Subedar Om Prakash SC

Subedar Om Prakash hailed from Churu district in Rajasthan. He joined the Indian Army, following his training, he was assigned to the 6th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles. Demonstrating unwavering dedication throughout his service in various operational conditions and locations, by 2023, he had earned a well-deserved promotion to the rank of Havildar.

After serving for few years, he got married to Ms Komal and the couple was blessed with two daughters Bhisha and Ananya. After serving for a few years, he was deployed to the 18 RR Battalion in Jammu and Kashmir to participate in counter-insurgency operations. By 2024, with nearly eight years of dedicated service, he had evolved into a skilled and determined soldier. 

Baramulla Operation (J&K): 24 Oct 2024

In October 2024, Rifleman Jeevan Singh’s unit, the 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Battalion, was actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, near the Line of Control (LOC). This area was known for frequent infiltration attempts by militants, necessitating a constant state of high alert among the troops. The 18 RR Battalion conducted regular operations to prevent such infiltrations and maintain security. On 24 October 2024, based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of hardcore terrorists in the Baramulla district, the security forces launched a mission to track them down. The input-based operations were launched in Pattan and Kreeri areas of Baramulla district on 23 Oct. Rifleman Jeevan Singh and few other soldiers were assigned an operational task on 24 Oct in support of onging operations in the AOR(Area of Responsibility) of the unit.

On the evening of October 24, 2024, a convoy carrying Rifleman Jeevan Singh and other personnel from 18 Rashtriya Rifles battalion along with civilian porters who supported them in logistical tasks, was on its way to the Nagin post in the Afrawat range. The convoy was making its way through the rugged, mountainous terrain near Botapathri, a forested area approximately 6 kilometers from Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The convoy was vital, as it was transporting essential supplies to forward posts in the region, ensuring that troops stationed in remote locations had what they needed to carry out their duties. However, as the convoy reached Botapathri, it was ambushed by a group of terrorists who opened fire on two of the army trucks. The attack was swift, unexpected, and brutal. The convoy, which had both military personnel and civilian porters, was caught off guard, and a fierce firefight ensued. Rifleman Jeevan Singh and his fellow soldiers responded with courage, taking defensive positions to protect themselves and the others in the convoy. But in the heavy exchange of fire Rfn Jeevan Singh and three other soldiers and two civilian porters got severly injured. Rfn Jeevan Singh and and one more soldier Rfn Kaisar Ahmad Shah soon succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. 

The ambush was a stark example of the unpredictability of counter-insurgency operations, where each mission could turn perilous in an instant. The ambush at Botapathri, though a tragedy, also highlighted the bravery and selflessness of the Indian Army’s personnel and their willingness to confront danger to secure the region. Rfn Jeevan Singh was a fearless and committed soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. The Rashtriya Rifles, known for its brotherhood and camaraderie, held a solemn ceremony to honour their fallen comrades, paying tribute to Rfn Jeevan Singh’s courage, resilience, and dedication to duty. 

Rfn Jeevan Singh Rathore is survived by his  father Shri Sukhdev Singh, mother Smt Golo Kaur, wife Smt Komal, and two daughters Ms Ananya and Ms Bhisha.