Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh

Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka hailed from Bhainsawata Kalan village in Buhana Tehsil of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan and was born on October 21, 1997. Son of an army veteran, Kamal Singh, and Smt Salochana Devi, he had a younger brother, Karan Veer as his sibling. Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh came from a military family and was a third-generation soldier, as both his grandfather and father served in the Army. He was proud of his family lineage and always aspired to join the Indian Army right from childhood. While pursuing his studies, he continued to follow his dream and was eventually selected to join the Army in September 2018 at the age of 20 years.

After serving for a few years, he got married to Ms. Shalu Kanwar in 2022. In July 2024, he was deployed to serve with the 10 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, which was stationed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter-insurgency operations.

Doda Encounter (J&K): 15 Jul 2024

During 2024, Sep Ajay Kumar Singh’s unit, the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was actively engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. Operating under the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta Force and the operational control of the XVI Corps, also known as the ‘White Knight Corps’, the unit was responsible for a vast and challenging area, from the Pir Panjal Ranges to the Shivalik Ranges and the plains of Jammu and Akhnoor. The region was known for militant activity and infiltration, necessitating frequent operations and patrols. On July 15, 2024, based on intelligence reports about the presence of hardcore terrorists in their Area of Responsibility (AOR), the unit, along with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, launched a joint 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 conducted in a thickly forested and mountainous area, which posed significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the joint team proceeded with the operation, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining security and combating terrorism in the region. As planned the joint team reached the suspected area in Doda district of J&K and launched the cordon and search operation. Soon the troops comprising Sep Ajay Kumar Singh and other soldiers made contact with the terrorists who opened fire at them upon being challenged. The troops led by Capt Brijesh Thapa tried to tighten the cordon to block the escape routes of the terrorists and attacked aggressively. However, the terrorists attempted to escape by exploiting the restricted visibility and rain resulting in another exchange of fire at 9 pm. The ensuing gun battle, was fierce and fraught with risk as the terrorists were using automatic weapons and also taking advantage of the thick foliage of the forest. Undeterred by the risk involved, Sep Ajay Kumar Singh and his comrades continued to lead his men to chase the terrorists and pin them down. However, in the heavy exchange of fire, Sep Ajay Kumar Singh and three other soldiers including their leader got severely injured. They soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Besides Sep Ajay Kumar Singh, the other three martyred brave hearts included Capt Brijesh Thapa, Nk D Rajesh, and Sepoy Bijendra Singh. Sep Ajay Kumar Singh was a valiant soldier who laid down his life at a very early age of 26 years in the service of the nation.

Sep. Ajay Kumar Singh Naruka is survived by his father Shri Kamal Singh, mother Smt Salochana Devi, wife Smt Shalu Kanwar, and younger brother, Shri Karan Veer.