Meet Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh: 11 Para Special Forces Officer Who Rescued Hostages in Arunachal

In the rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district, where dense forests and remote border areas pose constant security challenges, a young officer from Manipur demonstrated extraordinary courage and tactical acumen. On 25 April 2025, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh of the elite 11th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) — 11 PARA (SF) — led a high-risk hostage rescue operation that resulted in the neutralization of two hardcore insurgents and the successful extrication of innocent civilians held captive by NSCN (KYA) cadres.

For this act of undaunted bravery, President Smt Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, upon him during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 8 June 2026.

A Proud Son of Manipur

Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh hails from Manipur, a state that has consistently contributed brave and dedicated personnel to the Indian Armed Forces. While detailed public information regarding his early life, education, or family background remains limited — as is often the case with serving Special Forces officers — he is widely recognised as a “proud son of the soil.” His achievement has been celebrated across Manipur, with political leaders and citizens alike expressing immense pride in his selfless service to the nation.

Like many officers in the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), he would have undergone one of the most rigorous selection processes in the Indian Army before earning the coveted maroon beret and the right to serve in this elite formation.

The Elite 11 PARA (SF)

The 11th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) is among the Indian Army’s premier Special Forces units. Tasked with conducting high-risk operations in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance roles, these soldiers operate in some of the most demanding environments in the country — from the Northeast to Jammu & Kashmir and beyond.

Major Deepak Singh’s leadership during Operation Pangchau-II exemplified the core ethos of Special Forces: courage under fire, protection of innocent lives, precise application of force, and complete disregard for personal safety.

The Daring Hostage Rescue – 25 April 2025

On the night of 25 April 2025, two construction workers were abducted from the general area of Pangchao (Pongchau) in Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh, by a group of approximately 8–10 cadres belonging to the NSCN (KYA) faction. The kidnapping posed an immediate and grave threat to civilian lives in a sensitive border region.

Acting swiftly on critical intelligence, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh took charge of the situation and spearheaded a complex rescue operation. The presence of innocent civilians among the terrorists significantly heightened the risk of collateral damage, making any direct assault extremely delicate.

Displaying exceptional moral courage and tactical judgment, Major Deepak Singh made the bold decision to close in with the target despite clearly identifying the terrorists at an early stage. Under heavy hostile fire, he advanced toward the objective with determination. In the ensuing close-quarter engagement:

• He neutralised one terrorist at extremely close range.
• He used his own body as a shield to protect a kidnapped civilian while safely extricating the hostages.
• He inflicted grievous injuries on another terrorist who attempted to flee the scene.

His skilled leadership and decisive actions enabled the successful rescue of the innocent civilian(s) and the neutralization of two hardcore NSCN (KYA) cadres. A large quantity of weapons and war material was also recovered during the operation. Joint efforts by Indian Army and Assam Rifles elements further contributed to the overall success, with reports indicating three insurgents neutralized in the broader engagement.

Official Citation

The official citation for the Shaurya Chakra, as approved by the President, reads:

“उत्तर पूर्व में सेवाएँ देते समय आतंकियों द्वारा निर्दोष नागरिकों के अपहरण की सूचना मिलने पर आपने अपनी जान की चिंता ना करते हुए स्वयं बंधकों को मुक्त कराने का साहसिक निर्णय लिया। लक्ष्य की ओर बढ़ते हुए आतंकियों द्वारा की गयी भारी गोलीबारी के बीच आपने अत्यंत नजदीक से एक आतंकी को मार गिराया तथा स्वयं को ढाल बनाते हुए बंधक नागरिकों को सुरक्षित बाहर निकाला। इसी बीच भागने का प्रयास कर रहे एक और आतंकी को भी आपने घायल कर दिया। आपके कुशल मार्गदर्शन के फलस्वरूप निर्दोष को सकुशल मुक्त कराया गया तथा भारी मात्रा में हथियार एवं युद्ध सामग्री भी बरामद की गई। अदम्य साहस तथा उत्कृष्ट रणकौशल के लिए आपको शौर्य चक्र से सम्मानित किया जाता है। मेजर दीपक सिंह”

English Translation: While serving in the Northeast, upon receiving information regarding the abduction of innocent civilians by terrorists, you fearlessly decided to rescue the hostages yourself without any concern for your own life. Advancing towards the target amidst heavy firing by the terrorists, you gunned down one terrorist at extremely close range and, making yourself a shield, safely extricated the hostage civilians. In the process, you also wounded another terrorist attempting to escape. Under your skilled leadership, the innocent [civilians] were successfully freed and a large quantity of weapons and war material was also recovered. For this undaunted courage and outstanding tactical acumen, you are awarded the Shaurya Chakra.

National Recognition at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On 8 June 2026, President Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the Shaurya Chakra to Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I). He was among 29 recipients of the Shaurya Chakra honoured in this phase (one posthumous).

His award was part of a larger recognition of gallantry that also included three personnel from Manipur: Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh and Rifleman Manglem Sang Vaiphei (both Shaurya Chakra), and the late Constable Deepak Chingakham of the BSF (Vir Chakra, posthumous).

Manipur Chief Minister and other state leaders extended heartfelt congratulations, noting that his valour brings immense pride to the state and serves as an inspiration to the youth of the region.

Significance and Inspiration

Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh’s actions underscore the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting innocent civilians while neutralizing threats in sensitive areas of the Northeast. His decision to advance under fire, shield a hostage with his body, and engage terrorists at close quarters reflects the highest traditions of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) — “Shatrujeet” (Conqueror of Enemies) — and the broader ethos of “Service Before Self.”

For defence aspirants preparing for the SSB interview, NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, his story offers a powerful real-life example of Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) in action: initiative, courage, leadership, quick decision-making under stress, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the lives of others.

His achievement also highlights Manipur’s enduring contribution to national security and the success of joint operations between the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

A True Embodiment of Valour

Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh stands as a shining example of the quiet professionalism and extraordinary bravery that define India’s Special Forces. In rescuing hostages and neutralizing hardened insurgents at great personal risk, he upheld the finest traditions of the Indian Army and brought honour not only to his unit and the Parachute Regiment but also to his home state of Manipur and the entire nation.

As India continues to face complex security challenges, officers like Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh remind us that the safety and sovereignty of the nation rest on the shoulders of those willing to place service before self — and, when required, to lay down their lives for the protection of innocent citizens.