Rifleman Shoban Singh Thapa

Rifleman Shoban Singh Thapa hailed from Banara village of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand,and was born on 01st Mar 1981. Son of Shri Jaman Singh Thapa and Smt Devki  Devi, Rifleman Shoban Singh Thapa  had an elder brother Umed Singh Thapa as his sibling. From a young age, Rfn Shoban Singh aspired to serve the nation, and his determination led him to join the Indian Army at the tender age of 17. He was recruited on July 13, 1998, into the 3/4 GR Battalion of the 4 Gorkha Rifles Regiment, a unit renowned for its fearless soldiers and illustrious history of gallantry in numerous battles.

After completing his rigorous training, Rfn Shoban Singh Thapa was posted to the conflict-ridden Kashmir Valley, a region plagued by insurgency and terrorism. As part of the 3/4 Gorkha Rifles, known for its unwavering commitment and professionalism, Rfn Shoban Singh embraced his role with courage and dedication.

Tangdhar Sector Operation (J&K): 01 Nov 2000

In the year 2000, Rifleman Shoban Singh was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the 4th Gorkha Rifles (3/4 GR) in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Rakshak. The battalion, under the command of Colonel PS Thind, was tasked with counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tangdhar Sector. Operating under the 104 Infantry Brigade and the overarching XV Corps (Chinar Corps), the unit was at the forefront of maintaining security in the volatile region. This challenging environment required constant vigilance and operational readiness due to the high levels of terrorist activity in the area. On 1 November 2000, the unit received reliable intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of heavily armed terrorists within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the unit swiftly planned an ambush to neutralize the threat. Rfn Shoban Singh, was part of the operation team tasked with this critical mission.

As the ambush was set, the terrorists, realizing they were in danger, launched an offensive to break free. A fierce exchange of fire ensued, with the terrorists leveraging the thick foliage and their automatic weapons to resist capture. Despite the challenging conditions and the imminent risk to their lives, Rfn Shoban Singh and his team held their ground. They exhibited exceptional courage and tactical acumen, engaging the militants in a relentless gunfight. In the midst of the intense firefight, Rfn Shoban Singh was critically injured. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight, displaying extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained proved fatal, and he succumbed to them during the operation. At just 19 years old, Rfn Shoban Singh laid down his life in the service of the nation, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Rfn Shoban Singh’s actions during the operation exemplify the courage and indomitable spirit of the Gorkha soldiers, who are renowned for their fearlessness and loyalty. Rfn Shoban Singh will always be remembered as a brave son of India who gave his all to protect his homeland. 

Rifleman Shoban Singh Thapa is survived by his father Shri Jaman Singh Thapa, mother Smt Devki Devi, and elder brother Shri Umed Singh Thapa.