On 21 August 2000, three Indian Army soldiers made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, during a terrorist attack in the Rajwar area. They were Brigadier B. S. Shergill, Commander of 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel R. S. Chauhan, Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles, and Signalman Naik Jose, who was accompanying the officers as a communications operator.
Brigadier Shergill had recently assumed command of 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles. As part of his responsibilities, he was visiting the Rajwar belt to familiarise himself with the area and the operational environment in which his troops were serving.
He was accompanied by Colonel R. S. Chauhan, who commanded 21 Rashtriya Rifles, and Signalman Naik Jose.
The Rajwar region was a difficult operational area. Dense forests, mountainous terrain and the presence of terrorists made movement and operations challenging for the security forces. Soldiers deployed there were required to remain alert even while travelling between operational locations.
On that August day, the Army vehicle carrying the three soldiers was moving through the Warpora area on the road towards Zachaldara.
Terrorists had planted an improvised explosive device along the route.
The explosive device was detonated as the vehicle passed through the area, followed by an attack on the Army party.
It was during this attack that Brigadier Shergill, Colonel Chauhan and Signalman Naik Jose made the supreme sacrifice.
For the Indian Army, the loss was particularly significant. Brigadier Shergill was a sector commander who had only recently taken charge, while Colonel Chauhan was leading one of the Rashtriya Rifles units responsible for counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Colonel Chauhan's connection with 21 Rashtriya Rifles would remain part of the unit's history. Years later, when another commanding officer of the battalion, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, made the supreme sacrifice during the Handwara operation in 2020, reports recalled Colonel Chauhan as another commanding officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles who had given his life while serving in Kupwara.
For Signalman Naik Jose, there are fewer publicly available details about his personal life, but his role was an important one. Communications personnel are an essential part of military operations, keeping commanders and troops connected while they operate in difficult and often dangerous surroundings.
He was accompanying his commanding officers that day and shared their final journey.
Brigadier B. S. Shergill
Brigadier Shergill's service placed him in a position of responsibility over a large operational area. His decision to personally visit the Rajwar belt reflected the nature of command in the field, where understanding the terrain and the conditions faced by soldiers is an important part of leadership.
His family continued to remember his service long after that August day. His daughter, Parneet Shergill, later joined the Indian Administrative Service and publicly remembered her father on the anniversary of his supreme sacrifice.
For a family, however, a military operation is never simply a line in a history book. Behind the uniform is a father, husband and family member whose absence continues to be felt.
Colonel R. S. Chauhan
Colonel Chauhan was serving as the Commanding Officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles.
His soldiers were deployed in one of the challenging areas of north Kashmir, where counter-terrorism operations formed an important part of their daily responsibilities.
As commanding officer, he carried responsibility not only for operations but also for the men serving under him. His final journey through Rajwar became part of the long history of 21 Rashtriya Rifles and the sacrifices made by its soldiers in Jammu & Kashmir.
Signalman Naik Jose (Photo Unavailable)
Signalman Naik Jose served in a role that often remains away from public attention.
Communications are vital during military operations. Orders, information and coordination between different elements depend on soldiers who maintain those links, often while operating alongside commanders in difficult terrain.
On 21 August 2000, Naik Jose was with Brigadier Shergill and Colonel Chauhan when the terrorists targeted their vehicle.
He too made the supreme sacrifice.
Remembering Three Soldiers
More than two decades have passed since that day in Kupwara.
The operational circumstances have changed, generations of soldiers have moved through the ranks, and the men who served alongside Brigadier Shergill, Colonel Chauhan and Naik Jose have continued with their lives.
But remembrance does not have an expiry date.
Their story belongs to the history of the soldiers who served in Jammu & Kashmir during one of the most challenging periods of counter-terrorism operations.
On 21 August, we remember:
Brigadier B. S. Shergill
Commander, 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles
Colonel R. S. Chauhan
Commanding Officer, 21 Rashtriya Rifles
Sena Medal
Signalman Naik Jose
Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir | 21 August 2000
Three soldiers who went out on duty and gave their lives in service of the nation.
Their service is remembered.
Their courage is honoured.
Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget.
