Paratrooper Sachin Laur SM

Paratrooper Sachin Laur hailed from Goroula village in Khair Tehsil of Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, and was born on 15 August 2000. He was the son of Shri Ramesh Chand Laur and Smt Bhagwati Devi, and had a brother, Vivek Laur, as his sibling. From a young age, Ptr Sachin displayed a deep sense of patriotism and admiration for the Indian Armed Forces. Growing up, he was inspired by the stories of courage and sacrifice of soldiers, which instilled in him a strong desire to don the uniform and serve the nation. Following his schooling, Ptr. Sachin decided to pursue his childhood dream. In 2019, at the age of 19, he joined the Indian Army, marking the beginning of his journey as a soldier. He was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, one of the most elite and decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, renowned for its daredevil para commandos and their participation in some of the most challenging operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.

Displaying remarkable physical endurance, mental toughness, and a strong sense of purpose, Ptr Sachin soon volunteered for the Special Forces, a decision that demanded immense grit and determination. After successfully clearing the rigorous selection and training process, he was inducted into the prestigious 2 Para (Special Forces) — The unit was raised in 1797 as the 3rd battalion of Maratha Light Infantry and was converted to SF in 2000. The unit specialized in Mountain Warfare and Counterinsurgency/Counter Terrorism operations. Life in the Special Forces tested him to the limits, but Ptr Sachin embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and unwavering resolve, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. By 2023, Paratrooper Sachin Laur had completed about four years of dedicated service, transforming himself into a tough, disciplined, and battle-hardened soldier. Off duty, he remained humble and deeply attached to his family, often expressing his excitement about his upcoming marriage, which had been fixed for 08 December 2023. However, fate had other plans for this young and brave soldier. Destiny intervened before he could begin this new chapter of life, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of courage, sacrifice, and unfulfilled dreams.

Rajouri Encounter (J&K): 21-23 Nov 2023

During November 2023, Paratrooper Sachin Laur was serving with the elite 2 Para (Special Forces), which was deployed in the Rajouri sector of the Kashmir valley. The unit was operating as part of the ‘Romeo Force’ under the operational control of the XVI Corps of the Indian Army. The Rajouri region, located along the volatile Line of Control (LoC), had long been a hotspot for terrorist infiltration and militant activity. Owing to the challenging terrain and the persistent threat of cross-border incursions, the area demanded a high state of alertness and frequent counter-insurgency operations to ensure peace and stability. Based on specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of armed militants in the Kalakote area of the Gulabgarh forest in Rajouri district, a joint operation was meticulously planned and launched on the intervening night of 21/22 November 2023. The coordinated task force comprised personnel from 2 Para (SF), 9 Para (SF), 63 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and the Jammu & Kashmir Police. The mission’s objective was to conduct a search and cordon operation to locate and eliminate the militants hiding in the densely forested and rugged terrain.

Paratrooper Sachin Laur was part of the assault team that moved into the operation zone under the cover of darkness. The mission, known to be extremely perilous, required extraordinary courage, composure, and precision — all hallmarks of the Special Forces. As the troops closed in on the suspected hideout, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists who were strategically positioned in the forest. Displaying exceptional bravery and selflessness, Paratrooper Sachin Laur, fully aware of the grave danger, moved out of his cover to provide effective suppressive fire, enabling his team to manoeuvre and respond decisively. In the intense exchange of fire that followed, Paratrooper Laur was struck by multiple bullets and sustained critical injuries. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued to engage the enemy with unwavering determination, refusing to retreat. His resolute actions prevented the militants from escaping and ensured the safety of his comrades. Ultimately, he succumbed to his injuries on 23 Nov 2023, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The fierce encounter continued for several hours, resulting in the elimination of all the terrorists. However, the success came at a heavy cost — the nation lost five of its finest soldiers in the operation. Along with Paratrooper Sachin Laur, Captain M.V. Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havildar Abdul Majid, and Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht also laid down their lives while displaying exemplary courage and devotion to duty.

At just 24 years of age, Paratrooper Sachin Laur epitomized the spirit of the Indian Army and the ethos of the Special Forces — “Men Apart, Every Man an Emperor.” In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and selfless devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" on 26 January 2024. His story continues to inspire countless others, embodying the timeless values of valour, sacrifice, and service before self that define the Indian soldier.

 Ptr Sachin Laur is survived by his father, Shri Ramesh Chand Laur; mother Smt Bhagwati Devi, and brother Shri  Vivek Laur (who is currently serving with the Indian Navy).