Naik Pawan Kumar

Naik Pawan Kumar hailed from the border village of Maheshe Chak, nestled in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir and was born on 30 December 1970. Raised in a humble yet patriotic environment, he imbibed the values of service and dedication from a young age. After completing his formal education, Nk Pawan Kumar was inspired by his love for the nation to pursue a career in the Indian Army. On May 20, 1987, he fulfilled his dream by joining the prestigious Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment as a recruit. Upon successfully completing his training, he was inducted into the 12 JAK LI Battalion as a Rifleman, marking the beginning of his distinguished journey in the armed forces. Naik Pawan Kumar quickly established himself as a dependable and courageous soldier, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. 

Kargil War (Battle of Point 5203- Batalik Sector) : June 1999

In May 1999, after successfully completing their challenging tenure in the icy heights of Siachen, the 12 JAK LI Battalion was redeployed to the Batalik Sector in Kargil amidst escalating hostilities. The battalion's expertise and experience were called upon to secure critical positions in the ongoing conflict. On June 7, 1999, one such critical mission was entrusted to Captain Amol Kalia and his team, which included Nk Pawan Kumar. They were tasked with reclaiming Point 5203, a strategically vital and fiercely contested position at an altitude of 17,000 feet in the Kargil-Yaldor area. The mission was of paramount importance for regaining control over the Batalik region but came with extreme risks due to the harsh terrain and strong enemy fortifications.

Captain Amol Kalia, a seasoned expert in mountain warfare, led a team of 13 brave soldiers, including Nk Pawan Kumar. On the first day of the operation, the team was airlifted to the rugged and hostile battlefield. The enemy had heavily fortified the approach routes with relentless gunfire, but the soldiers pressed on with unwavering determination. Facing intense resistance and treacherous terrain, the team utilized advanced mountaineering techniques to scale the peak, showcasing their exceptional skill and grit. In the early hours of June 9, 1999, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the team launched a daring assault on the enemy’s heavily fortified positions. Shrouded in darkness and battling the extreme cold, the soldiers faced significant challenges. The Pakistani forces were entrenched in well-prepared defenses, making every inch of progress perilous. Despite the odds, the team managed to establish a foothold on the northwestern slope of the peak, a critical milestone in the mission.

The enemy, realizing the threat, launched a fierce counterattack, leading to a brutal and intense firefight. Nk Pawan Kumar displayed extraordinary courage, determination, and unwavering resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. Fighting valiantly alongside his comrades, he held his ground until the very end, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. The battle at Point 5203 claimed the lives of Nk Pawan Kumar along with his leader Capt Amol Kalia and 9 of his brave comrades, marking one of the heaviest casualties suffered by the Indian Army during the Kargil War. Among the martyred heroes were Hav Rajinder Singh, L/Nk Laykit Ali, L/Nk GH Mohd Khan, Rfn Darshan Lal, Rfn Abdul Salam Dar, Rfn Ravinder Singh, and Rfn Ishtiyaq Ahmed. Two more soldiers, Hav Kartar Singh and Rfn Tarsaim Lal, succumbed to their injuries on June 10, 1999. The sacrifice of Nk Pawan Kumar and his fellow soldiers of the 12 JAK LI was instrumental in securing a vital strategic advantage, enabling the successful reclamation of Indian territory and upholding the nation’s honour. Their unwavering courage and commitment exemplified the highest ideals of service, ensuring that the sovereignty and dignity of the nation remained unscathed.

Naik Pawan Kumar is survived by his wife Smt Rita Kumari.

• To honour Rifleman Pawan Kumar’s supreme sacrifice, his family inaugurated a grand memorial gateway at Thangar Mor in Hiranagar town in Kathua district on June 9, 2022. This gateway stands as a lasting tribute to his memory and an enduring symbol of his heroism and patriotism.