Rajat Kumar Basan

Biography

Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan hailed from Pallanwala village in the Akhnoor Tehsil of Jammu district, Jammu & Kashmir. He was recruited into the 8th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a regiment widely respected for its gallant soldiers and numerous battle exploits. Serving with a unit known for its courage, he grew into a valiant and dedicated soldier committed to the service of the nation. During 2018, Rifleman Basan's unit was deployed in the Sunderbani sector of Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control. The LOC in this region is highly active and volatile, where ceasefire violations occur frequently and without warning, and where infiltration is often attempted under the cover of artillery fire or with the help of the Pakistan Army's Border Action Team (BAT). On 21 October 2018, a Border Action Team, along with some militants, launched an unprovoked attack on an 'Area Domination Patrol' of 8 JAK LI. Rifleman Basan was part of this patrol when it came under assault. The Indian Army retaliated with determination and a fierce gun-battle ensued. Two of the intruders were eliminated during the operation and warlike stores were recovered. However, in the exchange of fire, Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan, along with Havildar Kaushal Kumar and Lance Naik Ranjeet Singh, was seriously injured. All three brave soldiers were rushed to hospital, but later succumbed to their wounds. At the young age of 22, Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan laid down his life in the service of the nation.