Remembering Naik Manoj Singh: The Shaurya Chakra Hero of Kupwara
KUPWARA, March 22, 2026 — Today marks the anniversary of one of the most extraordinary displays of raw courage in the history of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
On this day in 2009, Naik Manoj Singh of the Indian Army etched his name into the annals of bravery during a fierce encounter in the rugged terrain of Kupwara, demonstrating a level of gallantry that remains a beacon for the armed forces.
During a localized search and destroy mission, Naik Manoj Singh observed suspicious movement in a densely forested area. Before he could fully alert his team, he was pinned down by a heavy volley of fire from a group of well-entrenched terrorists. The initial burst of gunfire damaged his primary weapon and inflicted multiple gunshot wounds upon him.
Despite the excruciating pain and a malfunctioning rifle, Singh refused to retreat or seek cover.In a desperate and heroic bid to protect his squad, Naik Singh charged the enemy position. He neutralized the first terrorist by lobbing grenades into their hideout.
When his ammunition ran low and he found himself face-to-face with a second insurgent, Singh engaged in a brutal bout of hand-to-hand combat. Using his service pistol and sheer physical grit, he eliminated the second threat before finally succumbing to his injuries.
For his “conspicuous gallantry, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice,” Naik Manoj Singh was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. His actions that day didn’t just eliminate a direct threat; they embodied the “Service Before Self” ethos of the Indian soldier.
Years later, his legacy continues to inspire the units serving in the valley, reminding them of the heavy price paid for the nation’s peace.