A young Army officer who made the supreme sacrifice while attempting to evacuate an injured comrade during a counter-terrorist operation in Kupwara
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Lieutenant Sushil Khajuria of 18 Grenadiers made the supreme sacrifice while leading a counter-terrorist operation in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on 28 September 2011.
Commissioned into the Army Service Corps, Lieutenant Khajuria was deputed to 18 Grenadiers for his operational assignment in Jammu and Kashmir. He served as a Ghatak Platoon Commander and took part in counter-terrorist operations in the difficult mountainous terrain of Kupwara.
In September 2011, intelligence inputs indicated the presence of an infiltration group in the Kopra area of Kupwara. Lieutenant Khajuria led his team during the search operation and coordinated the movement of multiple teams through the rugged terrain.
During the operation, he came face to face with terrorists and engaged them under heavy fire. He displayed exceptional courage while continuing to lead his men during the encounter.
When Havaldar Ravi Kumar, a leading scout, was seriously wounded and exposed to enemy fire, Lieutenant Khajuria moved forward to evacuate him.
While attempting to bring his injured comrade to safety, Lieutenant Khajuria was grievously wounded. He later succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice.
For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Sushil Khajuria was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.
