Place of birth : Raebareli Dist(UP)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Naik

Unit : 18 Sikh

Arm/Regt : The Sikh Regiment

Operation : Op Snow Leopard

Martyrdom : March 7, 2026

Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma

Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma hailed from Gahrauli village in Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its rich tradition of producing brave soldiers who have served the nation with distinction. He was the son of Shri Naresh Sharma and grew up in an environment where values such as discipline, patriotism, and duty were deeply respected. From a young age, he was inspired by stories of valour and the ethos of the Indian Army, which instilled in him a strong desire to serve the nation in uniform. Determined to turn his aspiration into reality, he pursued his goal with unwavering focus during his formative years. His dedication and perseverance ultimately bore fruit when he was recruited into the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 18th Sikh Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its gallant soldiers and various battle honours. In the early phase of his military career, he underwent rigorous training, which laid a strong foundation for his professional growth. He quickly adapted to the demanding and disciplined life of a soldier, displaying remarkable commitment, resilience, and a keen sense of responsibility.

 

Over time, he became an integral part of his unit, contributing significantly to its operational readiness and overall effectiveness. Throughout his service, Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma served in various operational and field areas, steadily building extensive experience across diverse terrains and situations. His consistent performance and hard work enabled him to rise through the ranks, and by 2026, he had been promoted to the rank of Naik. As a Non-Commissioned Officer, he played a vital role in bridging the gap between officers and soldiers. He ensured effective communication, maintained high standards of discipline, and contributed to sustaining morale within the unit. 

 
Operational Movement (Arunachal Pradesh): 07 Mar 2026
 

In 2026, Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma was serving with the 18th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment under the 56 Artillery Brigade, deployed in the remote and strategically sensitive region of Arunachal Pradesh. This area, located along the India–China frontier, is known for its challenging operational environment and critical importance to national security. The unit’s Area of Responsibility extended across rugged, mountainous terrain marked by steep gradients, narrow and winding roads, and limited infrastructure. During the winter months, conditions became even more severe, with extreme cold, dense fog, and reduced visibility, further complicating movement and operations. Troops of the battalion were deployed across widely dispersed forward posts to maintain constant vigilance along the border. In addition to manning these posts, soldiers regularly conducted long and arduous patrols through inhospitable terrain to monitor vulnerable gaps between positions and ensure the security of the area. The difficult geography, combined with unpredictable weather and underdeveloped road networks, made travel within the Area of Responsibility both slow and hazardous, demanding a high level of skill, alertness, and endurance from all personnel.

 

On 7 March 2026, during one such operational movement under 'Operation Snow Leopard', a military vehicle carrying personnel from 908 Field Regiment, 18 Sikh Light Infantry, and other supporting elements was travelling from Gelemo to Taksing in the Taksing Circle of Upper Subansiri district, close to the India–China border. The route, carved along steep mountain slopes, is known for its narrow passages and dangerous bends, leaving little margin for error. At approximately 2:45 PM, while negotiating a particularly treacherous stretch of road near an iron bridge—about 150 metres before Reddi—the vehicle lost control. The unstable surface and sharp gradient made it impossible for the driver to regain control. Within moments, the vehicle veered off the road and plunged nearly 75 metres down the mountainside. The impact caused severe and critical injuries to several personnel on board, including Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma and Naib Subedar Kulwant Singh of 908 Field Regiment. Rescue efforts were undertaken immediately under extremely challenging conditions. However, despite all possible attempts to save them, the injuries sustained in the accident proved fatal, and both soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma was known for his professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty. He exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Army through his conduct, discipline, and devotion to service.

 

Naik Pradeep Kumar Sharma is survived by his father, Shri Naresh Sharma, his mother, his wife, two daughters, and a son. 

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