COLONEL KANWAR JAIDEEP SINGH SALARIA

Service No: IC-45120L

Date of Birth : Jul 18, 1961

Service: Army

Last Rank: Colonel

Unit : 6 Dogra

Arm/Regt : The Dogra Regiment

Awards : SC Bar , SM

(Badges of honour: Col. Kanwar Singh SC*SM medals)

Operation : Op Parakram

Date of Martyrdom : Aug 18, 2002

Colonel Kanwar Jaideep Singh was born on 18th July 1961 into a military family. Son of an Army veteran Randhir Singh and Smt Godavari Devi, 

Col Kanwar followed into the footsteps of his father and joined the Army in 1980 at the age of 21 years. 

He was commissioned into 5 Dogra of the famed Dogra Regiment, a regiment known for its fearless soldiers and a number of battle honours. 

After passing out of IMA Dehradun, he served in various units in different operational environments and terrain.

By 2002, Col Kanwar had put in over twenty years of service and had evolved into a battle-hardened and professionally competent soldier. 

As a Company Commander Col Kanwar led his troops with great zeal and tenacity in various operations in the north-eastern sector and eliminated a number of terrorists. Col Kanwar was a very brave and committed soldier and proved his mettle in various operations during his service career. For his deep commitment to the service and military leadership skills, he was awarded gallantry awards of Sena Medal as well as Shaurya Chakra. He later assumed the charge of 6 Dogra battalion as commanding officer.

Nowshera Operation: 18 Aug 2002

Col Kanwar Jaideep Singh had taken over as Commanding Officer of 6 Dogra in early Mar 2002. His unit was deployed in a terrorist-infested area of Rajouri district and Col Kanwar had prepared his unit very well to undertake challenging operations as demanded by the existing environment. On 18th August 2002, Col Singh’s reconnaissance patrol had a chance encounter with a group of armed infiltrators in Nowshera in Rajouri district of J&K. Col Kanwar immediately swung into action and moved along with his troops to engage and eliminate the terrorists.

While they were pursuing the terrorists, Col Kanwar’s team came under attack from the terrorists and during the exchange of fire one of the soldiers got injured. Col Kanwar immediately diverted the attention of the terrorists and had the wounded soldier evacuated. After the successful evacuation, Col Kanwar turned his attention towards the terrorists and deployed his troops tactically to block the escape routes of the terrorists. Soon he spotted the movement of terrorists and in a superbly maneuvered daredevil action killed two terrorists. However during the heavy exchange of fire Col Kanwar also got shot in the neck and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred while leading from the front like a true military leader.

Col Kanwar Jaideep Singh was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” for the second time for his act of valour, unflinching courage and supreme sacrifice. He was a soldier at heart and an officer par excellence who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

 Colonel Kanwar Jaideep Singh is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anuradha Rajput, daughter Aakanksha Salaria, parents and brother Kanwar Kuldeep Singh.