In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh and the entire nation, Captain Yogender Singh Thakur of the 6 PARA (Special Forces) has been awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra, recognizing his exceptional courage, battlefield leadership, and unwavering commitment during a daring counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The ceremony saw the presence of prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior military officials.
Captain Thakur hails from Dart Bagla Panchayat in the Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district. He is the son of Anil Thakur, a retired school principal, and Beena Devi, a homemaker. An alumnus of Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Balkarupi, Captain Thakur was notable for his academic excellence and active participation in various school activities, earning a reputation as a disciplined student who excelled in both academics and co-curricular pursuits. His achievement has brought significant pride to his family, school, the Vidya Bharati community, and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
The commendable operation that merited the Shaurya Chakra occurred in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir, where intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed. On July 21, 2025, Captain Thakur was assigned to lead a special mission aimed at neutralizing these terrorists operating within a challenging and rugged environment.
During the mission’s initial surveillance operations, his team detected suspicious movement one kilometer away, prompting Captain Thakur to strategically reposition his ambush team. On July 26, at approximately 0900 hours, the surveillance unit identified suspicious individuals just 300 meters away. Despite poor visibility due to dense fog and harsh weather conditions, Captain Thakur maintained his position to ensure the terrorists could not escape and to avoid collateral damage.
When the terrorists unleashed a sudden barrage of heavy fire upon his team, Captain Thakur exhibited remarkable courage and composure. Undeterred by the imminent danger, he crawled toward the source of the gunfire and engaged the terrorists directly in a close-quarter battle. His courage and tactical decisiveness led to the neutralization of a key terrorist, directly contributing to the success of the operation and securing the safety of his fellow soldiers.
Captain Thakur’s leadership and combat proficiency significantly mitigated the threat posed by the terrorists, ensuring the continued safety of security forces and civilians in the area. The citation for his Shaurya Chakra highlights his bravery, indomitable spirit, and unwavering dedication to mission success in the face of grave personal risk.
The news of the award triggered celebrations throughout Jogindernagar and Mandi district, as villagers, educators, and community leaders joined in congratulating Captain Thakur and his family. His conspicuous gallantry and selfless devotion to duty serve as an inspiration, particularly for the youth of the region, while bringing esteemed recognition to Himachal Pradesh, the Indian Army, and the nation as a whole.
