In the demanding environment of counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where soldiers often operate in difficult terrain and under constant threat, Major Ashish Kumar of the Indian Army’s 7th Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), displayed exceptional courage and leadership. In November 2024, he led a high-risk operation in the Larnoo area of Anantnag district, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, including a Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-trained Category ‘A’ commander.
For this act of gallantry, Major Ashish Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. The award was conferred by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in June 2026.
Major Ashish Kumar, Service Number IC-83864A, serves with 7 Para Special Forces, one of the most elite units of the Indian Army. The Parachute Regiment’s Special Forces battalions are trained for highly demanding missions, including counter-terrorism, direct action, reconnaissance, airborne operations and precision strikes in hostile conditions. These soldiers are selected and trained to operate in small teams, often in difficult terrain and under extreme pressure.
The 7 Para SF has a long-standing reputation for professionalism, secrecy and combat effectiveness. Officers and men of the unit are expected to show not only physical endurance and tactical skill, but also calm decision-making in life-threatening situations. Major Ashish Kumar’s action in Anantnag reflected these qualities, as he led from the front during a dangerous encounter against armed terrorists.
The operation took place in early November 2024 in the Larnoo area of Anantnag district, also referred to in reports as the Halkan Gali or Shangus-Larnoo sector. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. The terrain was difficult, and the terrorists were believed to be heavily armed and prepared for a prolonged fight.
Major Ashish Kumar was leading the Special Forces team during the operation. As the team moved in, contact was established with the terrorists. What followed was an intense close-quarter engagement in which the terrorists opened fire on the security forces. Despite the threat to his life, Major Ashish Kumar moved forward with determination and led the assault with precision.
During the firefight, Major Ashish Kumar displayed outstanding bravery and tactical control. He did not remain behind the team but personally closed in on the terrorists’ position, ensuring that the threat was neutralised without causing casualties to his own men. His actions helped his team dominate the encounter and bring the operation to a successful conclusion.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists. One of them was identified as Arbaz Ahmad Mir, also referred to in some reports as Arbaz Ahmed Mir. He was a Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-trained terrorist commander associated with terror networks linked to LeT and PAFF. He had been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 2023.
Arbaz Ahmad Mir was considered a high-value target and had reportedly been involved in coordinating terrorist activities and targeted killings in the Kashmir Valley. He had been on the run for several years and was among the wanted terrorists operating against security forces and civilians in the region. His elimination was therefore a significant success for the security forces.
The second terrorist killed in the operation was identified as Zahid Ahmed Reshi, an associate of Arbaz Ahmad Mir. The successful elimination of both terrorists without any casualties to the security forces highlighted the planning, discipline and execution of the operation. Weapons and other incriminating materials were also recovered from the encounter site.
The bravery of Major Ashish Kumar stood out because of the manner in which he led the operation. In counter-terrorism operations, especially in areas like South Kashmir, soldiers often face poor visibility, hostile terrain and the possibility of sudden fire from concealed positions. In such conditions, leadership at the tactical level becomes extremely important.
Major Ashish Kumar showed personal courage by moving towards the terrorists despite the grave risk involved. His actions reflected calmness under fire, deep combat experience and a clear understanding of the mission. By leading from the front, he not only inspired his team but also ensured that the operation was completed successfully.
The Shaurya Chakra awarded to Major Ashish Kumar recognises this act of conspicuous gallantry. The Shaurya Chakra is one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards and is given for acts of bravery, courage or self-sacrifice, especially in situations involving enemy action, counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations. It ranks after the Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra in the order of precedence among peacetime gallantry awards.
Major Ashish Kumar’s name was included in the official list of gallantry awards approved by the President of India on 14 August 2025, on the eve of the 79th Independence Day. He was among the 16 personnel honoured with the Shaurya Chakra that year. The award was formally presented to him during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in June 2026.
The Larnoo operation also underlined the continuing role of intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have been working to neutralise foreign-trained terrorists, local handlers and terror networks that threaten peace and stability in the region. The elimination of a POK-trained terrorist commander like Arbaz Ahmad Mir was an important achievement in this larger effort.
Special Forces units such as 7 Para SF are often deployed for missions that require speed, surprise and precision. Their operations are usually carried out in difficult conditions and involve high levels of risk. The success of such missions depends on accurate intelligence, detailed planning, courage on the ground and strong leadership during combat.
Major Ashish Kumar’s action in Anantnag represents the highest traditions of the Indian Army’s Special Forces. His leadership ensured that the terrorists were neutralised, his team remained safe, and the mission was completed without casualties. Such acts often remain away from public attention, but they form a vital part of India’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
His story is also a reminder of the sacrifices and risks taken by soldiers serving in counter-terrorism roles. Every operation demands discipline, patience and the willingness to put the mission and the safety of others above personal safety. Major Ashish Kumar demonstrated these values through his actions on the ground.
By eliminating two terrorists, including a long-wanted POK-trained commander, Major Ashish Kumar contributed significantly to security operations in South Kashmir. His courage, tactical skill and leadership under fire made him deserving of national recognition.
The conferment of the Shaurya Chakra upon Major Ashish Kumar is a proud moment for the Indian Army and for the Special Forces community. It honours not only one officer’s bravery but also the silent professionalism of the soldiers who continue to operate in some of the most challenging security environments in the country.
Major Ashish Kumar’s story will continue to inspire young Indians who aspire to join the armed forces. His example reflects the spirit of the Indian soldier: brave in action, calm in danger and fully committed to the nation.
