Dedicated to the Brave Soldiers who died fighting for the Country

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Milton V Kurien (5 Sikh)

Major Milton Kurien's final homecoming on Tuesday was a sombre, dignified affair, complete with military honours, as befitting one who had died for his country. At the Nedumbassery international airport, the coffin, draped in the national Tricolour, was borne down from the aircraft by six Naval officers, clad in their crispest whites.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Param]

General Salute: Lieutenant Natarajan Parthiban, Kirti Chakra

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Stone plaque in memory of Lieutenant opened
TAMBARAM: A stone plaque in memory of Lieutenant N. Parthiban, who died fighting extremists in Kashmir in 2006, was opened in Anakaputhur near Tambaram on Wednesday.

Lt. N. Parthiban, just 23 years of age, died while fighting insurgents in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

A graduate in B.Sc from Bishop Heber College, Tiruchi, he joined Officers' Training Academy in 2005.

Soon after commissioning into the Army, he was posted with 5 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (5 JAK LI). Just a few months into the Army, he led a brave group of soldiers, only to be felled by a shower of bullets from extremists, but not before gunning them down.

Bharathi Kumar, Chairperson of Anakaputhur Municipality, said they unveiled the stone plaque to commemorate a brave son from their locality. Over the years, they had initiated a number of measures to commemorate the martyr, Ms. Bharathi Kumar said, adding that Lt. Parthiban's tale of heroism and sacrifice was unparalleled.

Lt. Parthiban, son of Major (retired) V.Natarajan and Tamil Selvi was honoured posthumously with Kirthi Chakra. The Fitness Centre inside OTA was named after him, in his memory, his close friends said, adding that he was responsible for large number of young men and women from Tamil Nadu to join the Armed Forces.

PS: I knew him.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Lalson Varghese (14 RR)

Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists killed the 29-year-old major in an ambush during the counter-insurgency Operation Rakshak at Sumblar village in the Bandipora region of the Kashmir valley on April 24.

The funeral was held with full military honours, with Home Minister T Devender Goud representing the state government. The coffin was brought to the New Life Assembly of God Church where the funeral service was conducted. The body was then interred at the Garrison cemetery at Trimulgherry. Thomas Varghese, a retired army officer, said, "A soldier has died for his country and I am proud to be his father." Lalson's brothers, Reverend Valson Varghese and Sabu Varghese, his mother Aleyamma, and wife Nisha fought back their tears as they bid him goodbye.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

General Salute: Lieutenant Natarajan Parthiban, Kirti Chakra

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Stone plaque in memory of Lieutenant opened

PS: I knew him.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Capt V Tirupathi (AIC)

The body of Capt V Tirupathi of the Army Intelligence Corps, who was killed by Naga militants in Nagaland early this week, was brought to Bangalore, "He was all set to become a Major in July. We were all keenly looking forward to that day", said Tirupathi's father-in-law S Kannan. Tirupathi last came to Bangalore in the January 2002 to attend his brother-in-law's wedding, said Mr Kannan, who retired from Mico. "We were all enthused by the presence of Tirupathi at the wedding", he recalled. "He was an unassuming character and a jovial person, loved by all", he recalled.

"Tirupathi was more than a son to me", was how his mother-in-law Anandamma reacted after learning about the tragedy, which struck the family. Tirupathi's wife Vanishree and her children were yet to recover from the shock of the tragedy. ''I just can't believe that he is no more'', said Vanishree amidst tears rolling from her eyes.

A grief stricken Yellamma, Tirupathi's mother, who is settled in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, rushed to her daughter-in-law's house in Bangalore after being informed about the tragedy. "He was a courageous son", she said. "Recently, Tirupathi sent me some money to conduct obsequies on the occasion of the first death anniversary of his father", she recalled.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Jagir Singh Khokri (7 Sikh)

On the night of April 25, 1948, keeping up the high traditions of the Army, Major (then Capt) Jagir Singh, who was then in 7 Sikh, fearlessly led his company to capture strongly held hill features by the enemy overlooking Trehgam village in Kashmir. This was vital to clear the advance. He positioned his troops and then personally led a daylight attack on the enemy. Throughout the fierce engagement, his complete disregard for personal safety and exemplary leadership inspired courage in everyone around him.

