Hav Kheenwa Ram SM

Havildar Kheenwa Ram hailed from Asarwa village in Makrana tehsil of Nagaur district in Rajasthan and was born on 15 July 1964. Son of Shri Pokar Ram Rahar and Smt Suvati Devi, he wanted to serve in the Armed Forces since his childhood. He eventually joined the Army after completing his school education at the age of 19 years on 30 Aug 1983. He was recruited into 17 Grenadiers of the Grenadiers Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers with a rich history of various battle honours.  Thereafter he served with his unit at different operational areas including Siachen and borders of Rajasthan.

After serving with his parent unit for some time, Hav Kheenwa Ram was later deputed to serve with the 29 RR battalion, deployed in J&K for counter-insurgency operations. By the year 2005, he had put in around 22 years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Havildar. By that time he had gathered substantial operational experience and developed into a dedicated soldier.

Kupwara Operation (J&K): 09 Apr 2005

During Apr 2005, Hav Kheenwa Ram’s unit 29 RR battalion was deployed in the Kupwara district of J&K. As a number of militants were active in the unit’s AOR(Area of Responsibility), the unit troops had to maintain a very high state of preparedness at all times and had to undertake operations at a short notice. Based on the information from the intelligence sources, about the presence of some hardcore militants in the Kupwara district, the security forces decided to launch an operation on 9th Apr 2005. Consequently, an operation was launched by the 29 RR unit troops along with the soldiers of CRPF and J&K Police. As planned Hav Kheenwa Ram and his team reached the suspected area and swung into action. 

A fierce gun battle ensued thereafter lasting for several hours. During the drawn-out battle, Hav Kheenwa Ram and his comrades managed to eliminate three terrorists. However, during the heavy exchange of fire, Hav Kheenwa Ram and one of his comrades L/Nk Mehboob Khan got severely injured. They later succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Hav Kheenwa Ram was a brave and committed soldier, who laid down his life in the line of his duty. Hav Kheenwa Ram was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his exceptional courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.

Hav Kheenwa Ram is survived by his father Shri Pokar Ram Rahar, mother Smt Suvati Devi, and wife Smt Tulsi Devi.