Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah

Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah hailed from Shangus village in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir, an area shaped by a challenging history and frequent disruptions due to the conflict in the region. Growing up, he witnessed the hardships faced by people in his community, which only strengthened his resolve to serve and protect. From a young age, Rfn Kaisar Ahmad was known for his resilience, sense of duty, and love for his homeland. Joining the army was not merely a career choice for him but a calling, a way to contribute to the safety and progress of his people.

He pursued his dream and eventaully joined the army after completing his school education. He was recruited into the 3 JAK LI battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a Regiment known for its brave soldiers and rich history of battle honours. Later, he was deputed to serve with the 18 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations. The Rashtriya Rifles unit, known for its specialized training and high operational tempo, was engaged in operations against the militants in Jammu and Kashmir. Being a part of this unit meant Rfn Kaisar was frequently involved in high-risk missions, facing extreme conditions, and, at times, life-threatening situations. However, he was deeply committed to his duty, understanding the importance of each operation and the difference it made to the lives of civilians in the region.

Baramulla Operation (J&K): 24 Oct 2024

In October 2024, Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah’s unit, the 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, near the Line of Control (LOC). This area was known for frequent infiltration attempts by militants, necessitating a constant state of high alert among the troops. The 18 RR Battalion conducted regular operations to prevent such infiltrations and maintain security. On 24 October 2024, based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of hardcore terrorists in the Baramulla district, the security forces launched a mission to track them down. The input-based operations were launched in Pattan and Kreeri areas of Baramulla district on 23 Oct. Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and few other soldiers were assigned an operational task on 24 Oct in support of onging operations in the AOR(Area of Responsibility) of the unit.

On the evening of October 24, 2024, a convoy carrying Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad and other personnel from 18 Rashtriya Rifles battalion along with civilian porters who supported them in logistical tasks, was on its way to the Nagin post in the Afrawat range. The convoy was making its way through the rugged, mountainous terrain near Botapathri, a forested area approximately 6 kilometers from Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The convoy was vital, as it was transporting essential supplies to forward posts in the region, ensuring that troops stationed in remote locations had what they needed to carry out their duties. However, as the convoy reached Botapathri, it was ambushed by a group of terrorists who opened fire on two of the army trucks. The attack was swift, unexpected, and brutal. The convoy, which had both military personnel and civilian porters, was caught off guard, and a fierce firefight ensued. Rifleman Kaisar Ahmad Shah and his fellow soldiers responded with courage, taking defensive positions to protect themselves and the others in the convoy. But in the heavy exchange of fire Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah and three other soldiers and two civilian porters got severly injured. Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah and and one more soldier Rfn Jeevan Singh soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. 

The ambush was a stark example of the unpredictability of counter-insurgency operations, where each mission could turn perilous in an instant. The ambush at Botapathri, though a tragedy, also highlighted the bravery and selflessness of the Indian Army’s personnel and their willingness to confront danger to secure the region. Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah was a fearless and committed soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty.The Rashtriya Rifles, known for its brotherhood and camaraderie, held a solemn ceremony to honour their fallen comrades, paying tribute to Rfn Kaisar’s courage, resilience, and dedication to duty. His fellow soldiers remembered him as a disciplined, hardworking rifleman who was always ready to lend a hand, whether on the field or in the barracks. 

Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah is survived by his parents.