Meet Major Shivkant Yadav: 5 PARA SF Officer Who Eliminated a Category ‘A’ Terrorist in Shopian and Earned the Shaurya Chakra

Major Shivkant Yadav of the 5th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) has been honoured with the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional courage, tactical acumen, and resolute leadership during a high-risk counter-terrorism operation in the dense forests of Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir.

His actions on the night of 12–13 May 2025 exemplify the professionalism and bravery that define the Indian Army’s elite Special Forces units operating in challenging terrain against determined adversaries.

The Officer and His Elite Unit

Major Shivkant Yadav serves in 5 PARA (SF), one of the Indian Army’s premier Special Forces battalions within the Parachute Regiment. These units are trained for high-intensity special operations, including counter-terrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance, and operations in hostile environments. The Para (Special Forces) battalions operate under the guiding principle of achieving “minimum men, maximum impact,” often conducting precise, high-stakes missions in Jammu and Kashmir and other sensitive areas.

Public details regarding Major Yadav’s personal background, commissioning year, or prior service remain limited, consistent with operational security protocols for serving Special Forces officers. His recognition stems from this specific act of conspicuous gallantry, which stands as a testament to the rigorous selection, training, and operational ethos of the Para SF.

The Heroic Operation: Night of 12–13 May 2025

In the inhospitable jungle terrain of Shopian (Shupiyan) district in South Kashmir — characterised by treacherous slopes, dense undergrowth, and limited visibility — Major Shivkant Yadav led his squad in a meticulously planned night operation targeting terrorists.

According to official accounts and the gallantry citation:

• Major Yadav synchronised his squad’s movements in accordance with the overall mission plan and launched the operation under cover of darkness.
• Upon positive identification of the terrorists, and undeterred by heavy enemy fire and the extremely difficult terrain, he took decisive control of the situation.
• Displaying nerves of steel and unparalleled courage, he fearlessly pursued the terrorists into the dense undergrowth.
• In close combat, he neutralised one Category ‘A’ terrorist, preventing a potential breakout.
• His leadership and tactical handling enabled the trapping and successive neutralisation of the remaining two terrorists.

In total, three terrorists were neutralised during the swift and intense engagement. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of small, highly trained Special Forces teams operating with precision in complex environments.

Challenges of the Terrain and Operation

Shopian’s forested areas have long been used by terrorists as hideouts due to the dense vegetation and rugged topography, which provide natural cover and complicate cordon-and-search operations. Conducting a night operation in such conditions demands exceptional physical endurance, navigation skills, situational awareness, and the ability to maintain fire discipline and coordination under fire.

Major Yadav’s decision to pursue the terrorists into close combat, rather than relying solely on standoff engagement, underscores the aggressive yet controlled approach characteristic of Para SF tactics. His actions prevented the escape of high-value targets and ensured the complete neutralisation of the terrorist group.

The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry or selfless courage of a high order, not in the face of the enemy (or in certain contexts during peacetime/internal security operations). It ranks below the Kirti Chakra and Ashoka Chakra but above the Sena Medal (Gallantry) in the order of precedence for peacetime gallantry awards.

Major Yadav’s citation specifically recognises his “sharp tactical acumen, conspicuous gallantry, nerves of steel and unparalleled courage under fire.” The award reflects not only the immediate success of the operation but also the leadership qualities that inspired his team in a high-pressure environment.

Award Timeline and Conferment

• Approval: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, approved the gallantry awards on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. Major Shivkant Yadav was among 13 recipients of the Shaurya Chakra (one posthumous) announced on 25 January 2026.
• Conferment: On 8 June 2026, President Murmu personally presented the Shaurya Chakra to Major Shivkant Yadav during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. This ceremony saw the conferment of 29 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumous) along with other gallantry awards.

The formal investiture at the highest level of the Republic underscores the nation’s gratitude and recognition of his service.

A Salute to Courage

Major Shivkant Yadav’s actions in the jungles of Shopian on that May night in 2025 exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Army. By leading from the front, neutralising a high-value terrorist in close combat, and enabling the complete success of the mission, he has earned not only the Shaurya Chakra but also the enduring respect of the nation.

As India continues to honour its gallantry awardees, stories such as his reinforce the values of courage, sacrifice, and professionalism that safeguard the country’s security. The Indian Army and the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) stand proud with officers like Major Shivkant Yadav, who continue to uphold the motto of “Service Before Self” in the most demanding circumstances.