Subedar Vijayan Paleri SM

Subedar Vijayan Paleri hailed from Palayad village in the Kannur district of Kerala, a region renowned for its long and proud tradition of contributing dedicated soldiers to the nation. After completing his school education, he took a firm and conscious decision to join the Indian Army and dedicate his life to national service. As part of his initial military grooming, he was selected for technical training with the 10th Course at the Apprentice Training School (ATS) EME, Bhopal. During the early 1970s, ATS EME functioned as one of the premier technical training institutions of the Indian Army. Established in 1966 at Sultania Infantry Lines, Bhopal, the school was tasked with producing highly skilled craftsmen capable of repairing and maintaining the Army’s complex war machinery. The training programme was rigorous and comprehensive, spanning three years and combining advanced technical instruction with strict military discipline. The apprentices were trained in specialised trades such as Armourer, Electrician, Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, Telecommunication Mechanic, Turner, and Vehicle Mechanic. Courses were inducted on a six-monthly basis, and on successful completion of training, the apprentices were recognised by the Institution of Engineers India for Senior Technician membership. Many alumni of ATS EME later rose to become Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, reflecting the high standards and enduring legacy of the institution. This formative phase played a crucial role in shaping Craftsman Vijayan Paleri’s technical proficiency, professional competence, discipline, and strong work ethic.

On completion of his training, he was inducted into the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), a vital technical arm of the Indian Army. The EME is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of the Army’s vast range of electronic systems, weapons, vehicles, and specialised equipment. By ensuring that critical military hardware functions reliably in peace and war, the Corps plays a crucial role in sustaining combat effectiveness and operational capability on the battlefield. His early years in uniform were marked by dedication, resilience, and adaptability as he steadily adjusted to the demanding routines and responsibilities of military life. After a few years of service, he married Ms Sreeranjani, marking an important milestone in his personal life. By 1994, having rendered substantial service across diverse operational environments, he was promoted to the rank of Subedar. By this stage of his career, he had earned a well-deserved reputation as a dependable and capable Junior Commissioned Officer—respected by his seniors for his professionalism and by his subordinates for his leadership, integrity, and example in service.

Terrorists Attack (Srinagar: J&K): 14 Aug 1994

In 1994, Subedar Vijayan Paleri was serving with the 508 ASC Battalion, which was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir during a period marked by intense militancy and continuous counter-insurgency operations. Although the primary role of the Army Service Corps (ASC) is to provide critical logistical support—such as the transportation and maintenance of supplies, equipment, and personnel—its units in Kashmir frequently operated in hostile and volatile environments. Given the prevailing security situation, even logistics troops were routinely exposed to terrorist threats and were required to remain constantly alert, prepared to defend themselves and engage militants when circumstances demanded. In August 1994, Subedar Vijayan Paleri’s unit, 508 ASC Battalion, was deployed in the highly sensitive area near Srinagar Airfield, close to the Srinagar Airport—an installation of significant strategic importance that had witnessed repeated terrorist activity. At the time, he was functioning as the 'In-Charge' of the EME Light Repair Workshop (LRW), responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of vital equipment in an area where counter-insurgency operations were actively underway. On 14 Aug 1994, the unit was suddenly subjected to a surprise terrorist attack. Displaying exemplary presence of mind, leadership, and professional composure, the troops immediately took up defensive positions and challenged the attackers. 

The terrorists responded with heavy and sustained gunfire, resulting in a fierce and prolonged exchange of fire in the vicinity of the airfield. Amidst the intense gun battle, Subedar Vijayan Paleri was struck by multiple bullets and sustained critical injuries. Despite prompt efforts by his fellow soldiers to evacuate and save him, his wounds proved fatal. Subedar Vijayan Paleri succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom, laying down his life in the supreme service of the nation. Subedar Vijayan Paleri was a valiant and devoted soldier whose bravery, unyielding fighting spirit, and sense of duty remained unwavering till his last breath. In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal", one of the Indian Army’s distinguished gallantry decorations. 

Subedar Vijayan Paleri is survived by his wife, Smt Sreeranjani, and two sons Shri Arjun Paleri & Shri Ashish Paleri.