Naik Sudesh Kumar SM

Naik Sudesh Kumar hailed from Khothi Chapla village of Sabathu tehsil in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Like many youngsters in Himachal Pradesh, he always nursed the idea of serving in the Armed Forces since his younger days. Following his passion he eventually joined the Army on 26 Apr 1994 after completing his initial education. He was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, an infantry Regiment well known for its daredevil para commandos and numerous bold operations. Later he volunteered to join 9 Para(SF) battalion, which was established in 1966 as the 9th Parachute Commando Battalion, and the oldest among the fifteen Para (SF) units. Originally envisioned for the Brigade of the Guards, it was later integrated into the Parachute Regiment due to the importance of parachute qualification for special operations. Often referred to as the "Ghost Battalion" due to the secretive nature of its missions, it specialized in counter-insurgency operations, counter-terrorism operations, and mountain warfare. By the year 2003, he had completed around 09 years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Naik.

Bandipora operation: 12 Nov 2003

During 2003, Nk Sudesh Kumar’s unit 9 Para (SF) was deployed in the Bandipora area of J & K and was engaged in operations against the terrorists on a regular basis. The AOR (Area of Responsibility) of the unit was affected with active militancy and it was being used by the militants for infiltrating into Indian territory from across the border. On 12 Nov 2003, the security forces received the information from the intelligence sources about the presence of some militants who had infiltrated from across the LOC. Based on the credible information, a massive cordon and search operation was launched by 9 Para (SF). Nk Sudesh Kumar was part of the team that was assigned the task. 

Nk Sudesh Kumar and his comrades reached the suspected area in Bandipora and launched the operation as planned on 12 Nov 2003.  Nk Sudesh Kumar was functioning as the lead scout in the operation which needed alertness and courage of a very high order. As the operation was underway, one of the militants suddenly appeared from somewhere. In the heat of the moment, the militants started firing indiscriminately in a bid to escape. Realizing an imminent danger to the lives of his comrades including his team leader, Nk Sudesh Kumar immediately swung into action and retaliated. He along with other soldiers managed to eliminate three militants. However the fourth militant emerging from his hideout, fired at Nk Sudesh Kumar injuring him in his neck. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Nk Sudesh Kumar was a gallant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation. Naik Sudesh Kumar was given the gallantry award “Sena Medal” posthumously for his cold courage, unfaltering leadership and supreme sacrifice.