Rajeev Kumar Laul, SC

Biography

Major Rajeev Kumar Laul was born on 22 July 1967 in Delhi. After completing his education, he was selected for a commission in the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 6th Battalion of the Brigade of Guards, an infantry regiment with a proud history of valour and battle honours. During 1996 he was serving with the 13 Guards Battalion, deployed in Srinagar district of Jammu & Kashmir, and was regularly engaged in counter-terrorism operations. Having taken part in numerous counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration missions, he had proven his mettle on several occasions. On 4 January 1996, while the battalion was observing its Raising Day, specific intelligence at about 1230 hours indicated the presence of foreign terrorists within the unit's area of responsibility. Major Laul immediately organised his company and moved to the suspected area in Zainakut village. As the search progressed, the troops came under effective fire from a group of terrorists hiding behind cover. Manoeuvring in close, he personally engaged them in a fierce gun battle. A second group of terrorists then opened fire from the attic of a house, and he was grievously wounded. Despite his injuries, he fought on with exemplary courage and killed both terrorists before succumbing to his wounds at the age of 29. For his extraordinary courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice, Major Rajeev Kumar Laul was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.