Meet Naik Arvind Kumar: 9 Para Special Forces Hero Who Gave His Life for the Nation

Naik Arvind Kumar, a dedicated soldier of the elite 9th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), embodied the highest ideals of courage, discipline, and selfless service to the nation. On 5 May 2023, during a fierce counter-terrorism operation in the Kandi Forest of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, he laid down his life at the age of 32 while confronting entrenched terrorists. His supreme sacrifice, alongside four fellow comrades from 9 Para (SF), stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of India’s Special Forces personnel. Posthumously awarded the Mention-in-Despatches, Naik Arvind Kumar is remembered not only for his gallantry but also for his athletic prowess, professional excellence across elite units, and enduring legacy in his native Himachal Pradesh.

Early Life and Personal Background

Naik Arvind Kumar hailed from the serene village of Suri (Marhun) in the Sulah area of Dheera subdivision, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Born around 1991, he was the youngest of three siblings and the son of Shri Ujjwal Singh, a retired Public Works Department employee, and Smt Nirmala Devi. From his formative years, he nurtured a deep aspiration to serve in the Armed Forces, a sentiment shared by many young men in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh.

He completed his initial education in his village before enlisting in the Indian Army in 2012. Family members recall his disciplined nature and passion for physical fitness even prior to joining the forces. He later married Smt Bindu Devi, and the couple was blessed with two daughters: Shanvi and Shanvika, who were approximately four and two years old, respectively, at the time of his martyrdom. He is survived by his parents, wife, daughters, and brother, Shri Bhupinder Kumar.

Despite the demands of military life, Naik Arvind Kumar remained deeply connected to his roots. His father’s later health challenges, including memory loss, underscored the personal sacrifices often borne silently by soldiers’ families.

Distinguished Military Career

Upon joining the Indian Army in 2012, Naik Arvind Kumar was selected for the prestigious Parachute Regiment and posted to the 9 Para (Special Forces) battalion. This elite unit specialises in unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and high-risk operations, demanding exceptional physical endurance, tactical acumen, and mental resilience. Over the subsequent eleven years, he rose through the ranks to Naik and participated extensively in Counter-Insurgency and Internal Security operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

His service extended beyond conventional Army units. He completed a tenure with the 51 Special Action Group (SAG) of the National Security Guard (NSG), India’s premier counter-terrorism force. This highly selective deputation highlighted his operational excellence; he earned the distinguished “Top Men” badge within 51 SAG and additional qualifications, including international air assault training credentials. Colleagues and tributes describe him as an “exceptional operator” whose skills were honed through rigorous training and real-world deployments.

Beyond combat proficiency, Naik Arvind Kumar excelled in athletics and marksmanship. Representing the Indian Army, he secured multiple medals in national and international competitions, including athletics and shooting events held in Germany and Singapore. These accomplishments reflected his holistic dedication to physical excellence, a cornerstone of Special Forces selection and performance.

By early 2023, having recently concluded his NSG tenure, he returned to active duties with 9 Para (SF) in Jammu and Kashmir, where his unit was deployed in the volatile Rajouri sector.

The Rajouri Operation and Supreme Sacrifice

In May 2023, 9 Para (SF) was engaged in intensified anti-terrorism operations in Rajouri district, an area marked by persistent militant activity and cross-border infiltration threats. Following precise intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the dense, rugged Kandi Forest, a joint operation was launched on 3 May 2023. The targeted group was linked to those responsible for the 20 April 2023 ambush on an Army convoy in neighbouring Poonch district, which had claimed five soldiers’ lives.

The operation involved coordinated efforts by Special Forces personnel, supported by drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy weaponry. The terrain—characterised by thick vegetation, rocky outcrops, and steep cliffs—posed significant challenges. On the morning of 5 May 2023, at approximately 0730 hours, the search team made contact with terrorists entrenched in a fortified cave hideout.

A fierce firefight erupted as the terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops. Naik Arvind Kumar, serving as part of the assault element, was at the forefront of the engagement. The security forces responded decisively with mortar fire and grenades. In a desperate act, the terrorists detonated an explosive device within the cave, triggering a powerful blast that caused catastrophic injuries.

Five brave soldiers from 9 Para (SF) ultimately succumbed to their wounds: Naik Arvind Kumar, Havildar Neelam Singh, Lance Naik Ruchin Singh Rawat, Paratrooper Siddhant Chettri, and Paratrooper Pramod Negi. Several others, including a Special Forces officer, sustained serious injuries and were evacuated to the Command Hospital in Udhampur. The operation continued in subsequent days, resulting in further neutralisation of terrorist elements.

This engagement formed part of sustained efforts under broader counter-insurgency frameworks to dismantle terror networks operating in the Pir Panjal region. Naik Arvind Kumar’s conduct during the intense close-quarters battle exemplified the professional valour expected of 9 Para (SF) personnel.

Posthumous Recognition and Enduring Legacy

In recognition of his gallantry, devotion to duty, and ultimate sacrifice, Naik Arvind Kumar was posthumously awarded the Mention-in-Despatches. This prestigious honour was formally approved by the President of India in January 2024 as part of a larger citation list honouring personnel for distinguished service in various operations. His name is enshrined at the National War Memorial in New Delhi under the Roll of Honour for Counter-Insurgency and Internal Security operations.

The mortal remains of Naik Arvind Kumar reached his native village on 6 May 2023. On 7 May, he was cremated with full military and state honours at Suri village. Hundreds of villagers, local leaders, and dignitaries gathered to pay their respects. His wife received the Tricolour during the solemn ceremony. Agriculture Minister Chaudhary Chander Kumar, representing the Himachal Pradesh government, laid a wreath and announced immediate ex-gratia relief of ₹5 lakh, a government job for the widow, and the renaming of the Government Senior Secondary School in Marhun in his honour.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and other state functionaries expressed profound grief, affirming that the nation remains eternally indebted to such bravehearts. Widespread tributes across defence communities, social media platforms, and news outlets portrayed him as a “daredevil Para Commando” whose courage had “a face.”

A Hero Remembered

Naik Arvind Kumar’s life and sacrifice encapsulate the quiet professionalism and extraordinary bravery that define India’s Special Forces. From his humble beginnings in the Kangra hills to service in the nation’s most elite units, he consistently chose the path of duty over personal comfort. His athletic achievements, operational expertise, and ultimate act of selflessness continue to inspire serving personnel and civilians alike.

Today, the renamed school in Marhun stands as a living memorial, educating future generations about the values he embodied. His family, supported by government assurances and the gratitude of a nation, carries forward his legacy with dignity.

In an era where the security of the nation demands constant vigilance, soldiers like Naik Arvind Kumar remind us of the human cost of freedom and the indomitable spirit of those who safeguard it. His story is not merely one of loss but of enduring inspiration—a call to uphold the principles of courage, integrity, and service before self.