The most iconic story of bravery from the Rampur sector

By M S Nazki

Kuch Kahaniyian Bhool Jaate Hain Hum!

Rampur Village in District Kathua has its own story…………..It is bigger than one most of us think!

-Oh, monsters are scared, said …. That’s why they’re monsters but we have got the protection! Don’t be afraid of being scared. To be afraid is a sign of common sense. Only complete idiots are not afraid of anything said my mother as we saw the shadows as they passed by! We had only a lamp lit! Don’t be scared. Don’t let them see….I switched off the lamp! Then I thought, It’s OKAY to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave!….I had a pick axe in my hands……………!

-The most iconic story of bravery from the Rampur sector, often associated with the Uri-Rampur sector in Jammu & Kashmir, is that of Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal, who is known as the “Saviour of Kashmir”.

-Here is the story of his unparalleled valour:

-The Mission (October 1947): Following the Pakistani tribal invasion of Jammu & Kashmir, Brigadier Rajinder Singh was ordered by Maharaja Hari Singh to hold the invaders at Uri at all costs. He was given the mandate of fighting to the “last man and last bullet”.

-Holding the Line: Brig. Singh led a small contingent of about 100 soldiers of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces (later J&K Rifles) to confront thousands of invaders. He fought a classical withdrawal battle, stalling the enemy advance at Garhi, Uri, and Rampur.

-The Sacrifice (October 26-27, 1947): For four crucial days, his small team hindered the enemy, enabling Indian reinforcements to arrive. He fought till the very end, and on the night of October 26-27, while leading his convoy near Buniyar-Rampur, he was mortally wounded but continued to direct the battle, ensuring the enemy advanced only over his dead body.

-Legacy: His actions delayed the raiders long enough for the Instrument of Accession to be signed on October 26, 1947, effectively saving Kashmir for India. He became independent India’s first Maha Vir Chakra awardee.

-Other Examples of Bravery in the Area:

-Naik Shankar Singh Mehra (May 2020): A more recent story from the same sector, Nk Shankar Singh of 21 Kumaon made the ultimate sacrifice during a fierce ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Rampur sector.

-60 Years of Haji Pir (1965): The Dagger Division commemorated the battle of Haji Pir Pass at Rampur, recognizing the sacrifices made by soldiers to capture strategic heights in 1965.

About District Kathua:

-Kathua, a district located in the southern part of Jammu and Kashmir, is known as the “Gateway of Jammu & Kashmir”. It serves as the primary entry point into the Union Territory (UT) from Punjab, holding significant importance for logistics, economic development, and military strategy.

-Key Aspects of Kathua’s Strategic Importance

-Geographical Gateway: Situated on the banks of the Ravi River, it borders Punjab to the south, Himachal Pradesh to the east, and Pakistan’s working boundary to the southwest. It serves as the critical transition point from the plains of Punjab to the hilly terrain of J&K.

-Logistics & Connectivity: National Highway 44 (NH-44), the primary road link connecting J&K with the rest of India, runs through Kathua. It hosts the -Lakhanpur Checkpoint, the main entrance for passenger movement, trade, and essential supplies (food, fuel) for the entire UT.

-Military & Security Hub:

-Border Security: Its proximity to the International Border (IB) with Pakistan makes it vulnerable to infiltration and cross-border firing, requiring a significant Army presence.

-Anti-Terrorism Focus: The area has historically witnessed terror attacks and infiltration, leading to its role as a key sector for security forces in neutralizing threats.

-Logistical Support: The region houses Army cantonments and serves as a vital logistics hub for troops.

-Industrial Powerhouse: Kathua is a bustling industrial area—only behind Jammu and Srinagar in development—featuring a textile park (Chenab Textile Mill), biotechnology park, pharmaceutical industrial and research park (including recent large investments by Orchid Pharma), and numerous medium-scale MSMEs.

-Strategic Infrastructure:

-Ujh Multipurpose Project: An initiative to enhance irrigation and strengthen border security by monitoring the Ujh river.

-Shahpur Kandi Dam: A project designed to optimize water use, providing a huge boost for the development of bordering districts.

