Service No : 4267374L
Place of birth : Gumla Dist (Bihar)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Sepoy
Unit : 9 Bihar
Arm/Regt : The Bihar Regiment
Operation : Op Pawan
Awards : Vir Chakra
Martyrdom : September 13, 1989
Sepoy John Britto Kiro was born in Pinda Tanger village, located in the Gumla district of Bihar (now in Jharkhand). He was the son of Shri Carolus Kiro and Smt. Berna Detha Kiro, who instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, patriotism, and resilience. From a young age, he exhibited a deep-rooted passion for serving his country. After completing his school education, he decided to pursue his ambition of joining the Indian Army. His dedication and determination led him to be recruited into the 9 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, an elite infantry regiment of the Indian Army. The Bihar Regiment has a glorious history of valour, known for producing some of the most fearless and battle-hardened soldiers who have excelled in numerous military operations. The regiment has earned several battle honours, reflecting its soldiers' unwavering courage and commitment to national security.
Op Pawan: 13 Sep 1989
In pursuit of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka in August 1987 to restore peace by disarming various militant groups operating in the region. Among these, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), infamous for its guerrilla warfare tactics, refused to surrender its weapons and launched relentless attacks on the IPKF, triggering a series of fierce combat operations. To neutralize the LTTE’s growing threat, the IPKF initiated Operation Pawan, a large-scale military campaign aimed at dismantling LTTE strongholds in and around Jaffna. The primary objective was to cripple the insurgent group’s operational capabilities, rendering it leaderless and ineffective. Initially, only the 54th Infantry Division was deployed for the operation, but as the conflict escalated, three additional divisions—3rd, 4th, and 57th—were inducted into the battle. By Sep 1989, Indian forces had undertaken multiple offensives against the LTTE, but the war was far from over, and the region remained volatile.
During Operation Pawan, Sepoy John Britto Kiro was serving in the 9 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, which was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations. On 13 September 1989, his unit was assigned a critical mission in LTTE-controlled territory. As part of the assault team, Sepoy Kiro took up the crucial role of Light Machine Gun (LMG) Number One, responsible for providing suppressive fire and covering his comrades during engagements. The unit was navigating through a heavily mined nullah (dry riverbed) when it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from the front and the right flank. Without hesitation, Sepoy Kiro swiftly took position, fully aware of the danger surrounding him. However, in the process of positioning himself, he inadvertently stepped on an anti-personnel landmine. The explosion was devastating—his right foot was blown off, leaving him grievously wounded. Despite the excruciating pain and severe blood loss, Sepoy Kiro’s only concern was the safety of his comrades. Mustering extraordinary resilience, he refused to give in to his injuries and instead opened fire with his LMG, unleashing a barrage of accurate and effective suppressive fire on the militants. His courageous action provided his unit with critical cover, allowing them to reorganize and respond to the deadly ambush.
Recognizing the severity of Sepoy Kiro’s injuries, his comrades quickly placed him on a stretcher and began evacuating him to safety. However, after covering barely 200 yards, the unit once again walked into a well-coordinated ambush. The enemy unleashed heavy fire from multiple directions, forcing the column into another intense firefight. Despite being in a casualty state, losing blood, and in excruciating pain, Sepoy Kiro refused to remain idle. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he picked up his weapon and resumed firing at the militants, ensuring his comrades were not overwhelmed by the enemy assault. The firefight raged on for 15 to 20 minutes, with bullets whizzing through the air. Even as his condition rapidly deteriorated, Sepoy Kiro continued to fight, refusing to abandon his duty. Ultimately, a fatal bullet struck him in the throat, bringing his heroic stand to an end. In his final moments, he upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army, displaying unwavering courage, selflessness, and an unbreakable fighting spirit.
Sepoy John Britto Kiro’s actions on 13 September 1989 played a crucial role in protecting his comrades during a perilous engagement. In recognition of his exceptional bravery, supreme sacrifice, and unparalleled devotion to duty, on 26 Jan 1990 he was posthumously awarded the prestigious"Vir Chakra", one of India’s highest gallantry awards.
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