Sep Kundan Kumar SM

By June 2020, Sepoy Kundan Kumar’s unit—16 Bihar Battalion—was deployed in Eastern Ladakh, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as part of Operation Snow Leopard. Beginning in early May, Chinese forces made repeated attempts to obstruct India’s long-established and traditional patrolling routes in the Galwan Valley. These actions triggered a series of tense face-offs between the two sides. Similar transgression attempts were also reported at Kongka La, Gogra, and along the North Bank of Pangong Lake. Each intrusion was swiftly detected and firmly countered by Indian troops, who maintained a resolute posture on the ground. In parallel, sustained diplomatic and military engagements conveyed India’s unequivocal position that any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo along the LAC was unacceptable. As tensions escalated, senior military commanders of India and China met on 6 June 2020 and agreed to a phased disengagement based on reciprocal actions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect the LAC and to refrain from any activity that could disturb the prevailing situation. Despite this understanding, the Chinese side violated the agreement and, on the night of 15 June 2020, instigated a violent confrontation in the Galwan Valley.

Recognising the gravity of the situation and upholding the highest traditions of leadership, Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Battalion, personally led a small team to the friction point to engage with the Chinese side and ensure compliance with the disengagement agreement. During the discussions, an altercation erupted and rapidly escalated into a scuffle. The situation soon spiralled into a brutal clash, as Chinese troops—armed with improvised lethal weapons such as clubs and rods—launched a coordinated and premeditated assault. The Indian soldiers were heavily outnumbered, and it became evident that the opposing side had come prepared for violence. As the clash intensified, Sepoy Kundan Kumar, along with his comrades, rushed forward to reinforce their embattled fellow soldiers, standing shoulder to shoulder in defence of their commanding officer and unit. The confrontation raged for several hours in treacherous terrain and freezing conditions. During this prolonged and savage melee, many Indian soldiers sustained grievous injuries. Ultimately, Sepoy Kundan Kumar, Col Santosh Babu, and 18 other brave soldiers succumbed to their injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. the other fallen heroes included: Nb Sub Nanduram Soren, Nb Sub Satnam Singh, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Hav Bipul Roy, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav K Palani, Naik Deepak Singh, Sep Ganesh Hansda, Sep Chandan Kumar, Sep Chandrakanta Pradhan, Sep Aman Kumar, Sep Rajesh Orang, Sep Ganesh Ram, Sep K.K. Ojha, Sep Jay Kishor Singh, Sep Gurtej Singh, Sep Ankush, and Sep Gurbinder Singh. Sepoy Kundan Kumar upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army. He laid down his life defending the nation’s honour against overwhelming odds. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" on 26 January 2021—a fitting tribute to a young soldier who gave everything for the nation.