Sep Urkude AA

Sepoy Urkude Ajay Anandrao hailed from Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra. Born to Smt Shantabai, he exhibited a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism from an early age.  After completing his school education, Sep Ajay was deeply inspired by the ideals of service and sacrifice embodied by the Indian Army. Motivated by a profound sense of duty and national pride, he chose to join the armed forces. He was recruited into the 2nd Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (2 MLI)—a prestigious battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, renowned for its storied legacy and gallant soldiers who have earned numerous battle honours and gallantry awards over the years. Upon joining, Sepoy Urkude underwent intensive military training, where he imbibed the core values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. He quickly adapted to military life, sharpening his physical endurance and tactical proficiency. 

Counter-Insurgency Operation(J&K): 30 Jul 2002

In July 2002, Sepoy Urkude was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (2 MLI) near Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The region, known for its persistent conflict and treacherous terrain, posed significant challenges to troops operating there. The battalion was deployed in a strategically sensitive Area of Responsibility (AOR) that included rugged mountains, remote outposts, and extreme weather conditions—particularly harsh during the winter months. Operating at high altitudes demanded exceptional physical endurance and mental resilience from the soldiers. To ensure combat readiness and safeguard against altitude-related health risks, all personnel—whether freshly posted or returning from leave—were required to undergo mandatory acclimatization at designated transit camps before joining their forward posts. The security situation remained volatile, with frequent ceasefire violations and the constant threat of infiltration by armed terrorists, often aided by Pakistani security forces. Under such conditions, troops routinely carried out patrols, ambushes, and surveillance operations, maintaining a high state of alert to counter potential threats.

Amidst this high-stress environment, Sepoy Urkude stood out for his unwavering dedication, discipline, and alertness. On 30 July 2002, he was part of an armed patrol operating within the battalion's AOR. At approximately 1430 hours, the team observed suspicious movement and soon identified a group of armed terrorists attempting to infiltrate the area. As they moved to intercept, the patrol came under sudden and heavy fire from terrorists positioned at a tactical vantage point. Reacting with speed and courage, Sepoy Urkude and his comrades returned fire, engaging the infiltrators in a fierce gun battle. The enemy launched a determined and aggressive counterattack, using indiscriminate fire in an attempt to break through the patrol line. Despite the overwhelming odds, Sepoy Urkude and his team held their ground, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and resilience under fire.

During the intense exchange, four soldiers, including Sepoy Urkude, sustained critical injuries while repelling the infiltration attempt. All were urgently evacuated to the Military Hospital in Srinagar for life-saving treatment. Tragically, despite the best efforts of the medical team, Sepoy Urkude, along with Sepoy S.P. Narawade, Sepoy BV Badakh, and Sepoy Ravindra Salgude, succumbed to their injuries and were martyred in the line of duty. Sepoy Urkude’s valour and supreme sacrifice in the face of grave danger embody the highest ideals of courage, commitment, and service to the nation. 

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Sepoy Urkude Ajay Anandrao is survived by his mother Smt Shantabai.