Rifleman Paul Jacob

Rifleman Paul Jacob was born on 10 May 1965 in Alappuzha district, Kerala—a region renowned for its rich cultural legacy and its people's dedication to service and sacrifice. He was the cherished son of Shri Chacko and Smt Saramma Chacko, who instilled in him the values of discipline, integrity, and patriotism from an early age. Rfn Paul grew up in a loving and close-knit family, alongside his siblings—Molly, Alice, Kunjumol, James, and John—who shared a strong bond rooted in faith and family traditions. After completing his school education, Rfn Paul Jacob was inspired by a deep sense of duty to serve the nation. Motivated by the idea of protecting his country and contributing to its security, he chose to join the Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force. Known for its distinguished service in counter-insurgency, internal security, and border protection, the Assam Rifles has a long-standing tradition of valour and discipline, which strongly resonated with Rfn Paul's aspirations.

He was inducted into the 25 Assam Rifles Battalion, also known as the Silver Jubilee Battalion, a unit recognized for its operational effectiveness and professionalism. Operating under the command of Assam Rifles Headquarters in Shillong, the battalion had been actively involved in securing some of India’s most volatile and strategically important regions. Rifleman Paul Jacob underwent rigorous military training, where he quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. Serving in regions frequently impacted by insurgency and armed conflict, he proved his mettle time and again through unwavering courage and an unshakable commitment to his responsibilities. Rfn Paul Jacob’s dedication, discipline, and valour earned him deep respect among his peers and the admiration of his commanding officers. During the course of his service, he got married to Ms Mary Paul, and the couple was blessed with two daughters, Sneha Sara Paul and Sandra Paul. Despite the demanding nature of his military duties, Rifleman Paul Jacob remained a devoted husband and a loving father, striving to balance his responsibilities at home and in uniform. 

Manipur Operation: 02 Jun 2000

In May 2000, Rifleman Paul Jacob was serving with the 25 Assam Rifles, a unit popularly known as the Silver Jubilee Battalion for its exemplary record and distinguished service. At the time, the battalion was deployed in Manipur, a region frequently targeted by militant groups and marked by persistent insurgency-related violence. The volatile security environment posed constant threats to both the local population and security forces alike. The 25 Assam Rifles was engaged in intensive counter-insurgency operations aimed at neutralizing militant threats and restoring stability in the region. Rifleman Paul Jacob had established himself as a sincere, highly motivated, and dependable soldier. Operating in challenging terrain and under the constant threat of ambushes, he was admired by both peers and superiors for his calm demeanor and fearless approach to combat situations.

On 02 June 2000, Rifleman Paul Jacob was stationed at YKPI Bazar (Yaingangpokpi), a strategically sensitive location situated at the tri-junction of Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, and Imphal East districts. The location was of high tactical importance and often under the radar of insurgent elements. At approximately 1730 hours, the post came under a sudden and heavy attack by armed militants belonging to the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA-MP), a group known for its separatist agenda. The PLA-MP, founded by N. Bisheshwar Singh on 25 September 1978, had been waging guerrilla warfare against the Indian Armed Forces with the aim of establishing an independent and socialist Manipur. Their operations had frequently targeted the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and the state police.

During the PLA’s assault on YKPI Bazar, the militants opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to inflict maximum damage and create chaos. Rifleman Paul Jacob, caught in the line of fire, responded with courage and resolve. In the ensuing exchange of fire, he was critically wounded by a gunshot. Though he was immediately evacuated for urgent medical treatment, his injuries proved fatal. He succumbed to his wounds later the same day, laying down his life at the age of 35 years in the line of duty. Rifleman Paul Jacob’s supreme sacrifice was a great loss to his battalion, the Assam Rifles fraternity, and the nation. 

Rifleman Paul Jacob is survived by his wife, Smt Mary Paul, and two daughters, Smt Sneha Sara Paul and Smt Sandra Paul.

Tributes by Daughters:

25 years without you.

You left in uniform with courage in your heart and love in your goodbye.
I was too young to understand what your sacrifice meant only that it took you away.
Since then, I’ve grown up through the silence you left behind.
I’ve imagined your laugh, your advice,
the weight of your hand on my shoulder when life felt too heavy.
And in every part of me you still live.
I see you in my resilience.
In the way I fight,love and keep going.

Thank you for your service.
Thankyou for being my quiet guide.
Then, now, and always.

- Sneha Sara Paul
( Elder daughter of Rfn Paul Jacob)
Environmental Technician at Canada

"Losing my father a day after my first birthday could have defined me in many ways.

Though it made our life harder, it also made us strong, proud, and self-sufficient.
Our life has changed all over but we persist with more power and courage because of the legacy his life has instilled upon us.
You will be remembered!

-Sandra Paul
( younger daughter of Rfn Paul Jacob)
Advocate at High Court of Kerala