Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh

Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh hailed from Bhagwanpur village in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Born on 24 Oct 1997, into a family with a strong military background, he was the youngest of four siblings, with two elder sisters and an elder brother. From a young age, Naveen was deeply inspired by his father, Jaiprakash Singh, who served in the Army Service Corps (ASC) and retired in 2006. Witnessing his father's dedication and discipline, he developed a strong passion for serving the nation. Sep Naveen pursued his education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Air Force Station Gorakhpur, where he excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. His unwavering determination to join the Indian Army led him to enlist at the young age of 17, fulfilling his childhood dream of donning the olive-green uniform.

Upon his recruitment, Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh was inducted into the 516 Army Service Corps (ASC) Battalion, a crucial unit of the Army Service Corps responsible for providing logistical support to the Indian Army. The ASC plays a vital role in ensuring the seamless transportation of essential supplies, including food, fuel, ammunition, and equipment, to units operating in diverse and often challenging terrains. His initial training took place in Bangalore, where he underwent rigorous physical and technical training to master military logistics and operational support. His first posting was in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, where he served with the 516 ASC Battalion. His dedication, discipline, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions earned him respect among his peers and superiors. After serving with his parent unit for a significant period, Sepoy Naveen was deputed to the 9th Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles (9RR), a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Operating in a high-risk zone, he displayed exceptional courage and commitment while carrying out counter-insurgency operations in the region.

Srinagar Ambush: 24 May 2021

In May 2021, Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh was serving as part of the 9th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (9RR), a unit actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the volatile region of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. His posting in this challenging environment demanded constant vigilance, as the area was prone to militant infiltration and terrorist activities. Soldiers in this sector were required to conduct frequent search, surveillance, and counter-infiltration operations to maintain security and prevent insurgent attacks. Since 2019, Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh had been serving in Srinagar, consistently displaying exceptional dedication and courage in the line of duty. On May 14, 2021, his team successfully carried out an anti-terror operation in which multiple terrorists were neutralized. During this operation, Sepoy Naveen played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to its success through his bravery and commitment.

On May 24, 2021, intelligence inputs indicated the presence of hardcore terrorists in a specific location within their Area of Responsibility (AOR). Recognizing the seriousness of the threat, security forces initiated a joint search and cordon operation to neutralize the threat. As the situation escalated, reinforcements were requested to support the ongoing engagement. In response, additional troops from the 9 Rashtriya Rifles were deployed to assist in the mission. Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh was among the soldiers chosen for this reinforcement team. While transporting essential rations to soldiers stationed in a remote and hilly region, his vehicle was ambushed by terrorists. Despite the sudden and intense attack, Sepoy Naveen displayed unwavering bravery. He fought valiantly, protecting his comrades and fulfilling his duty to the nation. Tragically, during this encounter, Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh sustained fatal injuries. At the young age of 23, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Sepoy Naveen Kumar Singh is survived by his parents, two elder sisters, and one elder brother.