Sepoy Ilayraja P hailed from Kandani village in Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu. Son of Sri Periaswamy and Smt Meenakshi, Sep Ilayraja joined the army in the year of 2012 and was recruited into the Mahar Regiment, a regiment known for its gallant soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

After serving for a couple of years with his parent unit, Sep Ilayraja was later deputed to serve with 1 Rashtriya Rifles battalion deployed in J & K for counterinsurgency operations. In 2016 Sepoy Ilayraja got married to Selvi.

Shopian Operation: 12 Aug 2017

On 13 Aug 2017, the security forces received information from intelligence sources that 5 to 6 hardcore militants were meeting the top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in Awneera village in Zainapora area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district. After analysis of the inputs, a decision was taken by the security forces to launch a joint operation to neutralize the terrorists. A joint team comprising elements of 1 RR, and J & K police was formed, which swung into action in the afternoon of 13 Aug 2017. The team reached the suspected area and commenced the search and cordon operation. Whilst the search operation was underway the terrorists fired at the troops from their hideout triggering a gun battle which continued for several hours.

The assault team continued their operation in a well-coordinated manner plugging all the possible escape routes. As the terrorists were heavily armed and were taking advantage of night conditions, the exchange of fire continued late into the night of 13 Aug 2017. However, during the exchange of fire, Sep Ilayraja got severely injured along with five more soldiers and was evacuated to nearby 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. But Sep Ilayraja later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.

Sepoy Ilayraja was given the gallantry award, "Sena Medal" for his courage, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. Sepoy Ilayraja P is survived by his wife, parents and sister.

Source: honour point