Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri AC

Op Sarp Vinaash: 22 April 2003

In 2003, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri’s unit, 9 Para (SF), was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, where it was continuously engaged in high-risk counter-insurgency operations. The area demanded constant vigilance, precision, and courage, as terrorists often operated from well-fortified hideouts in dense forests and rugged terrain. On 22 April 2003, credible intelligence inputs revealed the presence of a group of heavily armed, battle-hardened terrorists holed up in the Hill Kaka area. Known for its treacherous terrain, thick vegetation, and natural concealment, the area posed significant operational challenges. After a thorough analysis of the inputs, a carefully planned mission—code-named “Op Sarp Vinash”—was launched by 9 Para (SF) to track down and eliminate the terrorists. A specially selected assault team of 20 elite commandos was constituted for this critical operation, and Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri was among those chosen, reflecting the trust reposed in his courage and capabilities. Moving swiftly and silently under the cover of darkness, the assault team advanced towards the suspected hideout and established a cordon to prevent any escape. As the commandos began closing in, they suddenly came under heavy and accurate fire from the terrorists, who were well-entrenched in fortified positions. A fierce and prolonged gun battle ensued, with intense exchange of automatic fire echoing through the hills. The enemy, taking advantage of higher ground and natural cover, posed a grave threat to the advancing troops.

In the midst of this deadly engagement, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri realized that some of his comrades were exposed and directly in the line of enemy fire. Without a moment’s hesitation, and fully aware of the risk to his own life, he decided to act. Demonstrating exceptional courage and battlefield presence, he crawled nearly 100 yards under relentless enemy fire, using whatever minimal cover was available, to outflank the terrorists. Closing in on the enemy, he launched a daring assault at close range and successfully eliminated one terrorist. During this action, he was hit by enemy fire and sustained severe injuries, causing heavy blood loss. Despite his critical condition, he refused to be evacuated and continued to engage the enemy with remarkable determination. Summoning extraordinary strength, he eliminated another terrorist, further weakening the hostile group.

By now, grievously wounded and having sustained multiple gunshot injuries, his physical condition had deteriorated significantly. Yet, his fighting spirit remained unbroken. In a final act that epitomized raw courage and indomitable will, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri drew his commando knife and charged at another terrorist, engaging him in fierce hand-to-hand combat. In that intense struggle, he succeeded in neutralizing the terrorist, before finally succumbing to his injuries on the battlefield. His unparalleled bravery, selflessness, and refusal to give up, even in the face of certain death, deeply inspired his fellow commandos. Motivated by his sacrifice, the team pressed on with renewed resolve and ultimately eliminated all the remaining terrorists, successfully accomplishing the mission.

For his conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary courage in the face of the enemy, and supreme sacrifice, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri was posthumously awarded the "Ashok Chakra", the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award. Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri is survived by his sister, Sangeeta.