Naik Tikaram Thapa KC

Naik Tikaram Thapa was born on 31st December 1964 in Mauwata Ward No-6 in Nepal. He was the proud son of Shri Manilal Thapa and Smt Bishnumaya Thapa. After completing his school education, he decided to serve the country by joining the Indian Army on 30 Apr 1983 at the age of 19 years. He was recruited into the 3rd Battalion of the Assam Regiment, a prestigious infantry regiment known for its valiant soldiers and distinguished service history. The Assam Regiment, established on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, Meghalaya, holds a special place in the annals of the Indian Army. Comprising troops predominantly from the northeastern states of India, the regiment is celebrated for its fierce loyalty, unmatched bravery, and deep-rooted traditions of martial excellence. Over the decades, the regiment has actively participated in several major military operations and has earned a formidable reputation for its operational effectiveness and courage under fire.

One of the regiment's most notable achievements came during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, where it played a pivotal role in the Battle of Chamb. The unit's steadfast defence and tactical brilliance in the face of overwhelming odds earned it Battle Honours, further cementing its legacy as one of the finest fighting formations in the Indian Army. 

Counter-insurgency Operation (Jammu and Kashmir): 07 Jul 1998

In 1998, Naik Tikaram Thapa of the 3rd Battalion of the Assam Regiment was serving in Jammu & Kashmir, a region that continued to face persistent threats from insurgents and cross-border militancy. As part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the volatile Pir Panjal Range, he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading a seven-member patrol team in the rugged and strategically sensitive Jamian village area of Poonch district. On 07 July 1998, while the patrol was making its way through the mountainous terrain, it was suddenly ambushed by a large group of approximately 20 heavily armed militants belonging to the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. The militants launched a coordinated and intense assault, opening fire with heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades, and automatic rifles, intending to inflict maximum casualties. In the face of this overwhelming and unexpected attack, Naik Tikaram Thapa displayed exceptional composure, situational awareness, and raw courage. Fully aware of the grave threat to his team, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he took immediate and decisive action. Demonstrating physical bravery of the highest order, he charged directly at the militants, firing his personal weapon from the hip while advancing through a hail of enemy fire.

This audacious counterattack broke the momentum of the ambush, disorienting the militants. In the process, Naik Thapa neutralized one terrorist and critically injured three others, who were later confirmed dead. His bold and fearless action inspired his fellow soldiers, who, motivated by his gallantry, launched a coordinated counteroffensive that forced the militants to retreat in disarray. However, in the course of this heroic engagement, Naik Tikaram Thapa was shot in the mouth and fatally wounded. He succumbed to his injuries at approximately 0800 hours, having laid down his life in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. For his conspicuous bravery, exceptional camaraderie, and the supreme sacrifice he made in the line of duty, Naik Tikaram Thapa was posthumously awarded the "Kirti Chakra"—India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award on 15 August 1999. 

Naik Tikaram Thapa is survived by his wife, Smt Harkala Thapa.

The citation for "Kirti Chakra" awarded to him reads:

No 4356261X Late Nk was enrolled in Assam Regiment on 29 April 1983. On 07 Jul 1998 he was leading a patrol of seven persons in Vill- Jamian, Dist Poonch on the mountainous Pir Panjal (J&K). While the patrol was moving to Vill -Jamian a group of approx 20 militants of LAShKAR-E-TOIEBA ambushed the section by sudden fire assault with heavy machine gun, rockets, grenades and rifles. Nk Tikaram Thapa who was leading his section immediately realizing the danger, totally disregarding personal safety and with physical courage of the highest order charged at the militant ambush by firing his personal weapon from his hip. In this brave act he killed one militant and injured three, who were later confirmed killed. Witnessing this heroic act the remainder section also charged at the militants who fled away injured.

Naik Tikaram Thapa while displaying exceptional courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy was shot by militants in his mouth and died on the spot at 0800 hours. For this act of valour and making the supreme sacrifice, Naik Tikaram Thapa was awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA” (Posthumously).