After retirement, he was involved in social work and the development of this area, especially Jeevan Preet Nagar. He is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Amit Sharma (27 RR) - Op Rakshak

Major Amit Sharma made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty combating terrorists in the dense jungles of Bafliaz in the Surankot tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir. Bafliaz in Surankot is the area where Operation Sarp Vinash was carried out by the Indian armed forces some months back. In a gun-battle on March 12 Major Amit Sharma, serving in 27 Rashtriya Rifles, was killed by terrorists hiding in the forest. In the ensuing fight with other terrorists the officer sustained serious gunshot wounds and was evacuated to the military hospital in Surankot where he breathed his last in the early hours of March 13, 2004.

Earlier, the body of the slain soldier arrived at his residence on Bank Street where his relatives and friends along with family members paid tributes to him. Then the body was taken to the Surajkund cremation ground in a gun carriage. Several senior Army officials also accompanied the gun carriage. At the cremation ground floral tributes were offered and wreaths laid on the body of the officer wrapped in a Tricolour.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Captain Nitin Chavan (115 Engr Regiment)- Op Rakshak

Captain Nitin Chavan lost his life on Monday while flushing out Pakistan-sponsored militants in the Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Captain Chavan was leading a patrol party when he observed a group of about five militants near Majhiari schooli Surankot tehsil, Rajouri sector.

Immediately, Captain Chavan divided his party into two groups and chased the militants. Around 1.45 pm, contact was established with the militants in a maize field and fierce fighting ensued for over an hour. Exhibiting raw courage, Captain Chavan and Lance Naik Balwinder, his radio operator closed in onto the maize field from where the fire was coming. He was about to pounce on the militants when the both of them fired at a close range resulting in multiple gun shot wounds to both the brave soldiers who died. The area was soon cordoned by the reinforced troops and operations are still continuing.

Chavan is survived by his father Prakash Chavan and sister Smita. His mortal remains will arrive in Pune on Wednesday evening by the Delhi-Pune flight.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Amit Ahuja (2 Dogra)

Major Amit Ahuja hailing from Ambala City had promised his family members and friends that he will return home soon. That promise was broken when Major Ahuja of 2 Dogra was killed in shelling in Gurez sector, Keen to join the Army, Major Amit Ahuja had cleared the Combined Defence Services examination and joined the Indian Military Academy.He started his career with Dogra regiment.

Mr Ankush Mehta, a close friend of Major Ahuja, said he was posted in the Gurez sector. "Information about Major Ahuja's sad demise was received from Chandimandir at about 2.45 p.m. We have been told that Major Ahuja was hit during shelling alongwith two other army personnel.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Padmanabha Sri Kumar (27 RR) - Op Rakshak

Major Padmanabha Sri Kumar was killed in an encounter with militants in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. ``He killed seven dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen militants and walked out of the ambush unscathed. But when one of his men was trapped and injured, he walked back into enemy fire with guns blazing all around him to rescue the injured soldier. Officers of the Air Defence Artillery spoke of his bravery,'' Sundara Raman, the major's brother-in-law said.

Major Sri Kumar was seriously injured in the rescue attempt when a volley of enemy bullets hit his chest. ``The injured soldier survived. But Major Sri Kumar made the supreme sacrifice of his life for the nation,''

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Ranbir Katoch (7 RR) - Op Rakshak

Major Ranbir Katoch of 7 Rashtriya Rifles, affiliated to the Punjab Regiment, was killed while trying to save his men during a counter insurgency operations at Sungan village in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Saturday.

Two hardcore Pakistani militants identified as Yasin and Omar Sharief (code name), who were coordinating the IED explosions in South Kashmir, were also killed and a large quantity of weapons and ammunitions recovered.

On August 21, after getting specific information about the presence of militants in the area the unit launched an operation to nab them. A search party led by Major Katoch reached the location after a seven hour march over mountains in pitch darkness to maintain surprise.In the morning, while searching the area his company column came under heavy automatic fire from universal machine gun (UMG) and AK-56 rifles.Realising the danger to his men he along with his party rushed to cut off and pin down the militants. During the encounter the gallant officer unmindful of his personal safety engaged the militants with heavy fire. During the gun battle he got seriously injured but in a daring act of bravery he charged the militants and killed them. The whole encounter lasted for more than three hours.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Ushnisha Jaitley (3/11 GR) - Op Rakshak

he body of Major Ushnisha Jaitley was cremated with full military honours here at Bhaisakund on Monday. He had made the supreme sacrifice while fighting terrorists at Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district on Saturday last. He is survived by a wife and two children Bhaiya (6) and two-year-old son Ayush.

