India Lost Subedar Prabhat Gaud 10 Para SF In Kashmir

In a tragic loss for the nation, Subedar Prabhat Gaud, a valiant Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) from the elite 10 PARA Special Forces (SF), attained martyrdom during a high-intensity counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Alongside him, Lance Naik Narender Sindhu also made the supreme sacrifice, as security forces neutralized two terrorists in the encounter. The operation, codenamed Operation Guddar, unfolded in the early hours of September 8, 2025, in Gudder village, South Kashmir. Based on specific intelligence about the presence of heavily armed terrorists, the Indian Army's 10 PARA SF launched a precision assault.

Subedar Gaud, leading the assault team, engaged in close-quarter combat, sustaining fatal injuries while eliminating two militants and protecting his comrades and nearby civilians. Despite rapid evacuation to a military hospital, he succumbed to his wounds en route. Subedar Prabhat Gaud was hailed by Army officials as a "complete soldier," proficient in demolitions, trauma management, and sniping skills that exemplified his dedication to the force.

Serving with the 10 PARA SF, known as the "Bravest of the Brave" and specializing in deep penetration missions and counter-terror operations in hostile terrains, Gaud embodied the unit's motto, "Balidaan" (Sacrifice). The battalion, often deployed in desert and mountainous warfare, has a storied history of valor in India's special operations. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid heartfelt tributes to both fallen soldiers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to national security.

Social media platforms have been inundated with condolences, with netizens dubbing Gaud "Sher-e-Kashmir" (Lion of Kashmir) and "Veer Balidaani" (Brave Martyr). Veterans, civilians, and youth alike have expressed grief and admiration for his heroism.

This incident marks another somber chapter in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces continue to face challenges in rugged terrains like Kulgam's apple orchards. Discussions among defence enthusiasts have highlighted the need for enhanced technological support, such as increased deployment of FPV drones for reconnaissance and strikes to minimize risks to personnel. 

The Indian Army has already inducted initial batches of such drones, with plans for expansion. Subedar Prabhat Gaud's sacrifice joins the legacy of countless warriors who have laid down their lives for the nation's sovereignty. As India mourns, his story serves as a reminder of the unyielding spirit of its armed forces. Om Shanti.