Naik Kheem Singh SM

Naik Kheem Singh Kunwar hailed from Pachpakria village in Banbasa town of Champawat district in Uttarakhand and was born on 12 Feb 1972. Son of a humble farmer Shri Ganga Singh Kunwar, Naik Kheem Singh was inclined to join the Army since his younger days. After completing his school education, he joined the army and was recruited into the 9 Parachute Regiment, a special force of the Indian Army that specializes in mountain operations. After serving for sometime, he got married to Ms Manju and the couple had a son. 

Kupwara Operation (Op Rakshak) : 29 Aug 1999

During Aug 1999, Naik Kheem Singh was serving with 9 Para(Special Forces), known mainly for their daredevil covert operations. In Kashmir, the Special Forces operators of Indian Army often roamed in militant disguise, hunting for terrorists by locating their hideouts. This strategy facilitated the execution of many militants, their leader and even eliminated several outfits.  After the end of Kargil war on 26 July 1999, the Army was continuing its high alert status to deal with any eventuality.  Naik Kheem Singh and his comrades disguised as militants were carrying out the task of searching the hiding militants who could pose a serious threat to the security forces. On 29th Aug 1999, Naik Kheem Singh along with Major Sudhir Kumar Walia as his leader with a squad of four other commandos was on a “Search and Destroy” mission in the dense jungle of “Hafruda Forest” in Kupwara district of J&K. The squad suddenly chanced upon a well-camouflaged hideout having twenty odd terrorists.

Major Sudhir quickly organized his team and attacked the hideout. A fierce gun battle followed thereafter. Naik Kheem Singh and his fellow soldiers swung into action and managed to eliminate 4 militants. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, Naik Kheem Singh also sustained gunshot wounds. Later he succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Naik Kheem Singh showed commendable courage, valour and camaraderie and laid down his life in the service of the nation. He was given the gallantry award “Sena Medal” posthumously for his cold courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

Naik Kheem Singh Kunwar is survived by his wife Smt Manju Kunwar and son.