On 28 August 1993, Subedar Manohar Lal of 16 Rajput made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Jammu & Kashmir during the difficult years of counter-insurgency operations.
His name is recorded among the soldiers of the Rajput Regiment who gave their lives while serving in the Valley. His military record identifies him as Service No. JC169160, Subedar, 16 Rajput, and records his operational service under Counter-Insurgency and Internal Security Operations. He was also a recipient of the Sena Medal.
A Soldier of 16 Rajput
Subedar Manohar Lal served with 16 Rajput, one of the battalions of the Rajput Regiment.
His service came during a particularly challenging period in Jammu & Kashmir, when Army units were deployed extensively for counter-insurgency and internal-security duties. These operations placed soldiers in difficult and unpredictable circumstances, requiring them to remain prepared for threats while operating in demanding terrain.
For soldiers like Subedar Manohar Lal, duty in Jammu & Kashmir meant accepting risks that came with serving in an active operational environment.
His official memorial record lists his operational category as CI & IS Ops, confirming his association with counter-insurgency and internal-security operations.
A Soldier Recognised With the Sena Medal
Subedar Manohar Lal's service was recognised with the Sena Medal.
The Sena Medal is awarded to members of the Indian Army for acts of individual gallantry or distinguished service. In Subedar Manohar Lal's memorial record, the award is listed as SM, forming an important part of his military legacy.
His gallantry award serves as a reminder that his service went beyond simply wearing the uniform. He was recognised for his contribution and courage during his military career.
28 August 1993
On 28 August 1993, Subedar Manohar Lal made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Jammu & Kashmir.
The public record available today does not provide a detailed account of the specific engagement in which he lost his life. For that reason, it would be inappropriate to add unverified details about the exact circumstances of his final action.
What is firmly recorded is that he was serving with 16 Rajput, was engaged in counter-insurgency and internal-security operations, and made the supreme sacrifice in 1993.
The date 28 August 1993 is associated with his remembrance and is the date we mark today.
A Story That Deserves to Be Preserved
One of the challenges in remembering soldiers from earlier decades is that detailed personal accounts are not always readily available.
Honourpoint's memorial record for Subedar Manohar Lal itself notes that additional information about his life and service is still being gathered. It specifically appeals to family members, former unit colleagues, comrades and friends who may possess photographs, documents, memories or other information that could help build a more complete account of his life.
This is an important reminder that a soldier's story is often much larger than the few lines that survive in public records.
Behind the rank of Subedar was a man who had spent years in uniform. Behind the service number was a family. Behind the gallantry award was a story of courage that deserves to be known.
Remembering Subedar Manohar Lal
More than three decades after his supreme sacrifice, Subedar Manohar Lal remains part of the history of 16 Rajput and the Indian Army's service in Jammu & Kashmir.
His record may not contain the extensive biographical details available for some other soldiers, but the essential facts remain significant:
Subedar Manohar Lal
Service No.: JC169160
Unit: 16 Rajput
Regiment: The Rajput Regiment
Award: Sena Medal
Operational Service: Counter-Insurgency & Internal Security Operations
Supreme Sacrifice: 28 August 1993
Jammu & Kashmir 🇮🇳
Today, we remember him not simply as a name in a record, but as a soldier who served during a difficult chapter of India's security history.
His service is remembered.
His courage is honoured.
His supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇮🇳
**Lest We Forget.**
