Service No : 4356647X
Date of Birth : September 20, 1965
Place of birth : West Tripura Dist
Service : Army
Last Rank : Sepoy
Unit : 4 Assam
Arm/Regt : The Assam Regiment
Operation : Op Pawan
Awards : Vir Chakra
Martyrdom : July 3, 1988
Sepoy Rabi Kumar Deb Barma was born on 20 September 1965 in Sipai Para village, in Mohanpur Block of the West Tripura district in Tripura. He was the son of Shri Sukroy Deb Barma and Smt Agamti Deb Barma. From an early age, Sep Rabi Kumar Deb Barma exhibited qualities of discipline, courage, and a strong sense of duty—traits that would later define his career in the armed forces. After completing his school education, he decided to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army on 17 Aug 1983. He was inducted into the 4 Assam Battalion of the Assam Regiment, an infantry regiment known for its fearless warriors and distinguished service record. The Assam Regiment, which was raised on 15th June 1941 in Shillong, has earned immense respect over the decades for its exemplary performance in various operations. Notably, the regiment was awarded Battle Honours for its valiant defence during the Battle of Chamb in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, underscoring its combat prowess and unyielding spirit.
Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka): 3rd Jul 1988
During 1988, Sepoy Rabi Kumar Dev Barma's unit 4 Assam was deployed in Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan. In Jul 1988, he was serving in No. 12 Platoon of Delta Company during a battalion-level search operation in the Viswamadu area of Sri Lanka. The operation, spanning from 2nd July to 3rd July 1988, was aimed at flushing out militant elements in a region known for its frequent insurgent activity and difficult jungle terrain. On 3rd July 1988, Sep Rabi Kumar’s platoon was specifically tasked with searching areas astride the road leading to Mullaitivu, a critical and strategically sensitive stretch that passed through dense jungle foliage. Intelligence reports had indicated a high probability of militant presence in the vicinity. As the platoon proceeded with their mission, navigating through the thick undergrowth, they suddenly came under heavy and unprovoked fire from militants using AK-47s, G-3 rifles, and hand grenades. The intensity of the ambush was so overwhelming that the point section of the platoon could not even occupy defensive positions to return fire. In the initial burst, three soldiers were hit and temporarily incapacitated.
Amid the chaos and confusion, Sepoy Rabi Kumar Dev Barma demonstrated remarkable presence of mind and courage under fire. He saw his fellow soldiers fall in front of him, but did not lose his composure. Quickly assessing the situation, he identified the approximate position of the ambush, which was manned by an estimated 18 to 20 heavily armed militants. Displaying exceptional alertness and gallantry, he immediately went to ground and began crawling towards the enemy position, closing in despite the ongoing threat to his life. His fearless action served as an inspiration to his section mates, who were motivated to follow him. Once he reached a vantage point close to the militants, Sep Rabi Kumar launched a direct charge, engaging them in close combat. Firing from the hip position, he killed one militant on the spot and wounded another, breaking the momentum of the enemy’s assault. His bold offensive, combined with the support of his section, unnerved the militants, who abandoned their well-prepared positions and fled the scene in disarray.
Though the action led to the successful disruption of the ambush and saved many lives, Sep Rabi Kumar Dev Barma was fatally injured during the encounter. He laid down his life before he could even 23, in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, displaying selflessness, and unmatched bravery, in a moment of grave danger. His courage allowed his platoon to regroup, retaliate, and inflict substantial casualties on the enemy. In recognition of his outstanding gallantry, and supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Sepoy Rabi Kumar Dev Barma was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra" on 26th January 1990.
Sepoy Rabi Kumar Dev Barma is survived by his father Shri Shri Sukroy Deb Barma.
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