Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana

Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana hailed from Mile village in Sadiya subdivision of Tinsukia district, Assam—a region known for its rich legacy of courage, resilience, and dedicated service to the nation. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he joined the Assam Rifles—India’s oldest paramilitary force, renowned for its crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the North-East. Serving with the 7 Assam Rifles Battalion, he was deployed in Manipur, where he operated in a complex and demanding environment affected by insurgency and militant activity. Through rigorous training and extensive field experience, Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana developed into a disciplined, dependable, and courageous soldier. Despite constant risks and harsh conditions, he carried out his duties with unwavering dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. 

Manipur Operation: 20 Feb 2002

In 2002, Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana was serving with the 7 Assam Rifles Battalion in Manipur—a region then deeply affected by militancy and insurgent violence. Deployed in the sensitive and volatile area of Thoubal, he operated under constant threat, where danger was ever-present and unpredictable. Security forces were engaged in sustained counter-insurgency operations to neutralize militant activity and restore peace in the region. On 20 February 2002, following a meticulously planned and successfully executed search operation led by Captain Sameer Bhan, Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana and his team began their return through the Top Chungtha area. Despite the success of the mission, the situation remained tense and highly volatile. As the convoy proceeded along the route, terrorists triggered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED), deliberately planted to target the returning troops. The explosion was devastating, resulting in severe casualties and plunging the area into chaos.

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, amid thick smoke, debris, and confusion, Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind. Despite the grave danger and having sustained critical injuries, he remained steadfast in his duty. He continued to assist his comrades, support the wounded, and actively contribute to rescue and evacuation efforts. Placing the safety of others above his own, he stood resolute in those critical moments, embodying the highest traditions of the force. Tragically, the injuries he sustained proved fatal, and Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. During this operation, three other bravehearts of the 7 Assam Rifles—Captain Sameer Bhan, Rifleman Vishnu Prasad, and Rifleman Radha Krishnan—also laid down their lives on 20 February 2002.

Rifleman Arun Kumar Rana is survived by his wife, Smt Devi Maya Rana.