22 October 2019 | Remembering Naib Subedar Sunil Ravsaheb Valte
Naib Subedar Sunil Ravsaheb Valte of the 24th Battalion, The Maratha Light Infantry, made the supreme sacrifice on 22 October 2019 while serving in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. He was critically injured during an exchange of fire near the Line of Control and later succumbed to his injuries.
Valte hailed from Dahigaon village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. He joined the Indian Army in 1998 and devoted approximately 21 years to military service. During his career, he served with The Maratha Light Infantry and rose to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer.
The incident in the Nowshera sector
In the early hours of 22 October 2019, suspicious movement was observed near the Line of Control in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector. Reports from the time described firing from Pakistani positions and a subsequent exchange of fire involving Indian Army personnel.
Naib Subedar Valte sustained critical injuries during the incident. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. His martyrdom was reported by news organisations covering the incident in Jammu and Kashmir and his native region in Maharashtra.
The Nowshera sector is part of a sensitive stretch along the Line of Control, where soldiers maintain forward positions and remain alert to potential infiltration and hostile activity. Valte was serving with 24 Maratha Light Infantry when he made the supreme sacrifice.
Years of service to the nation
Naib Subedar Sunil Ravsaheb Valte's military career spanned more than two decades. Reports from his native region described him as the first soldier from his village to rise to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer. His progression through the ranks reflected years of commitment to the Indian Army.
His death brought profound grief to his family, fellow soldiers and community. He left behind his wife, Mangala, a son, a daughter and his parents. Following his martyrdom, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu by Army officials before his mortal remains were transported to Maharashtra for his last rites.
His story honours the soldiers who serve along the Line of Control, carrying out their duties in difficult and unpredictable conditions. Valte's years of service and his supreme sacrifice remain part of the record of the Indian Army personnel who have given their lives in the service of the nation.
The Honour Post pays tribute to Naib Subedar Sunil Ravsaheb Valte of 24 Maratha Light Infantry, who made the supreme sacrifice on 22 October 2019 in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri. His service, dedication and sacrifice will be remembered with pride and enduring respect.
