Rifleman Ravi Kumar of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 63 Rashtriya Rifles, made the supreme sacrifice on 12 September 2023 during a counter-terror operation in the Narla area of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. Serving with a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terrorism operations, he displayed exceptional courage while leading his comrades against terrorists in difficult terrain.
During the operation, Rifleman Ravi Kumar volunteered to serve as the lead scout of the Commanding Officer's Quick Reaction Team as the troops moved in pursuit of terrorists. The operation required the soldiers to advance carefully through challenging ground while maintaining the cordon around the suspected terrorist position.
The Narla Operation and His Supreme Sacrifice
While leading the team, Ravi Kumar encountered terrorists at close range. When they opened fire, he immediately engaged them and helped protect his fellow soldier. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound, he continued to fight and remained focused on the mission.
His actions helped the assault team maintain pressure on the terrorists and prevent their escape. Despite his injuries, he continued to engage the terrorists until he was eventually evacuated for medical treatment. Rifleman Ravi Kumar succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated.
His courage during the encounter contributed to the neutralisation of two terrorists. His conduct under fire, devotion to his comrades and determination to continue the mission despite being wounded reflected the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice during the operation, Rifleman Ravi Kumar was awarded the Kirti Chakra, Posthumous, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Rifleman Ravi Kumar's service was marked by courage and devotion to duty. On 12 September 2023, when confronted by terrorists in the Narla area, he continued to fight despite his wounds and placed the mission and the safety of his comrades before his own life.
His sacrifice remains part of the proud record of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and the Rashtriya Rifles, and his name stands among the soldiers who gave everything in the service of the nation.
We honour his martyrdom.
We preserve his story. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget. 🇮🇳
