrorist. Undeterred by his injury, he pressed forward with determination.

During the fierce exchange, he was hit a second time by enemy fire. Yet, he continued his assault, closing in on the terrorists and eliminating another militant with precise shooting. In the final moments of the encounter, a bullet passed through his neck. Even as he succumbed to his injuries and collapsed on the spot, his aggressive and fearless action had completely disoriented the terrorists. The sheer fury, speed, and determination with which Naik Hari Singh acted created panic among the remaining terrorists, forcing them to flee the area. In their haste, they abandoned a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including 28 AK-56 rifles, one automatic machine gun, two rocket launchers, and over five thousand rounds of ammunition—thereby dealing a significant blow to terrorist capabilities in the region. Naik Hari Singh’s actions reflected conspicuous bravery, unwavering devotion to duty, and the highest spirit of self-sacrifice. By placing the mission and the safety of his comrades above his own life, he upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Rajputana Rifles. For his exceptional gallantry and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Naik Hari Singh was posthumously awarded the 'Kirti Chakra', India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

Naik Hari Singh is survived by his wife, Smt Bhagwati Devi. 

Citation for the "Kirti Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

On the 29th August, 1991, Naik Hari Singh was a member of the patrol of 4 RAJ RIF, which was operating on the line of control with Pakistan in the Gutham Dhori area of Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir. He spotted a group of terrorists at a distance of 30 yards, warned his patrol and in a daring act charged towards the terrorists with lightning speed. In this process, he received gunshot injuries in his abdomen. Undeterred, he shot dead one terrorist with his rifle fire and continued his charge. He got injured a second time with a terrorist's bullet, but this courageous Non-Commissioned Officer continued his fight and killed one more terrorist. In this process, a bullet passed through his neck, and he died on the spot. The fury and speed with which he acted terrified the terrorists so much that they ran away, leaving behind 28 AK-56 rifles, one automatic machine gun, two Rocket Launchers and over five thousand rounds of ammunition.

Naik Hari Singh, thus, displayed conspicuous bravery, valour and spirit of self-sacrifice in his fight against the terrorists.