Neeraj Kumar Singh

Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh (Posthumous), Ashok Chakra: Based on specific intelligence, Brigade Ghataks launched a Search and Destroy Operation at General area Gurdaji of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on 24 August 2014. At 1025 hours, party noticed movement of few terrorists close to a Dhok, who opened indiscriminate fire on own troops. In the ensuring fire fight, buddy of Naik Neeraj was hit on bullet proof jacket. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Naik Neeraj crawled and extricated his buddy. A terrorist threw grenades and brought heavy fire on Naik Neeraj. In a daring act, he inched closer to the terrorist and shot him dead. Simultaneously, the NCO was attacked by another terrorist resulting in dropping of his Rifle and the terrorist shot him in the chest. Despite grievous injuries, displaying unparalleled courage, he pounced on the terrorist, snatched his weapon and killed him in hand to hand combat. He refused to be evacuated till he became unconscious and was evacuated by helicopter to 92 Base Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

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Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh displayed raw courage and most conspicuous gallantry in personally eliminating two foreign terrorists and sacrificing his own life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He was awarded India's Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award- Ashoka Chakra, shared with Major Mukund Varadrajan on 26th January, 2015, Republic Day.