2nd Lt Narinder Kumar Dua

During the Indo–Pak War of 1965, 2nd Lt Narinder Kumar Dua was serving with the 5th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (5 JAK Rif) under the command of Lt Col R. S. Pathania. The battalion was deployed in the Sialkot sector as part of the 35th Infantry Brigade of the 6 Mountain Division, operating under the I Corps during India’s offensive toward Sialkot. On the night of 7 September 1965, 5 JAK Rif was inducted directly into active operations as part of the division’s assault on the villages of Maharajke and Charwa. The battalion, including young officers like 2nd Lt Dua, moved into combat under intense and evolving battlefield conditions. The following morning, enemy aircraft launched repeated air attacks on their positions, accompanied by continuous artillery shelling. Despite these challenges, 5 JAK Rif held firm and maintained its operational momentum, displaying resilience and discipline under fire. Over the next few days, the battalion advanced steadily with the brigade, securing key intermediate objectives, including the village of Gador, while sustaining only limited casualties. By 13 September, Indian forces were pressing forward toward Sialkot, building pressure on Pakistani defences in the sector.

Subsequently, the division was tasked to participate in a major offensive against Chawinda under Operation Nepal. Chawinda held immense strategic importance as a vital communications hub connecting the Sialkot–Pasrur and Gujranwala axes and served as a base for Pakistan’s 6th Armoured Division. Capturing it was crucial to disrupting enemy logistics and limiting armoured operations in the region. To strengthen the assault, additional formations, including brigades from the 14th Infantry Division, were brought under command, and a coordinated attack was planned. However, the enemy was well prepared, with strong defensive positions organised in depth. The assault, launched on the night of 18/19 September, faced immediate challenges as the element of surprise had been lost and heavy enemy shelling disrupted forming-up areas. Despite these adverse conditions, 35 Infantry Brigade achieved partial success. While units like 6 Maratha LI managed to secure their objectives, 5 JAK Rif encountered intense resistance from well-entrenched enemy positions supported by tanks being used as static pillboxes within Chawinda. The battalion fought with determination in the face of heavy fire, but the strength of the enemy defences and armoured support resulted in significant casualties.

At first light, enemy tanks intensified their fire, making further advance extremely difficult. Under these circumstances, the troops, including 5 JAK Rif, were compelled to regroup and fall back toward Jassoran after sustaining heavy losses. The battle remained fierce, with other units continuing to engage the enemy and recover forward positions under difficult conditions. Amidst these intense and prolonged operations, 2nd Lt Narinder Kumar Dua displayed exemplary courage, steadfastness, and devotion to duty. He ultimately made the supreme sacrifice on 22 September 1965, at the age of 29 years, laying down his life in the line of duty. His actions reflected exemplary bravery, leadership, and devotion to the mission, embodying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. The operations came at a high cost to the 5 JAK Rif. During the intense fighting in the Sialkot–Chawinda sector, besides 2nd Lt Narinder Kumar Dua, 29 other soldiers of the battalion made the supreme sacrifice. These included two officers—Major DB Subba and 2nd Lt LS Chauhan—three Junior Commissioned Officers—Subedar Krishan Singh, Naib Subedar Krishan Chand, and Naib Subedar Bal Krishan—and 24 Other Ranks, all of whom laid down their lives in the line of duty. With the tactical situation eventually becoming untenable, and on orders from Brigade Headquarters, the battalion carried out a fighting withdrawal. Despite sustaining heavy losses, the courage, discipline, and determination displayed by all ranks of 5 JAK Rif remained unwavering in the face of relentless enemy fire. In subsequent operations, two more soldiers of the battalion made the supreme sacrifice on 23 November 1965—Major Puran Chander and Rifleman Krishan Datt. In all, 32 soldiers of 5 JAK Rif laid down their lives during the 1965 war, a solemn testament to the battalion’s valour and sacrifice. 

Among them, the conduct of 2nd Lt Narinder Kumar Dua stands out as a lasting tribute to his bravery, leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty. Leading from the front and holding firm under intense fire, he upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the proud legacy of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.