Surendra Singh Ahlawat

Biography

Naik Surendra Singh Ahlawat served with 2 Rajputana Rifles. During Operation Vijay in the summer of 1999, the 56 Mountain Brigade was tasked with recapturing the dominating heights of Tololing in the Drass sector, which Pakistani intruders had occupied to threaten the vital Srinagar-Leh highway. The plan called for 2 Rajputana Rifles to assault Tololing Top while 18 Grenadiers provided a firm base. When the battalion launched its assault on Tololing Top at 2030 hours on 12 June 1999, the leading 'Charlie' Company was commanded by Major Vivek Gupta. Naik Surendra Singh Ahlawat was part of this company. Despite heavy artillery and automatic fire, the men closed in on the enemy across open ground at nearly 15,000 feet. As the company emerged into the open it came under heavy fire from all sides and the leading section took three casualties. Knowing that remaining exposed would cost more lives, the men charged the hostile positions under Major Gupta's lead. In this intense fighting Naik Surendra Singh was grievously wounded and later succumbed, laying down his life for the nation. He is remembered with deep respect for his courage and devotion to duty.