Subedar Rajen Basumatary SC

Subedar Rajen Basumatary was born on 30 May 1955 and hailed from Hashrawbari village, situated in the Bongaigaon district of Assam. He was the proud son of Shri Rabanj Basumatary and Smt Lanti Basumatary. From a young age, he displayed qualities of discipline, courage, and an innate sense of duty—virtues that would go on to shape his distinguished military career. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army on 10 December 1975 at the age of 20 years. He was inducted into the 6th Battalion of the Assam Regiment, an esteemed infantry regiment renowned for its fearless warriors and an illustrious service record. The Assam Regiment, raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong, has earned widespread admiration for its exemplary performance in numerous military operations. One of its most celebrated achievements came during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, when the regiment was awarded Battle Honours for its resolute defence during the Battle of Chamb, a testament to its combat excellence and indomitable spirit.

Through years of dedicated service and unwavering resolve, Sub Rajen Basumatary steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately attaining the rank of Subedar. Later he was deputed to serve with the 35 Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized counter-insurgency force deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Personnel in this elite force regularly operate in hostile environments, engaging with insurgents and terrorists to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Operation Labkhal (J&K): 14 May 2000

During 2000, Sub Rajen Basumatary's unit, 35 Rashtriya Rifles, was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the success of Operation Labkhal-I, Operation Labkhal-II (Named after Labkhal- a mesmerizing Bahak in the Pir Panjal range) was launched on 14 May 2000, based on precise and shared intelligence inputs. The mission's objective was to neutralize a group of heavily armed terrorists entrenched in a permanent hideout deep within the Brenwar Forest—a known hub of terrorist activity in Chadoora tehsil of Badgam district in Jammu & Kashmir. Subedar Rajen Basumatary was part of the elite Heliborne Commando Platoon, which was heli-dropped at Danidar to begin the assault. As the operation commenced, the movement of the troops was temporarily halted due to intense hostile fire from the terrorists. Undeterred by the heavy fire, Sub Rajen Basumatary, along with his buddy Major Jog Niranjan Subash, stealthily advanced towards the terrorist hideout. However, during their approach, they were spotted by the enemy, who immediately lobbed two hand grenades in their direction. Realizing the imminent threat to his comrade, Subedar Basumatary made a split-second decision that exemplified extraordinary bravery. To divert the terrorists’ attention and protect his buddy, he deliberately exposed his own position and engaged the enemy with accurate fire. In an incredible act of courage, he picked up one of the grenades hurled at them and threw it back towards the terrorists before it could detonate near them.

In the ensuing chaos, a third terrorist opened fire from close range, hitting Subedar Basumatary with a long burst of AK-56 rounds. He was struck by seven bullets, and his left arm was completely shattered. Despite his grievous injuries, he continued to fight with unparalleled determination. With his AK-47 blazing, he charged directly at the terrorist, killing him in close combat and saving Major Jog Niranjan Subash from certain death. Even after sustaining life-threatening injuries, Subedar Basumatary refused to be evacuated until the area was secured and all threats were eliminated. His actions were a shining example of selfless camaraderie, unmatched courage, and unyielding commitment to the mission—far beyond the call of duty. Tragically, Subedar Rajen Basumatary succumbed to his injuries during the operation. However, his gallant actions played a crucial role in the elimination of six top-ranking Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, thereby delivering a significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the region. In recognition of his conspicuous act of valour, unwavering bravery, and ultimate sacrifice, Subedar Rajen Basumatary was posthumously awarded the "Shaurya Chakra" on 26 January 2001.

Sub Rajen Basumatary is survived by his wife, Smt Aparna Basumatary.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

As a sequel to Op Labkhal-I, Op Labkhal-II was launched on 14 May 2000. Based on shared intelligence the aim of the operation was to destroy the permanent hideout of terrorist in the Brenwar Forest. Sub Rajen Basumatry was part of helleborne Cdo Platoon dropped at Danidar. The Mov of trts were temporarily halted due to hy fire. Sub Rajen Basumatry along with buddy Maj Jog Niranjan Subash stealthy closed in with the terrorists. However they were spotted and the terrorist lobbed two hand grenades at them. Sub Basumatry realizing the threat to this buddy drew attention to himself by exposing his position and firing at the terrorists. Sub Rajen Basumatry in a rare show of raw courage, picked up terrorist grenade and lobbed it back on them. Meanwhile a third terrorist fired a long burst at Sub Basumatry from a very close range. Sub Basumatry received seven AK-56 bullets in his body and his left arm was totally shattered. Despite being grievously injured Sub Basumatary fiercely charged on the terrorist, shooting at him with his AK-47 billowing bullets killing the terrorist and saved his buddy Maj Jog Niranjan Subash from the terrorist fire.

Sub Basumatary refused evacuation till all threats had been eliminated. Despite being seriously injured Sub Rajen Basumatary displayed highest traditions of camaraderie, utter disregard for his personal safety and total dedication and concern for the mission, much beyond the call of duty. Sub Rajen Basumatry laid down his life in this operation which contributed in eliminating six hard core Pakistani LeT top ranking leaders in their well entrenched hideout.

For this conspicuous act of gallantry he was awarded SHAURYA CHAKRA (P) on 26 Jan 2001.