Rifleman AB Rashid Khan

Rifleman AB Rashid Khan hailed from Haihama Batpora village in Kupwara tehsil of Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir. From an early age, he displayed a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation. Inspired by the selfless sacrifices of soldiers who protected the country, he answered his calling by joining the Indian Army, dedicating his life to the service of the motherland. He was enrolled in the 1st Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (1 JAK LI), a regiment renowned for its bravery and illustrious history. The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the soldiers hailing from the region. With a legacy forged in the heat of battle, the regiment has consistently demonstrated exceptional valour, resilience, and commitment to duty. Rooted in the unique cultural and martial traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, it stands as a beacon of courage and pride, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. As a soldier of 1 JAK LI, Rifleman AB Rashid Khan embodied these values, undergoing rigorous training and preparing himself for the challenges of military service. His dedication, discipline, and perseverance made him a formidable soldier, always ready to face adversity with unwavering resolve. 

Ammunition Explosion-(Srinagar): 29 Mar 1994 

In 1994, Rifleman AB Rashid Khan was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (1 JAK LI), a unit deployed in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of its operational duties. A soldier known for his dedication and discipline, he was stationed at the Badami Bagh Cantonment, one of the most strategic and high-security military installations in the region. On March 29, 1994, a high-level team of senior officers was conducting an inspection of arms and ammunition that had been seized from militants. This routine but highly significant inspection was being led by Colonel ET Mathew, along with other senior officers, to assess the captured weaponry and ensure the cantonment’s operational readiness. Among those present at the time was Major General EW Fernandes, a senior commander attending a meeting in a nearby building.

During the course of the inspection, a sudden and massive explosion rocked the area, triggering a devastating fire and causing widespread destruction. The blast was powerful enough to inflict heavy casualties, claiming the lives of several officers and soldiers. Major General EW Fernandes, who was inside an adjacent building at the time, tragically lost his life due to the explosion’s impact. Rifleman AB Rashid Khan was among those critically injured in the blast. Despite immediate medical attention and all possible efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The tragic incident claimed the lives of several brave soldiers and officers, including Colonel ET Mathew, Lieutenant Colonel K Krishnamoorthy, Captain Subhash Soraisom Chandra Singh, Subedar Hoshiar Singh Jangra, Subedar Kundalik Chavan. Their collective sacrifice stood as a solemn reminder of the perils faced by the Indian Army personnel, who operate in some of the most challenging and volatile environments.

Rifleman AB Rashid is survived by his wife Smt Jabida Begum.