The pyre was lit by his younger brother Lt. Commander Rahul Jaitley. Last post was sounded by the 11 GR band and arms were reversed by the jawans after a gun salute. Among those present on the occasion were Lt. LS Gosain of 3/11 GR, who was with Major Jaitley in the combat and suffered gunshot wounds on his left arm.

It was learnt that on that day Major Jaitley had rushed alongwith his troops after he received information that Pakistani backed foreign mercenaries were hiding in the forest. As Major Jaitley reached the spot he was welcomed by a shower of bullets fired by the militants. A close encounter ensued. Major Jaitley killed two militants before he suffered bullet injuries on his chest. He died on the spot.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Captain R Veera Raja Reddy (69 FD REGT)

The death of Captain R Veera Raja Reddy during a terrorist attack in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday night has left his family in Hyderabad totally devastated.

The family received the news on Thursday afternoon, a relative told rediff.com. "His parents, wife and other family members were shocked," the relative added.

On receiving specific information that a group of seven terrorists had attacked a high-security VIP residential complex, troops cordoned off a major portion of Ward No 1 in Rajouri and mounted searches. As the searches began, the security forces came under heavy fire from the terrorists hiding in the complex, housing senior district officers, including the district magistrate and the district police chief.

"The militants hurled grenades and fired indiscriminately from automatic weapons killing an army captain on the spot," said a police official in Rajouri reached by telephone. The troops retaliated and the gun battle continued for several hours. Police sources said the troops finally mortar-blasted the house, where the militants were holed up, during the early hours of Thursday. Thereafter, sources added, the firing stopped. Bodies of four militants have been found so far. "This was one of the fiercest gun battles in Rajouri town," said an army
officer wishing anonymity.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Captain Arun Singh Jasrotia (9 Para SF) - Op Rakshak

Ashok Chakra, the nation's highest gallantry award during peace-time, has been awarded to two brave paratroopers—Capt Arun Jasrotia and Maj Sudhir Kumar Walia in 1996 and 2000 respectively. In fact, 9 Para (SF) Battalion, to which they belonged, has been awarded the singular honour "Bravest of the Brave" by the Chief of the Army Staff in 2001.

Capt Arun Jasrotia displayed grit and courage as he led his troops in a raid on a militant camp on September 15, 1995 where nearly 20 foreign mercenaries were holed up in the Lolab Valley. Finding his men in a disadvantageous position under rocket and rifle fire, Arun led the assault culminating in a fierce hand-to-hand fight. Despite multiple injuries, he pressed on with the assault and accounted for a number of militants, before a bullet ended his life.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Major Anurag Nauriyal (1/4 GR) - Op Rakshak

A soldier's death is a soldier's death, wherever the battlefront. Major Anurag Nauriyal was one such martyr who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during 'Operation Rakshak' in J&K, where he fell to terrorist bullets. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously for his act of bravery

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Hav Dharam Pal Singh (7 Sikh)

The last rites of Hav Dharam Pal Singh of 7 Sikh Light Infantry were performed with full military honours at his native village Ghanaurpur Kale,The havildar died on duty in Imphal on April 17. The 72 Armour Regiment reversed arms and observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Naik Kuldeep Singh (7 Sikh)

Naik Kuldeep Singh of the 7 Sikh Light Infantry was cremated with full military honours at his native village Nangal Thathal today.Naik Kuldeep Singh was on patrol duty in Nagaland when an encounter with insurgents took place. He fought bravely and was killed.

Rest In Peace..

 

[utubekhiladi]

kunal bhai, do u think a better and sturdy bullet proof vest could have saved them?

 

[Kunal Biswas]

NSG commando Surjan Singh Bhandari

The 26-year-old Bhandari, an NSG commando selected from the army's Garhwal Scouts in 2000, was part of the elite group that was air-dashed to Gujarat on September 24 after two terrorists stormed the Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar.

Firing indiscriminately and hurling grenades, the terrorists had killed 39 persons, including devotees and two security persons.

The NSG commando team managed to gun down the terrorists in the wee hours on September 25 but lost one of their own men while Surjan was injured in the cross-fire.

He was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad where he slipped into a coma and was put on a ventilator in a special ward with round-the-clock surveillance.

He was shifted to a special ward in the AIIMS at the request of his brothers in October 2003.
The deceased commando's two brothers are also in the defence services.

Rest In Peace..

 

[Kunal Biswas]

kunal bhai, do u think a better and sturdy bullet proof vest could have saved them?

We had these discussion to death bro, Indeed better plates can save lives..