Nemi Chand, VrC

Biography

Rifleman Nemi Chand was born on 19 July 1969 in Jodhras village of Degana tehsil, Nagaur district, Rajasthan. On 31 January 1987 he was enrolled at Nagaur into the Rajputana Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army, and after training was posted as a Rifleman to the 11 Rajputana Rifles Battalion. In September 1988 his battalion deployed to Sri Lanka to take part in Operation Pawan with the Indian Peace Keeping Force, relieving 11 Garhwal Rifles in the Mullaitivu area. On 26 August 1989, a platoon from the Headquarters Company was tasked with escorting a convoy from Mullaitivu to Nedunkeni. On the return journey, near Oddusuddan, LTTE militants sprang an ambush with automatic weapons and rocket launchers, blocking the rear security vehicle in which Nemi Chand was travelling. Leaping from the vehicle, he counter-attacked with great courage. Though struck by several bullets in his thighs, he crawled forward under blazing rocket fire and, by his accurate firing, gravely wounded three militants, forcing the rest to flee. His swift response saved the lives of many Indian and Sri Lankan soldiers. Evacuated but succumbing to his grievous wounds, he was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously.