Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh

Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka was born on October 19, 1997, in Bhainsawata Kalan village, Buhana Tehsil, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. He hailed from a proud military family where patriotism and service to the nation were deeply ingrained. His father, Kamal Singh, was an army veteran, while his mother, Smt. Salochana Devi, was a homemaker who instilled in him strong values of discipline, integrity, and perseverance. Sep Ajay Kumar Singh completed his schooling at Rakesh Academy in Pilani and pursued higher education at B.K. Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pilani. Despite securing a promising job in a reputed company, his passion for serving the nation outweighed personal career aspirations. Driven by an unwavering sense of duty, he made the courageous decision to leave his job and follow in the footsteps of his forefathers by joining the Indian Army.

Growing up alongside his younger brother, Karan Veer, in a household that revered military service, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh was a third-generation soldier. His grandfather had served in the Indian Army, followed by his father, and he was determined to continue this legacy. Undeterred by the challenges of military life, he remained resolute and worked diligently toward his goal. His perseverance bore fruit when, at the age of 20, he was selected to join the Indian Army in September 2018. He was recruited into the prestigious Rajput Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its fearless warriors and historic battle exploits. His enlistment was a moment of immense pride for his family, as he was not only fulfilling his own aspirations but also upholding the distinguished tradition of military service in his lineage.

After undergoing rigorous training, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh was assigned to his unit, where he quickly adapted to the demanding life of a soldier. He actively participated in various training exercises and operational deployments, continuously honing his combat skills and preparedness. In 2022, after a few years of dedicated service, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh entered a new chapter of his life on 21 Nov 2021 when he married Ms Shalu Kanwar. Their marriage was a source of immense joy for both families, and despite the demands of military life, he remained a devoted husband. In July 2024, he was deployed with the 10 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, a specialized counter-insurgency unit stationed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Rashtriya Rifles, known for its expertise in tackling insurgency in high-risk areas, played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the region. 

Doda Encounter (J&K): 15 Jul 2024

During 2024, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka was serving with the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta Force, his battalion functioned under the operational control of the XVI Corps, also known as the ‘White Knight Corps.’ This corps was responsible for a vast and challenging terrain stretching from the Pir Panjal Ranges to the Shivalik Ranges and further into the plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. Given its strategic location and history of insurgent activity, the region frequently witnessed militant infiltration, necessitating constant vigilance, frequent patrols, and rapid response operations. On July 15, 2024, intelligence inputs indicated the presence of hardcore terrorists in the battalion's Area of Responsibility (AOR). The unit, in collaboration with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police, launched a meticulously planned Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Dhari Gote Urarbagi area of the Desa forest belt, approximately 55 km from Doda town. The operation was launched in an extremely challenging and treacherous terrain. The dense forest cover, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather conditions made the task significantly difficult. However, despite these obstacles, the joint team of Army and SOG personnel proceeded undeterred, committed to neutralizing the threat posed by the insurgents and ensuring the safety of the civilian population.

As per the planned strategy, the troops successfully reached the suspected hideout in the Doda district and began the cordon-and-search maneuver. Soon, they made contact with the terrorists, who, realizing they had been surrounded, opened indiscriminate fire at the security forces. A fierce gun battle ensued as the troops engaged the heavily armed militants. The team, under the command of Capt Brijesh Thapa, swiftly tightened the cordon to block all possible escape routes of the terrorists while simultaneously returning fire. However, the terrorists, taking advantage of the thick jungle cover and adverse weather conditions, attempted to escape. As night fell, heavy rain and restricted visibility made the operation even more perilous. Around 9:00 PM, another round of intense exchange of fire erupted as the militants desperately sought to break through the security perimeter. The terrorists, equipped with sophisticated automatic weapons, launched a sustained attack on the security forces, making the battle even more intense.

Despite the grave danger, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh, displaying immense courage and determination, continued to engage the terrorists. He and his comrades bravely advanced, countering enemy fire, and relentlessly pursued the fleeing militants to prevent their escape. Amidst the chaotic and intense battle, the unit successfully pinned down the terrorists, but at a great cost. During the heavy exchange of fire, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh, along with three other brave soldiers, including their leader, sustained critical injuries. The valiant soldiers fought until their last breath, refusing to retreat despite being wounded. Unfortunately, due to the severity of their injuries, they succumbed to their wounds and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Besides Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka, the other three brave hearts who laid down their lives in the operation included: Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, and Sepoy Bijendra Singh.  At just 26 years of age, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka made the ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty and security of the nation, embodying the highest ideals of bravery, selflessness, and duty. Sepoy Ajay Kumar was awarded "Mention-in-Despatches" (Posthumously) on 25 Jan 2025 for his commendable courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. 

Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka is survived by father Shri Kamal Singh (Army Veteran), mother Smt Salochana Devi, wife Smt. Shalu Kanwar and younger brother Shri Karan Veer.