Subedar Hazari Lal Gujjar

Subedar Hazari Lal Gujjar hailed from Nangal Checheeka village in Kotputli Tehsil of Jaipur district in Rajasthan. Raised in a rural setting rooted in discipline, tradition, and patriotism, he developed a strong sense of duty and commitment from an early age. After completing his schooling, he chose to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army — a decision that reflected both personal resolve and deep respect for the uniform. He was recruited into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished infantry regiments, widely known for its fearless soldiers and a long, proud history of battlefield courage and sacrifice. During his service with the battalion, he proved himself to be sincere, dependable, and professionally competent. Through consistent performance, discipline, and leadership qualities, he earned the confidence of his seniors and the respect of his fellow soldiers. After a few years of serivce in the Army, he entered married life and was wed to Ms Sunder Devi, beginning a new chapter alongside his continued dedication to military service and national duty.

After rendering commendable service with his parent unit, Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar was deputed to the 44 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion — a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Service with the Rashtriya Rifles is considered particularly demanding, involving continuous operational duties in high-risk, hostile, and unpredictable environments. Operations often require quick decision-making, tactical precision, and exceptional mental and physical endurance. In this challenging operational setting, Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar continued to demonstrate outstanding courage, composure, and professionalism. He participated in numerous counter-insurgency operations and handled complex tactical situations with calm judgment and clarity of thought. His conduct reflected both battlefield maturity and a deep commitment to mission success and the safety of his comrades. 

Shopian Operation: 13 Aug 2002

In August 2002, Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar was serving with 44 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, deployed in the highly volatile Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir — an area known for dense orchards, broken terrain, and sustained militant presence. The battalion was operating under Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Victor Force, which functioned under the operational control of the XV Corps, responsible for counter-insurgency operations across the Kashmir Valley. This deployment placed the unit in one of the most operationally demanding and high-risk sectors in the region, requiring constant vigilance and frequent combat operations.  On 13 August 2002, security forces received credible intelligence about the presence of heavily armed militants hiding in the Kach Dorah village area of Shopian district. Acting promptly on this input, a well-coordinated cordon-and-search operation was planned to isolate and neutralize the threat. Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar was assigned a key role in the mission and moved to the target area with his team under the leadership of Capt Sanjeev S. Pathak. Leading from the front, the officer carefully deployed his troops and established blocking positions to seal all likely escape routes.

As the security forces tightened the cordon, the trapped militants opened heavy and indiscriminate fire in a desperate attempt to break through. Despite coming under intense hostile fire, Capt Pathak maintained control of the situation and urged his men to hold firm and respond with precision. He, along with Subedar Hazari Lal Gujjar, occupied the most likely escape axis — a tactically vital but highly exposed position — fully aware of the danger involved. During the fierce exchange of fire that followed, Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar was hit by multiple gunshots and suffered grievous injuries. However, displaying exceptional grit and battlefield composure, he continued to direct his men and coordinate their fire, ensuring the militants remained contained and the operation stayed on course. His steadfast courage and refusal to withdraw despite critical wounds inspired his comrades to sustain the engagement with determination. In the close-quarters battle, both Subedar Hazari Lal Gujjar and Capt Sanjeev S. Pathak sustained fatal injuries while fighting bravely against the militants. They laid down their lives in the highest traditions of military service. Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar’s courage, tenacity, and selfless leadership under fire stand as a lasting example of devotion to duty and sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Sub Hazari Lal Gujjar is survived by his wife, Smt Sunder Devi.