Naik Anil Kumar of 16 Punjab, The Punjab Regiment, was serving in Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Rakshak in 2012. He was deployed at Abdul Hut Post on the Line of Control in Kupwara district.
On 4 September 2012, troops at the post were on alert following intelligence inputs about a possible enemy raid. At about 4:40 pm, the post came under heavy automatic fire from the Ratwaji Nar area of Kupwara.
Bringing the Machine Gun Into the Fight
During the initial volley of fire, Sepoy Sushil Kumar was wounded. Naik Anil Kumar, who was manning a Medium Machine Gun, immediately retaliated against the attackers.
As the terrorists moved closer to the post, Naik Anil Kumar displayed exceptional presence of mind. He lifted the Medium Machine Gun out of its bunker and exposed himself to enemy fire so that he could engage the advancing attackers more effectively.
He opened accurate and sustained fire, causing a casualty among the terrorists and beating back the others. During the continuing exchange of fire, Naik Anil Kumar himself sustained a burst of enemy fire.
Despite his injuries, he refused to abandon his position. He continued providing covering fire so that his comrades could react and engage the attackers. His courage and determination helped the troops successfully repulse the assault.
Although he survived the initial engagement, the injuries he had sustained proved fatal. Naik Anil Kumar later succumbed to his injuries at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, on 25 September 2012, making the supreme sacrifice.
For his great courage, initiative, exceptional bravery and devotion to duty during the defence of Abdul Hut Post, Naik Anil Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.
On 25 September 2012, The Honour Post pays tribute to Naik Anil Kumar for his courage, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
