Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara SC

Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara was born on 08 March 1975 in the picturesque village of Dardpura, nestled in the Lolab Valley of Kupwara district in Jammu & Kashmir. He was the son of Shri Laldin Chara and grew up in a humble Gujjar family known for its values of hard work, integrity, and patriotism. Significantly, he was named after Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, the legendary Param Vir Chakra awardee who displayed extraordinary courage during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and laid down his life in service of the nation. Inspired by the heroic legacy associated with his name, Rfn  Abdul Hamid developed a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society from an early age. Growing up in the scenic yet conflict-ridden region of Lolab Valley, Rfn Abdul Hamid was known among his peers for his sincerity, courage, and leadership qualities. He was intelligent, hardworking, and possessed a strong sense of justice. His confidence and determination earned him the respect of fellow villagers, and despite his young age, he gradually emerged as a natural leader among the local youth, particularly within the Gujjar community.

However, his formative years coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Jammu & Kashmir's history. When Rfn Abdul Hamid was barely fourteen years old, the wave of militancy and terrorism engulfed large parts of the Kashmir Valley. During this period, militants belonging to the Al-Barq terrorist outfit abducted him and forcibly attempted to recruit him into their ranks. Despite his tender age and the immense pressure exerted upon him, Rfn Abdul Hamid remained steadfast in his convictions. Within a few days, he courageously escaped from the militants and surrendered to the police, demonstrating remarkable courage and loyalty to the nation. Deeply committed to the cause of peace and stability, Rfn Abdul Hamid subsequently began assisting the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police. Utilizing his local knowledge and understanding of the terrain, he provided valuable intelligence that contributed significantly to several successful anti-terrorist operations in the region. His cooperation with the security forces proved instrumental in countering militant activities in the Lolab Valley. Fully aware of the grave risks involved, he nevertheless continued his efforts with unwavering determination, placing national interest above his personal safety.

His nationalist stance and active support to the security forces made him a prime target for terrorist organizations operating in the area. Over the years, he received repeated threats from militants who sought to silence him. In one such attempt, terrorists tried to assassinate him through an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack, but he miraculously survived. Undeterred by these attempts on his life, Rfn Abdul Hamid remained resolute in his commitment to combating terrorism and restoring peace to his homeland. When the terrorists failed to eliminate him directly, they targeted his family. In a brutal act of vengeance, militants murdered his father, Shri Laldin Chara, in 2004. The tragic loss of his father deeply affected him but only strengthened his resolve to fight the forces of terror. Determined to serve the nation in a more direct capacity and inspired by the sacrifices made by his family, Rfn Abdul Hamid joined the 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army). Following his induction, he was attached to the 18 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, one of the Indian Army's premier counter-insurgency forces operating in Jammu & Kashmir. As a soldier of the Indian Army, Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara continued the mission he had embraced as a young man—protecting his people, combating terrorism, and contributing towards lasting peace in the Valley. His life remains a shining example of courage, patriotism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation, even in the face of grave personal loss and relentless threats from anti-national elements.

Kupwara Operation: 12 June 2007

During June 2007, Rifleman Abdul Hamid was serving with 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), which was operating alongside 18 Rashtriya Rifles in the challenging counter-insurgency environment of Jammu & Kashmir. The region continued to witness frequent infiltration attempts and militant activities, requiring constant vigilance and swift action by the security forces. On 12 June 2007, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of heavily armed terrorists, the security forces launched a search-and-destroy operation in the Ander Nar area of Gagal in Kupwara district, which fell within the unit's Area of Responsibility (AOR). The operation involved a systematic search of the densely forested and rugged terrain, known for providing natural cover to militants attempting to evade security forces. As the operation progressed around midday, Rifleman Abdul Hamid observed two suspicious individuals attempting to flee through thick undergrowth. Maintaining his composure and displaying exceptional fieldcraft, he allowed the suspects to approach within approximately five metres before positively identifying them as terrorists. He also noticed that they were carrying a Thuraya satellite telephone, a sophisticated communication device commonly used by terrorist groups for coordinating their activities across the region.

Realizing the significance of the sighting, Rifleman Abdul Hamid immediately informed his platoon commander through his radio set and volunteered to intercept the fleeing terrorists. Fully aware of the danger involved, he crawled through dense vegetation and difficult terrain in an effort to cut off their escape route and prevent them from slipping through the security cordon. As he manoeuvred into position, the terrorists spotted him and opened heavy fire. In the ensuing exchange, Rifleman Abdul Hamid and his comrades came under intense attack. He was struck by multiple bullets and sustained grievous injuries. Despite severe pain and heavy blood loss, he refused to withdraw from the fight. Displaying extraordinary courage, determination, and devotion to duty, he continued to engage the terrorists with accurate and effective fire. Ignoring his critical condition, Rifleman Abdul Hamid crawled further down the hillside to block the militants' escape route. His sole concern was the success of the mission and ensuring that the terrorists did not evade capture. Drawing upon every ounce of strength, he maintained relentless pressure on the fleeing militants and continued to direct accurate fire at them. In a remarkable display of bravery and indomitable fighting spirit, Rifleman Abdul Hamid succeeded in eliminating one of the terrorists. The slain militant was later identified as Mussa, a self-styled District Commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist outfit and a key coordinator responsible for orchestrating numerous terrorist activities in the region. The elimination of such a high-value terrorist dealt a significant blow to the militant network operating in the area and contributed substantially to the success of the operation.

Having ensured that the terrorists' escape had been thwarted and the mission objectives achieved, Rifleman Abdul Hamid finally succumbed to the injuries he had sustained during the fierce encounter. He attained martyrdom in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, making the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara's life was a testament to unwavering patriotism, courage, and selfless service. From resisting militant coercion as a young boy to assisting security forces, enduring personal tragedy, and ultimately laying down his life in combat, he consistently placed the interests of the nation above his own. His extraordinary bravery, steadfast commitment to peace, and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire soldiers and civilians alike. He will always be remembered as a fearless warrior and a true son of India who gave his all in the fight against terrorism. Rfn Abdul Hamid was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” posthumously for his dauntless courage, camaraderie, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

The citation of Shaurya Chakra awarded to him reads:

On 12 June 2007, Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara tasked as part of search and destroy operation in general area in kupwara district, J&K. At 13.30 hours, Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara observed two terrorists attempting to flee target area. He allowed terrorists to come within five meters and noticed that terrorists were carrying thurraya Satellite telephone. He informed his platoon commander on radio set and crawled under dense undergrowth to cut off escape route. Terrorists spotted Rifleman Abdul Hamid Chara and brought down heavy grenade and small arms fire on him and his buddy. Rifileman Abdul Chara received multiple gun shot injuries. In spite of serious injuries he continued to bring down accurate fire and crawled down the hill to cover dead ground and killed one terrorist who was allegedly the main coordinator of all terrorists activities. He finally succumbed to his injuries and laid down his life for the nation in the operation.

Rifileman Abdul hamid Chara displayed exemplary courage, unflinching grit under heavy fire in extreme close quarter and made the supreme sacrifice while fighting the terrorists.