Second Lieutenant Jitendra Kumar Sharma of 13 Garhwal Rifles made the supreme sacrifice on 31 October 1997 during a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
After completing his graduation, Sharma joined the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai, where he underwent military training as a Short Service Commission officer. He was subsequently commissioned into the 13th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.
In 1997, his unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Rakshak. The battalion operated in areas affected by terrorist activity and regularly undertook patrols and counter-insurgency operations.
On 31 October 1997, Second Lieutenant Sharma was assigned to an operation alongside Major Sanjeet Choudhary. The patrol was moving through difficult terrain when a powerful IED exploded along its route.
The explosion caused serious injuries to Second Lieutenant Sharma, Major Choudhary and several other soldiers. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to Base Hospital in Srinagar for medical treatment.
Despite medical efforts, Second Lieutenant Jitendra Kumar Sharma succumbed to his injuries. Major Choudhary also succumbed to his injuries in the same incident.
His sacrifice came during his service with 13 Garhwal Rifles in Operation Rakshak.
Second Lieutenant Jitendra Kumar Sharma is remembered for his commitment to military service and the sacrifice he made while serving in Jammu and Kashmir.
