| Name | Constable Rupen Chandra Nath |
| Force | Central Reserve Police Force |
| Rank | Constable |
| Unit | 18 Battalion CRPF |
| Company | F Company |
| Date of Birth | 01 July 1972 |
| Place of Origin | Assam |
| Date of Sacrifice | 10 September 1995 |
| Place of Sacrifice | Chakpora, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Nature of Operation | Counter-terrorist operation |
Constable Rupen Chandra Nath of 18 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force, was one of the brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving in Jammu & Kashmir. Born on 01 July 1972 and hailing from Assam, he had chosen a life of service with the CRPF and was deployed in an area where security personnel faced the constant threat of terrorism.
In 1995, 18 Battalion CRPF was deployed in Srinagar city for conducting counter-terrorist operations. F Company of the battalion was also undertaking joint operations with the Jammu & Kashmir Police Special Task Force. These operations required personnel to move through difficult and sensitive areas in search of terrorists and their hideouts.
Constable Rupen Chandra Nath was serving as part of F Company when the unit was involved in one such joint operation. The operation on 10 September 1995 would become the final battle of his life, but also a lasting example of his courage and determination under fire.
The Final Operation at Chakpora
On 10 September 1995, during a joint operation, security forces were conducting a search for a suspected hideout of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists at Chakpora in Jammu & Kashmir. A platoon of F Company, 18 Battalion CRPF, came under sudden and heavy fire from the terrorists.
The CRPF personnel immediately retaliated and began advancing towards the terrorists. The exchange of fire was intense, but the troops continued to press forward rather than allowing the attackers to gain the advantage.
During the encounter, Constable Rupen Chandra Nath sustained serious bullet injuries. Despite being wounded, he did not give up his weapon or withdraw from the fight. He continued firing at the terrorists and remained committed to the operation even after being grievously injured.
His wounds proved fatal. Constable Rupen Chandra Nath was being taken to hospital when he succumbed to his injuries on the way. He was only 23 years old.
The courage displayed by the CRPF personnel during the encounter resulted in the killing of three terrorists. The operation demonstrated the determination of the troops who continued to advance and fight despite coming under sudden and heavy fire.
For Constable Rupen Chandra Nath, 10 September 1995 became the day on which his life of service came to an end. He had stood in the line of duty in Jammu & Kashmir, faced armed terrorists at close quarters and continued fighting even after suffering fatal injuries.
Coming from Assam and serving far from his home, he represented the thousands of CRPF personnel who have served in some of the most challenging areas of the country. His sacrifice remains part of the proud history of 18 Battalion CRPF and a reminder of the courage displayed by its personnel in the fight against terrorism.
Constable Rupen Chandra Nath made the supreme sacrifice at just 23 years of age. His service was short, but his courage in the face of grave danger ensured that his name would remain among the Bravehearts who gave everything in the service of the nation.
We remember his courage.
We honour his service.
We preserve his story. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
