Javed Ali Saifi

Biography

Captain Javed Ali Saifi was born on 1 August 1968 in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, and grew up in Zakir Nagar, Delhi. He earned a BSc in Civil Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and, after clearing the Combined Defence Services Examination, was selected to join the Army. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the 201 Engineer Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, a vital combat support arm of the Indian Army. After serving with his parent unit, he was deputed to the 35 Rashtriya Rifles battalion engaged in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. By 2000, having completed nearly five years of service, he had grown into a capable officer with commendable field skills, a cheerful nature, and the respect of his comrades and juniors. In August 2000, his unit was deployed in Srinagar and regularly involved in operations against militants. When militant presence was reported in the district, an operation was launched and Captain Saifi was entrusted with leading it. On 22 August 2000, while proceeding towards Srinagar, he came under militant fire and was critically wounded. He succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the line of duty at the age of 32.