Inderjeet Singh Babbar, KC

Biography

Major Inderjeet Singh Babbar was born on 5 September 1969 into a family with a strong military tradition, the son of Colonel G. S. Babbar. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 14 Field Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery. By 2003 his unit was deployed in the Darrang district of Assam, engaged in counter-insurgency operations against the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). On 17 June 2003 Major Babbar led a search-and-cordon operation near Niogpara village. When the militants opened fire, he charged into close-quarter combat and, despite sustaining severe abdominal wounds, neutralised three ULFA militants. Bleeding heavily, he continued to direct his troops and deliberately drew enemy fire away from his men before he succumbed to his injuries. For his exceptional courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice, Major Inderjeet Singh Babbar was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.