Grenadier Habib Khan was a soldier of the Indian Army who served with 6 Grenadiers, a battalion of The Grenadiers Regiment. He hailed from Nimod village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, and served during a period when Indian soldiers deployed in Jammu & Kashmir routinely faced the threat of terrorism.
In September 2002, 6 Grenadiers was deployed in Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir as part of Operation Parakram. The battalion was undertaking counter-terrorism and counter-infiltration operations in its area of responsibility.
Operation Parakram
On 17 September 2002, information was received about the presence of terrorists in a village in the battalion's area. An operation was planned to search the area and flush out the terrorists. Grenadier Habib Khan was part of the team assigned the task.
In the early hours of 18 September 2002, the troops reached the suspected area and established a cordon. The soldiers soon observed suspicious movement and came into contact with the terrorists.
During the encounter, one of the terrorists managed to find a gap in the cordon and attempted to escape into a nearby field. Grenadier Habib Khan pursued him. In the ensuing exchange of fire, he engaged the terrorist and succeeded in eliminating him. He himself sustained serious injuries during the heavy exchange of fire.
The Final Sacrifice
Grenadier Habib Khan later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred on 18 September 2002.
He was 22 years old at the time of his martyrdom. His sacrifice came during an operation in Rajouri while 6 Grenadiers was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir. He displayed courage in pursuing the escaping terrorist despite the danger of the encounter, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Grenadier Habib Khan's story remains a part of the history of the soldiers who served during Operation Parakram. His courage, dedication and sacrifice continue to represent the commitment of those who stood in harm's way while serving the nation.
On 18 September, The Honour Post pays tribute to Grenadier Habib Khan for his courage, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
