Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri was born on 26 January 1982 in Bomtaal village in South Sikkim. He lost his father at a very young age, and he and his sister Sangeeta were raised by their uncle, whose care and guidance became the foundation of their upbringing. Growing up amidst challenges, Sanjog developed a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and inner strength that defined his character. From his early years, he was known for his fearless spirit, discipline, and determination. He carried within him a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation, a dream that steadily shaped his path in life. Focused and driven, he worked hard to turn this aspiration into reality. At the age of 19, he joined the Indian Army on 31 March 2001 and was inducted into the Parachute Regiment—one of the most elite and battle-hardened regiments of the Indian Army, known for its courage, precision, and high-risk operations. Life in the regiment demanded exceptional physical endurance, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment, qualities that Ptr Sanjog displayed in abundance. His dedication, professionalism, and outstanding soldierly qualities soon distinguished him among his peers.
Seeking a more challenging and demanding role, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri later volunteered for the Special Forces. After undergoing a rigorous and exacting selection process, he was inducted into the prestigious 9 Para (SF). Originally raised in 1966 as the 9th Parachute Commando Battalion, the unit is now known as 9 Para (Special Forces) and is among the elite units of the Indian Army. It specializes in mountain warfare and counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations, undertaking some of the most complex and high-risk missions.
Op Sarp Vinaash: 22 April 2003
In 2003, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri was serving with 9 Para (Special Forces), which was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir and actively engaged in high-risk counter-insurgency operations. The operational environment demanded constant vigilance, stealth, and exceptional courage, as terrorists frequently operated from well-fortified hideouts hidden within dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain. On 22 April 2003, credible intelligence inputs indicated the presence of a group of heavily armed terrorists entrenched in the Hill Kaka area. Known for its steep gradients, deep nullahs, thick vegetation, and snow-covered approaches, the terrain posed severe challenges for movement and combat operations. After careful assessment, 9 Para (SF) launched a deliberate search-and-destroy mission, code-named “Op Sarp Vinash,” to track and neutralize the terrorists. A specially selected assault team of 20 elite commandos was constituted for the task, and Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri was among those chosen, reflecting the confidence reposed in his professionalism, courage, and combat abilities.
Moving stealthily under the cover of darkness, the assault team advanced toward the suspected hideout and established a cordon to prevent escape. After a long and arduous approach, the team reached the objective area at first light on 22 April 2003. As the commandos began closing in, they came under heavy and accurate automatic fire from three directions from terrorists occupying elevated, well-prepared positions. The sudden volume of fire pinned the entire troop down for nearly thirty minutes, making movement extremely difficult and exposing the soldiers to grave danger. The mountainous terrain, interspersed with steep cuttings and covered with nearly two feet of snow, further compounded the situation. Realising that any delay in neutralising the terrorists could result in heavy casualties to his comrades, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri displayed exceptional initiative. Breaking cover with complete disregard for his personal safety, he lobbed two grenades towards the enemy positions, temporarily disrupting their fire. Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, he began crawling up a steep incline under intense enemy fire to outflank the terrorists. As he advanced, the terrorists regrouped and resumed firing. By then, he had exhausted his grenades, yet he continued his assault. Reaching a favourable flank, he charged the enemy position and eliminated two terrorists at close range. His bold action surprised the remaining terrorists, who then concentrated their entire fire on him. This diversion enabled the rest of the troop to extricate themselves from the pinned-down position and manoeuvre to a tactically advantageous location.
Undeterred by the heavy and concentrated fire and displaying indomitable courage, Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri continued closing in on the enemy. In the ensuing fierce engagement, he killed another terrorist at point-blank range. During this daring assault, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite grievous injuries and severe blood loss, he continued to engage the enemy, embodying the highest traditions of the Special Forces. His fearless actions inspired his comrades to press the attack with renewed determination. The assault team subsequently eliminated all the terrorists—thirteen in total—while apprehending one terrorist alive and recovering a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives. Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri’s extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of certain death, were instrumental in the success of the operation. He made the supreme sacrifice while protecting his comrades and ensuring mission accomplishment. 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, Smt Sangeeta.
Unknown
2026 at 4:12 pmHuge respect to this brave boy who show the bravery and courage and eliminate these terriost, still today he is an inspiration of many sikim defence aspirants
Inbarasan
2026 at 4:13 pmA true legend
Prashant dabral
2026 at 4:14 pmJai hind . 19 saal ki umr itna bada kaam.