Meet Subedar Doleshwar Subba: 2 Para SF JCO Who Neutralised Terrorists in Kishtwar Forests

In the rugged, densely forested terrain of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, on 11 April 2025, a Junior Commissioned Officer of the Indian Army’s elite Parachute Regiment Special Forces displayed extraordinary courage, tactical acumen, and selfless devotion to duty. Subedar Doleshwar Subba of 2 Para (SF) engaged and neutralised two terrorists during a high-risk search and tracking operation, earning the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award — the Kirti Chakra.

His actions exemplify the highest standards of combat leadership and personal bravery expected of Special Forces personnel operating in counter-terrorism environments.

The Soldier from the Hills

Subedar Doleshwar Subba hails from the Darjeeling district in the Gorkha hills region. Like many young men from the region, he answered the call to serve in the Indian Army and rose through the ranks to become a Junior Commissioned Officer in one of its most prestigious and operationally demanding units — the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

While detailed personal biography remains limited in public domain due to operational security considerations typical for Special Forces personnel, his community has expressed immense pride in his achievement. Local leaders and Gorkha organisations have hailed him as an inspiration, reflecting the enduring martial tradition of the Gorkha community in India’s armed forces.

The Operation: 11 April 2025, Kishtwar Forests

On 11 April 2025, Subedar Doleshwar Subba was leading his squad as part of a search and tracking operation in the dense forests of Kishtwar district. The area is known for its challenging terrain and persistent terrorist presence.

During the operation, he spotted two terrorists attempting to cross a stream (nala). Demonstrating quick tactical thinking, he immediately repositioned his squad to intercept and surround the terrorists, cutting off their escape routes.

Realising they were cornered, the terrorists opened heavy and indiscriminate fire in a desperate bid to break out. Subedar Subba responded with calm effectiveness. He directed accurate counter-fire that wounded one of the terrorists.

Then, displaying complete disregard for his personal safety, he deliberately exposed his own position to acquire a clear line of sight on the second terrorist. With precision and resolve, he neutralised the remaining terrorist on the spot.

The entire engagement showcased not only individual bravery but also superior small-unit tactics, fire discipline, and leadership under fire. According to the official citation, Subedar Doleshwar Subba was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his unique valour, extraordinary courage, and excellent combat skill.

Some reports have described one of the terrorists as a hardcore foreign operative, underscoring the significance of the encounter in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kirti Chakra: Recognition of Peacetime Gallantry

The Kirti Chakra is awarded for conspicuous acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy during peacetime operations. It ranks immediately below the Ashoka Chakra and is equivalent in precedence to the wartime Vir Chakra.

Subedar Doleshwar Subba’s award was announced as part of the Republic Day 2026 gallantry honours and formally presented to him by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on 8 June 2026 during the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1) in New Delhi.

The ceremony, documented in official videos released by Rashtrapati Bhavan, honoured several gallantry awardees across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. His investiture stands as a testament to the professional excellence and quiet professionalism of India’s Special Forces.

2 Para (SF): Elite Warriors in Counter-Terror Operations

The 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) is one of the Indian Army’s premier Special Forces units. Trained for high-risk operations including counter-terrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance, personnel from 2 Para (SF) have been at the forefront of operations in Jammu and Kashmir and other theatres.

Subedar Subba’s action is consistent with the unit’s ethos of operating in small teams, often deep in hostile territory, relying on superior training, initiative, and courage. Such operations demand not only physical prowess but also the ability to make split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of an encounter and the safety of the team.

A Source of Inspiration

For defence aspirants preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB) and those aspiring to join the Special Forces, the story of Subedar Doleshwar Subba offers a powerful example of the qualities that define successful soldiers: situational awareness, decisive leadership, composure under fire, and an unwavering commitment to the mission and comrades.

His journey from the hills of Darjeeling to the elite ranks of 2 Para (SF), culminating in the Kirti Chakra, embodies the spirit of service and sacrifice that continues to inspire generations of young Indians.

In an era where the nation faces complex security challenges, acts of valour such as his reinforce the resolve of the armed forces and the pride of the citizenry. Subedar Doleshwar Subba’s name now joins the distinguished list of Kirti Chakra awardees who have upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army through courage, skill, and selfless devotion to duty.