On 24 August 2014, Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh of 57 Rashtriya Rifles, belonging to the Rajputana Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-terrorism operation in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir.
During the operation, he came under heavy fire, but instead of protecting himself, he crawled forward to rescue an injured fellow soldier. He then confronted the terrorists at close range and continued fighting despite suffering grievous injuries. Before he was finally evacuated, Naik Neeraj Singh had personally eliminated two terrorists.
A Soldier of the Rajputana Rifles
Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh was serving with 57 Rashtriya Rifles, having been originally enrolled in the Rajputana Rifles. His service number was 16012114A. The Government of India later recognised his exceptional courage by awarding him the Ashoka Chakra, posthumously, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.
His service in 57 Rashtriya Rifles placed him in one of the most demanding operational environments in the country, where soldiers carried out counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Operation in Kupwara
On the morning of 24 August 2014, based on specific intelligence, a search and destroy operation was launched in the Gurdaji area of Kupwara district.
At around 10:25 am, the Army team noticed the movement of several terrorists near a dhok. The terrorists immediately opened indiscriminate fire on the troops.
During the exchange of fire, one of Naik Neeraj's fellow soldiers was hit by a bullet, which struck his bulletproof jacket.
The situation was extremely dangerous.
Instead of remaining in cover, Naik Neeraj moved towards his injured comrade. He crawled forward under heavy fire and pulled his buddy to safety.
It was an act of courage that placed another soldier's life before his own.
He Went Back Into the Fire
The danger did not end after rescuing his fellow soldier.
One of the terrorists threw grenades and directed heavy fire towards Naik Neeraj. Despite the threat, he moved closer to the terrorist and shot him.
Almost simultaneously, another terrorist attacked him. Naik Neeraj was shot in the chest, causing him to drop his rifle.
Even after sustaining these grievous injuries, he did not stop.
He closed in on the second terrorist, snatched his weapon and killed him in hand-to-hand combat.
The official citation records that Naik Neeraj personally eliminated two foreign terrorists during the operation.
He Refused Evacuation
Despite being seriously wounded, Naik Neeraj refused to be evacuated.
He continued fighting until he eventually became unconscious.
Only then was he evacuated by helicopter to 92 Base Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
He had saved a fellow soldier, confronted two terrorists at close quarters and continued fighting after suffering grievous injuries.
He made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Ashoka Chakra, Posthumously
For his extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice, Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, posthumously.
The official citation describes his actions as displaying raw courage and conspicuous gallantry, particularly highlighting his decision to rescue his wounded buddy and his determination to confront the terrorists despite his own injuries.
The award was approved for Republic Day 2015, and Naik Neeraj was listed among the recipients of the Ashoka Chakra.
His wife received the award on his behalf during the Republic Day ceremony. Contemporary reports also recorded that he was survived by his wife and two young sons.
Remembering Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh
The story of Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh is remembered not simply because he fought terrorists, but because of the choices he made under fire.
When a fellow soldier was injured, he crawled forward to bring him to safety.
When he was attacked, he moved towards the threat instead of retreating.
When he lost his rifle and was shot in the chest, he continued the fight.
And even after suffering grievous injuries, he refused evacuation until he became unconscious.
On 24 August 2014, a young soldier gave everything in the line of duty.
Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh
Ashoka Chakra, Posthumous
Rajputana Rifles | 57 Rashtriya Rifles
Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir
24 August 2014
His courage saved a fellow soldier.
His determination stopped two terrorists.
And his sacrifice became part of the proud history of the Indian Army.
His service is remembered.
His courage is honoured.
His supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
**Lest We Forget.**
