Rifleman Sanjay Sahi KC

Rifleman Sanjay Sahi was born in Banganga village, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, into a family that valued discipline, hard work, and patriotism. He was the son of Shri Amar Bahadur and Smt Bhemeshwari Devi, who instilled in him a strong sense of duty and dedication from a young age. Growing up in the picturesque but rugged terrain of Uttarakhand, Rfn Sanjay was deeply inspired by the valiant traditions of the Indian Army, particularly the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, which has a rich legacy of bravery and sacrifice. From his early years, he was drawn to the ideals of military service, always expressing his desire to wear the Army uniform and serve the nation. Determined to turn his dream into reality, Rfn Sanjay Sahi focused on his education and physical fitness, knowing that the path to becoming a soldier demanded both mental and physical strength.

After completing his schooling, he set his sights on joining the Indian Army. His perseverance and unwavering resolve paid off when he was recruited into the 15 Garhwal Rifles battalion, a part of the prestigious Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The Garhwal Rifles Regiment is one of the most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, with a history steeped in courage, sacrifice, and battlefield excellence. Established in 1887, the regiment has been actively involved in major military conflicts, earning numerous battle honours and gallantry awards. The regiment is known for its fiercely loyal, disciplined, and battle-hardened soldiers, many of whom hail from the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. As a recruit in the 15 Garhwal Rifles, Sanjay Sahi underwent rigorous military training, honing his skills in weapon handling, combat tactics, and survival in challenging terrains. 

Nagaland Operation: 05/06 Feb 1997

During 1997, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi's unit was deployed in Nagaland, actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. On the night of 5-6 February 1997, acting on specific intelligence inputs, an operation was launched in Zhamai village, Phek District, Nagaland, to neutralize underground insurgent elements. Rifleman Sanjay Sahi was an integral member of the Commanding Officer's Quick Reaction Team (QRT), a specialized unit tasked with responding swiftly to emerging threats. On 5 February 1997, the QRT successfully apprehended a self-styled Civil Administrative Officer of a banned insurgent organization. During on-the-spot questioning, the captured insurgent revealed the presence of another underground operative hiding in the village. Acting on this intelligence, the team proceeded towards the suspect’s hideout, preparing for a swift and decisive operation.

Displaying unparalleled courage, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi volunteered to lead the raid on the insurgent’s house. Upon arrival, the team knocked on the door but received no response. Sensing a possible ambush, he took decisive action and forcibly broke open the door. The moment the door swung open, a shot rang out from inside, striking Rifleman Sanjay Sahi on his left arm. Despite the pain, he maintained his composure and, in the darkness of the night, noticed two insurgents attempting to flee through the rear exit. Disregarding his injury, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi immediately pursued the fleeing insurgents, firing his weapon with deadly accuracy. He successfully neutralized one insurgent on the spot. Undeterred, he continued his chase, determined to prevent the second insurgent’s escape. However, as he closed in on his target, the insurgent suddenly turned around and fired a burst from an AK-47 assault rifle, hitting Rifleman Sanjay Sahi multiple times. Gravely wounded, he collapsed to the ground, yet refused to give up. With sheer grit and unwavering determination, he continued firing from his weapon, preventing the insurgent from either snatching his rifle or inflicting casualties on his comrades.

Despite his critical injuries, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi fought till his last breath, ensuring the success of the operation and the safety of his team. At 03:30 hours on 6 February 1997, this brave son of India succumbed to his wounds, having given his all in the line of duty. Through his indomitable courage, selfless dedication, and supreme sacrifice, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army. For his extraordinary gallantry beyond the call of duty, Rifleman Sanjay Sahi was posthumously awarded the 'Kirti Chakra", India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award on 15 August 1997. 

Rifleman Sanjay Sahi is survived by his mother Smt Bhemeshwari Devi.

The citation for the ‘Kirti Chakra’ awarded to him reads :

On 05-06 February 1997 based on specific information, an operation was launched in village Zhamai in Phek District of Nagaland Rifleman Sanjay Sahl was a member of the Commanding Officer's Quick Reaction Team. On 5th February 1997, the column apprehended apprehended a sol styled Civil Administrative Officer of a banned Organisation. On the snot questioning of the underground, presence of an- other UG was revealed. Accordingly. the column proceeded to village Zhamai to the house of another underground. Rifleman Sanjay Sahi volunteered to lead the team and was tasked to raid the house. On getting no response on knocking, he broke open the door. The moment the door opened a shot was fired from inside on to Rifleman Sanjay Sahi injuring him on his left arm. In the darkness of the night he observed two undergrounds moving out of the rear door.

Disregarding his injury Rifleman Sanjay Sahi chased them and fired from his weapon. killing one underground on the soot. He further charged at the other underground, who turned and fired from his AK-47. This time the burst hit Rifleman Saniay Sahi injuring him seriously and he fell down instantaneously. Still he continued firing from his weapon. thereby preventing the underground from snatching his wea- non, and also from consing casualties to his comrades. After accomplishing his mission, this brave soldier breathed his last at 0330 hours on 6th February 1997.

Rifleman Sanjay Sahi, thus, displayed indomitable courage, single minded dedication beyond the call of duty and made supreme self sacrifice in his fight with the undergrounds.