Rifleman Kulbushan Manta, a brave soldier from Gonth village in Majhauli panchayat under Kupvi area of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, has been posthumously awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice during a counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Born in 1996 to Pratap Manta and Durma Devi, Kulbushan grew up with three sisters, Rekha, Kiran and Rajni. Inspired by a strong desire to serve his country, he joined the Indian Army in 2014 at the young age of 18. He was inducted into the 18th JAK Rif Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its valour.
After completing his school education and eight years of dedicated service, Rfn Kulbushan married Neetu and the couple was blessed with a son. Known for his toughness and devotion, he was later deputed to the 52 RR battalion, tasked with counter-insurgency operations in J&K.
Baramulla operation that was his last
In October 2022, the 52 RR battalion was stationed in the volatile Baramulla district where ceasefire violations and terrorist infiltrations were frequent.
On October 26, acting on intelligence about the presence of terrorists in Washran village, a joint search and cordon operation was launched by the Indian Army and the J&K Police. Kulbushan was a key member of this operation.
In the early hours of October 26, as the team approached a forested area, they encountered two terrorists. Kulbushan quickly engaged in hand-to-hand combat, capturing one terrorist alive.
The second terrorist, attempting to flee, opened fire, wounding Kulbushan in the leg. Despite his injury, he continued to engage the terrorist, protecting his comrades and ensuring the capture of the terrorist.
Kulbushan was rushed to GMC-Baramulla and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, but he succumbed to his injuries on October 27, 2022, at around 12.30 pm. His courageous actions and unwavering commitment to duty at the age of 26 are remembered and honoured.
Shaurya Chakra Award Ceremony
Kulbushan Manta was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra in a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. His mother Durma Devi and wife Neetu received the award from President Droupadi Murmu.
The ceremony was a poignant moment, Durma Devi and Neetu standing with pride and tears in their eyes as the President narrated the story of Rfn Kulbushan Manta’s bravery.
During the ceremony, President Murmu consoled the grieving family, showcasing her empathy and respect for the sacrifice made by Rfn Kulbushan Manta. The bravery and dedication of Rfn Kulbushan Manta continue to inspire and remind the nation of the extraordinary courage of its soldiers.
