Rifleman Nehal Gurung hailed from khagrohre village in Basholi tehsil of Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir. The only son to his parents, Rifleman Nehal Gurung belonged to a military family wherein his father, grandfather and uncle too served in the Army. His grandfather Subedar Anantbir Gurung had retired in 1983 whereas father Ravinder Gurung had served in 2 JAK RIF and retired in 2004. Rifleman Nehal Gurung had joined the Army in 2014 at the age of 18 years and was recruited into 5/9 GR unit of the famed 9 Gorkha Rifles Regiment, known for its valiant soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

Keran Sector Operation : 25th Aug 2018

During 2018, Rifleman Nehal Gurung’s unit was deployed in Keran sector in Kupwara district of J & K along the LOC. India shares around 3000 Km border with Pakistan in which around 740 km of LOC falls in Jammu & Kashmir. The LOC is highly active and volatile where ceasefire violations occur very often in this area. Besides cease fire violations, the LOC in Kupwara district is also used by the militants for infiltration into Indian territory. The Army deploys armed patrols on a regular basis to check infiltration and Rifleman Nehal Gurung was part of one such patrol on 25th August 2018, in Keran sector of Kupwara district.

Rifleman Nehal Gurung while on patrol as part of a counter-infiltration grid sustained injuries due to a mine blast. He was given first aid and was rushed to the 92 Base hospital in Srinagar. However, Rifleman Nehal Gurung later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Rifleman Nehal Gurung was a valiant and committed soldier, who at the very young age of 22 years, laid down his life in the service of the nation. Rifleman Nehal Gurung is survived by his mother.

Source: honour point