Sgt Khairnar Milind Kishore SC

Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishore was born on 17 February 1984 in the quiet village of Sakri, located in Dhule district, Maharashtra, to Shri Kishore Khairnar and Smt. Sunanda Kishore Khairnar. Raised in a close-knit family that valued discipline and service, he grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for the nation. In 2002, he joined the Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of a distinguished military journey. Through dedication and perseverance, he was later selected for the elite Garud Commando Force. The Air Commandos of Garud, formally raised in 2003, are among the youngest and most specialized Special Operations Forces units of the Indian Armed Forces. Its formation followed the militant attacks on two air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, highlighting the need for a dedicated force to protect critical air assets.

The first batch of Garud commandos was inducted on 6 February 2004 with the aim of providing the IAF with a highly versatile and mission-ready capability. Among their key responsibilities during peacetime is the defence and security of Air Force airfields across the country. By early 2017, Sergeant Kishore was undergoing advanced joint training with the Indian Army, focusing on anti-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, further strengthening his skills as a frontline warrior committed to safeguarding the nation.

Hajin Operation: 11 Oct 2017

Citation for the "Shaurya Chakra" awarded to him reads:-.

903038-L Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishor Indian Air Force (Garud) was enrolled in the Indian Air Force on 10 Dec 02. He was posted to 617 Garud Special Forces Unit since 01 Jul 17 and was performing the duties of Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in-charge of the unit. Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishor was deployed with Rashtriya Rifles in Counter Insurgency role in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir since 28 Jul 17. Based on specific intelligence input about the presence of a group of terrorists, a cordon was laid on the night of 10 Oct 17 for search operations on the outskirts of Hajin village. Sergeant Milind was in the inner cordon as stop party towards the rear of the target house.

On 11 Oct 17, at 0440 hrs, a group of five to six heavily armed terrorists charged out of their hiding place firing automatic weapons and grenades directly towards the position held by Sergeant Milind. Sergeant Milind retaliated by firing back at the terrorists and pinned them down with his accurate fire. However, due to the intense and concentrated fire from automatic weapons and grenades lobbed by terrorists, Sergeant Milind was hit by a flurry of bullets and shrapnel. In spite of being grievously injured and being under heavy fire, the air warrior, disregarding his personal safety, held his position and maintained precise fire and cut off the escape route of the terrorists. With the escape route blocked, terrorists resorted to indiscriminate firing and closed in towards Sergeant Milind. In the resulting close quarter fight, Sergeant Milind shot down one terrorist and grievously injured another. However, due to dense and persistent firing by the surviving terrorists, Sergeant Milind was hit by bullets and was critically injured. He was evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishor displayed bravery of the highest order and in this confrontation led the attack against the terrorist.