Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan hailed from Pallanwala village of Akhnoor Tehsil in Jammu district of Jammu & Kashmir. He was recruited into 8 JAK LI of the well known Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a regiment widely respected for its gallant soldiers and numerous battle exploits.

Sunderbani Sector Operation: 21 Oct 2018

Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan‘s unit of J & K Light Infantry was deployed in the Sunderbani sector of J & K along the LOC. India shares a 3,323-km border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LOC fall in Jammu and Kashmir. The LOC is highly active and volatile where ceasefire violations occur very often and without any warning. It is also used by the terrorists for infiltration with the connivance of Pakistani security forces. The infiltration by the terrorists is invariably attempted under the cover of artillery fire or with the help of Border Action Team (BAT), which includes soldiers of special forces of the Pakistan Army. On 21 Oct 2018, the Border Action Team (BAT), along with some militants, carried out an attack on ‘Area Domination Patrol’ of 8 JAK LI. Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan was part of the patrol which came under that unprovoked attack.

The Indian Army retaliated and a fierce gun-battle ensued thereafter. Two intruders from the attackers were eliminated during the operation and warlike stores were recovered. During the exchange of fire, Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan, Havildar Kaushal Kumar, and Lance Naik Ranjeet Singh got seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital. However, all the three brave-hearts later succumbed to their injuries and were martyred. Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan was a valiant and dedicated soldier who at the very young age of 22 yrs, laid down his life in the service of the nation. Rifleman Rajat Kumar Basan is survived by his father, Sri Ratan Lal.

Source:https://www.honourpoint.in/