Lieutenant Rishi Kumar of 17 Sikh Light Infantry made the supreme sacrifice on 30 October 2021 during an area-domination patrol in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. A mine blast struck the patrol near the Line of Control, critically injuring him and other soldiers. Despite being evacuated for medical treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.
A Young Officer's Journey
Rishi Kumar hailed from Begusarai district in Bihar. He was the son of Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Sarita Devi and grew up with two sisters, one of whom also joined the armed forces as an Army officer.
Kumar had aspired to join the Army from an early age. After completing his engineering education, he pursued that ambition and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in December 2020. His first assignment was with 17 Sikh Light Infantry.
His early service brought him to Jammu and Kashmir, where troops maintained vigilance along the Line of Control and carried out patrols to detect and prevent infiltration.
The Naushera Patrol
On 30 October 2021, Kumar was leading an area-domination patrol in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district. Such patrols form part of operational activity along sensitive stretches of the Line of Control, where soldiers monitor approaches and maintain security.
During the patrol, a mine blast occurred. Three Army personnel were injured, and Kumar and another soldier were critically wounded. They were evacuated to Command Hospital in Udhampur for treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Lieutenant Rishi Kumar and Sepoy Manjit Singh succumbed to their injuries. Their sacrifice was mourned by their families and fellow soldiers.
Remembering a Young Officer
Kumar's military career had only recently begun. He had joined the Army with the intention of serving the country and was undertaking his responsibilities in a demanding operational area when he made the supreme sacrifice.
His death was a profound loss for his parents, sisters, fellow officers and soldiers. His story reflects the dangers faced by personnel carrying out patrols along the Line of Control, where threats can emerge during routine duties.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Lieutenant Rishi Kumar of 17 Sikh Light Infantry. His service and sacrifice are remembered as part of the record of young officers who laid down their lives while serving the nation.
