Subedar Kuldeep Chand

Subedar Kuldeep Chand hailed from Kamlah village in the Nadaun area of Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh—a region renowned for its deep-rooted patriotism and tradition of military service. Born to Shri Rattan Chand, a retired soldier of the 9 Punjab Battalion of the Indian Army, and Smt Shakuntla Devi, Subedar Kuldeep Chand grew up in an environment that valued discipline, resilience, and dedication to the nation. Inspired by his father’s legacy of service, young Sub Kuldeep imbibed a strong sense of duty and commitment from an early age. He completed his 10+2 education with distinction, showing particular aptitude in the sciences. Recognizing the importance of a solid academic foundation in achieving his dream, he pursued his studies with great diligence. Alongside his academic efforts, Sub Kuldeep harbored a steadfast ambition—to wear the olive-green uniform and serve the nation as a soldier.

In 1996, his unwavering resolve and relentless preparation paid off when he was selected to join the Indian Army as a soldier. His induction into the prestigious 9 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment was a moment of immense pride. The Punjab Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments in the Indian Army, is celebrated for its valour, heritage, and exemplary service. Being part of such a storied unit further ignited his passion and commitment to his role. Over the years, Subedar Kuldeep Chand proved himself through hard work, professionalism, and bravery, steadily rising through the ranks. His leadership qualities, dedication to duty, and deep-rooted sense of responsibility earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike.

Beyond his military service, Subedar Kuldeep Chand also cherished his family life. After a few years of service, he married Ms Santosh Kumari, and the couple built a life grounded in love and mutual respect. They were blessed with two children—a son, Aryan, and a daughter, Diksha—who became the center of his world and a source of immense pride. By 2025, he had risen to the rank of Subedar and was a dependable JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer). By then had served in numerous operational areas, often under challenging and demanding conditions, which shaped him into a battle-hardened and resilient soldier.

Akhnoor sector operation (J&K): 12 Apr 2025

In the year 2025, Subedar Kuldeep Chand was serving with the 9 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, one of the most illustrious regiments of the Indian Army known for its gallant traditions and battlefield prowess. At the time, his unit was deployed in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu & Kashmir, a region often under the shadow of militancy and cross-border hostilities. The area, located along the Line of Control (LoC), was particularly volatile, with frequent ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts from across the border posing a constant threat. The Area of Responsibility (AOR) of 9 Punjab was marked by dense forests, rugged terrain, and treacherous passes—conditions that were often exploited by infiltrating terrorists. The troops were regularly engaged in counter-insurgency operations, undertaking patrolling, surveillance, and combing missions to neutralize potential threats. Besides manning the forward posts, they also played a key role in thwarting infiltration bids, which were a frequent occurrence given the proximity to the hostile border.

On April 11, 2025, credible intelligence inputs were received indicating movement of terrorists in the Keri Bhattal area, located within the dense forest region of the Akhnoor sector. The inputs suggested that the infiltrators were heavily armed and were planning a major attack, posing a serious threat to national security and civilian safety. In response to this imminent threat, senior military commanders devised a search and destroy operation, scheduled to be launched the next morning on April 12, 2025. Subedar Kuldeep Chand, a seasoned and fearless soldier, was selected to be part of the strike team tasked with executing the high-risk operation.  On the morning of April 12, Subedar Kuldeep Chand and his team moved to the Keri Bhattal area, initiating a meticulous cordon and search operation. The troops tactically surrounded the suspected zone, sealing off all possible escape routes for the terrorists. As the soldiers advanced through the thick undergrowth and narrow ridgelines, they made contact with the militants, who immediately opened indiscriminate fire. What followed was an intense gun battle, fought amidst the harsh terrain and under the shadow of uncertainty. Despite being under heavy fire, Subedar Kuldeep Chand led from the front, displaying exceptional courage and tactical acumen. Engaging the terrorists at close quarters, he took decisive action that pinned them down and denied them any chance of retreat.

During the ferocious exchange of fire, Subedar Kuldeep Chand was struck by multiple bullets, sustaining grievous injuries. But despite the pain and blood loss, he refused to retreat. With remarkable bravery and selflessness, he continued to fire at the enemy, providing crucial cover to his fellow soldiers and ensuring the terrorists could not escape or regroup. His actions proved pivotal in neutralizing the threat. Eventually, as the operation neared completion and the terrorists were eliminated, Subedar Kuldeep Chand succumbed to his injuries. His supreme sacrifice not only neutralized a major terrorist threat but also saved countless innocent lives, reaffirming the Indian Army’s resolve to protect the nation at all costs.

Subedar Kuldeep Chand is survived by his father Shri Rattan Chand, mother Smt Shakuntla Devi, wife Smt Santosh Kumari, son Aryan, and daughter Ms Diksha.