Naik V Kannalan Kennady KC

Naik V Kannalan Kennady hailed from Naikenpalayam village in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Born to Shri Venkata Perumal and Smt Manguthai Ammal, he grew up in a humble yet disciplined environment. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of duty and patriotism, which later inspired him to join the Indian Army. After completing his education, Naik Kennady pursued his military training at the Madras Regimental Training Centre (MRTC), a premier institution that has groomed some of the finest soldiers in the Indian Army. During his rigorous training, he honed his skills in combat tactics, and endurance, standing out as a promising young recruit. His dedication and commitment earned him a place in the 25th Battalion of the Madras Regiment (25 Madras), an infantry regiment renowned for its dauntless soldiers and illustrious battle history.

As part of 25 Madras, Naik Kennady quickly evolved into a highly skilled and committed soldier, excelling in fieldcraft, reconnaissance, and combat tactics. His ability to navigate rugged terrain, coupled with his keen sense of situational awareness, made him a valuable asset to his battalion. Beyond his professional excellence, he was known for his warm and affable nature, earning the respect and admiration of both his superiors and subordinates. Despite the challenges of military life, he remained a source of encouragement and support to his fellow soldiers, fostering a spirit of camaraderie within the unit. By 1993, Naik Kennady had accumulated substantial experience and had proven his mettle in numerous operational deployments. 

Counter-Insurgency Operation (J&K): 11 Apr 1993

In April 1993, Naik V Kannalan Kennady was serving with the 25 Madras Battalion, which was deployed in a high-altitude sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The unit was tasked with counter-infiltration operations, ensuring that hostile elements did not breach Indian territory. On April 10, 1993, a patrol unit of 25 Madras discovered a fresh trail of footprints, indicating that anti-national elements had crossed the LoC and were attempting to infiltrate the Kashmir Valley. Sensing an imminent threat, the battalion swiftly launched an operation to intercept the infiltrators before they could advance further. To execute this mission, on April 11, 1993, Naik Kennady, a brave soldier of "B" Company, was assigned a crucial role. Accompanied by two other soldiers and armed with a Light Machine Gun (LMG), he rushed to a strategic vantage point on the Shamsabari Range, a rugged, high-altitude ridge that overlooked the enemy’s possible route.

As Naik Kennady and his team reached the ridge, they suddenly spotted two terrorists charging toward them. Reacting swiftly, he opened fire, instantly killing one of them. The second, realizing the danger, turned and fled. Without wasting a moment, Naik Kennady pursued him, determined to prevent his escape. However, as he advanced, he came under intense fire from multiple terrorists who had taken concealed positions further along the ridge. A bullet struck his leg, causing him to fall, but he refused to give in to the pain. Displaying exceptional courage, he continued firing from his position, holding his ground even as the enemy attempted to overpower him. As the gunfight raged on, Naik Kennady’s LMG ran out of ammunition. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. In a display of extraordinary battlefield instinct, he picked up an AK-56 rifle from a slain terrorist and continued engaging the enemy, ensuring they could not regroup or escape. His fearless counteroffensive allowed his fellow soldiers to maneuver and encircle the terrorists, turning the tide of battle.

The operation resulted in the elimination of seven more terrorists and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. However, during this final assault, Naik Kennady sustained multiple additional gunshot wounds, including a fatal injury. Even in his final moments, he fought till his last bullet, ensuring a decisive victory for his unit. For his unparalleled bravery, selflessness, and indomitable spirit, Naik V Kannalan Kennady was posthumously awarded the "Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, on January 26, 1994.

• To honour the supreme sacrifice, of Naik V Kannalan Kennady in 1996, his family and the local community built a temple in his memory at his native place. 

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

On 10th April, 1993, a patrol of the 25 Madras Battalion which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control in a High Altitude Area discovered a trail left by anti-national elements, leading from the Line of Control towards the Kashmir Valley. In order to intercept and block them. Naik V Kannalan Kennady, alongwith two Other Ranks, rushed to the top of Shamshabari Range with his Light Machine Gun. On reaching the top he found two anti- national elements running towards him. He opened fire, killing one of them on the spot. The other turned back and ran out of sight. Naik V Kannalan Kennady then gave chase but while doing so was engaged by the remaining terrorists who had taken position further back along the ridge. Naik V Kannalan Kennady was wounded on the leg, and fell down. Despite his severe wound, Naik Kennady continued to return fire. When he ran out of ammunition, he picked up the AK- 56 rifle of one of the terrorists and kept on firing until his fellow soldiers surrounded the terrorists. In the ensuing on- counter seven more terrorists were killed and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered.

During this encounter, continuing to fight with indomitable courage and grit, Naik V Kannalan Kennady, was again injured, this time fatally.