Indian Army Tributes: Remembering Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna, Kirti Chakra, on His Death Anniversary
Wani Majid
BARAMULLA, DECEMBER 23: Today marks the 19th anniversary of the supreme sacrifice made by Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna, the gallant Commanding Officer of 29 Rashtriya Rifles, who laid down his life while leading a high-stakes anti-terror operation in Behrampur, Baramulla.
On December 23, 2006, Colonel Sarna demonstrated unparalleled bravery when he personally led his troops into a fierce gunfight against holed-up terrorists. Despite sustaining six gunshot wounds to the stomach, he displayed superhuman resilience by holding his injuries with one hand while continuing to engage the enemy with the other.
He successfully neutralized two terrorists and pursued three others across rooftops, inflicting injuries upon them to prevent their escape. Even as his condition deteriorated, the Colonel refused to retreat, continuing to issue tactical instructions and lead the search of nearby houses until he eventually collapsed.
For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable spirit, and exceptional leadership in the face of certain death, Colonel Gurbir Singh Sarna was posthumously honored with the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.