-Economic Development: The district acts as a key industrial center in J&K, fostering regional economic growth through its industrial estate (SICOP) and facilitating the transport of goods.

-In conclusion, Kathua’s role as a major transport corridor, industrial hub, and its immediate border with Pakistan makes it a pivotal location for India’s national security, economic growth, and regional stability in the Jammu division.

-Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir has faced several significant terror attacks, particularly incidents targeting security forces and border security, with a recent surge in 2024–2025. Major attacks include a, deadly ambush on an army convoy in July 2024, a fidayeen attack on the Rajbagh police station in 2015, and intense search operations following militant infiltration.

-Key Terror Incidents in Kathua:

-July 8, 2024 (Machedi Ambush): Terrorists attacked an Army convoy in the Machedi area of Kathua, killing five army personnel and injuring several others.

-June 2024 Operations: Following the Reasi attack, multiple operations were initiated in Kathua due to increased infiltration attempts.

-March 2015 Fidayeen Attack: On March 20, 2015, two heavily armed militants in army uniforms attacked the Rajbagh Police Station, resulting in a gunfight that killed three security personnel, two militants, and two civilians.

-March 2025 Encounters: A series of encounters occurred, including a March 27-28 incident in Juthana’s Saniyal area where two militants were killed, following a shootout that killed four policemen. Another, separate, incident involved militants taking a local hostage in March 2025.

-March 2025 Security Operation: Following intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Army, J&K Police, and CRPF was launched in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua on March 31, 2025, after spotting suspicious movement.

-These incidents highlight the shifting focus of terrorism towards the Jammu region, specifically the areas south of the Pir Panjal range.

-JCO killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Rampur on April 12, 2026, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Northern Army Commander, visited the strategic Rampur Sector in Jammu to evaluate the counter-terrorism grid and security situation. He reviewed operational readiness, met with JKP and CRPF officials, and emphasized strengthening intelligence sharing and joint operational coordination to ensure regional stability.

Key Security and Regional Details:

-Security Assessment: The visit aimed to strengthen the counter-terrorism grid in the Jammu region, emphasizing a “terror-free” environment.

-Command Focus: Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander, Northern Command, led the review of the “prevailing security environment” and “operational preparedness” in the area.

-Previous Incidents: The area has seen past ceasefire violations and successful operations against infiltration attempts (e.g., in 2020-2021).

-Joint Operations: The focus was on strengthening synergy between the army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

-The Rampur Sector referred to in recent April 2026 security reports is located in the Jammu division, often associated with counter-terrorism operations and army troop activities. While “Rampur” is a common name, recent high-level security visits highlight a strategic, tense area in the Jammu region.

-Key Regional Context & Locations:

Active Duty Area: Northern Army Commander visited the strategic Rampur Sector in Jammu to review the security and counter-terrorism grid as of April 12-13, 2026.

-Strategic Importance:

-Rampur village in Jammu holds key strategic importance due to its location, as evidenced by high-level military visits to the Rampur sector for reviewing the counter-terrorism grid and enhancing operational synergy between the Indian Army, JKP, and CRPF to ensure a terror-free environment. It acts as a critical security hub.

So coming to the final lines: Anekha Devi, a brave girl from the remote Lohai Malhar region of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, has made history by being selected to represent India in the Women’s World Cup Cricket for the Blind. Daughter of Shri Bachiter Singh from Machhedi, her journey from a rural area to the national team serves as an inspiring example of resilience, talent, and hard work in sports.

-Key Aspects of Anekha Devi’s Journey:

-Background: Hails from the remote Lohai Malhar region, showcasing that talent exists even in underprivileged areas.

-Achievement: Selected to represent India in the Women’s World Cup Cricket for the Blind.

-Inspiration: Her story is viewed as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes from Jammu and Kashmir.

-Community Support: Local leaders and residents have praised her achievement as a historic moment for the Bani-Lohai Malhar region and the entire district.

Her dedication has helped her rise above the odds to achieve national recognition, making her a true role model.

I had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, like when you’re swimming and you want to put your feet down on something solid, but the water’s deeper than you think and there’s nothing there!……………!