Signalman Chandan Kumar Rai belonged to Nadesar village in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district. He was born in the family of Shri Satya Prakash Rai and Mrs. Leelavati Rai. Chandan Kumar’s parents were making arrangements for his marriage so he was expected to his native village shortly. During his last call to his parents, he told them that his leave was sanctioned and he would be coming to the village on February 15.

Ceasefire Violation at LoC : 19th Jan 2018

On 19th of January Signalman Chandan Kumar Rai’s unit was deployed at a forward post in Mankote sector of Poonch district. From 18th January Pakistani Army had initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics in Mendhar sector along the Line of Control. Pakistan activated entire IB and LoC, extended its shelling to newer areas targeting civilians and Indian forward posts on the next two days. Three civilians were killed when Pakistan shelled civilian areas in RS Pura and Kanachak in the firing.

Pakistan used heavy caliber long-range weapons including 120 mm mortars, which has a range of seven kilometers, and 82 mm mortars, having a range of 4.5 kilometers, to inflict maximum damage deep into the civilian areas. In Jammu district, over 1.27 lakh people in 81 villages were affected by the border shelling and 41,000 moved to safer places. In the shelling that started on January 18, mostly Arnia, RS Pura and Suchetgarh areas were affected. On January 19, the shelling spread to Samba and Kathua districts. The following day, Marh area also witnessed heavy shelling. In total, 12 people including 2 BSF personnel, 3 army soldiers, 7 Civilian died in this horrific violation of ceasefire.

During the exchange of fire Signalman Chandan Kumar Rai also got grievously injured and was evacuated to Military Hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries on 20th January. Signalman Chandan Kumar laid down his life at the young age of 25 years while guarding the border of the nation.

Signalman Chandan Kumar Rai is survived by his parents.

Source: honour point