Major Sudhir Kumar Walia belonged to the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He was born to Subedar Major Rulia Ram Walia and Smt Rajeswari Dev. He cleared NDA in his first attempt and joined the prestigious academy. Major Sudhir Walia graduated from Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1988 and was commissioned into 4 Jat. After the end of the Kargil war on 26 July 1999, the Army was continuing its high alert status to deal with any eventuality. Major Sudhir Walia and his team of daredevil commandos disguised as militants were carrying out the task of searching the hiding militants who could pose a serious threat to the security forces.
| Service Number | IC-47623 |
| Place of Birth | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 9 Para (SF) |
| Regiment | Parachute Regiment |
| Award | Ashok Chakra, Sena Medal and Bar |
| Date of Martyrdom | 29th August 1999 |
On 29th Aug 1999, Major Sudhir Kumar Walia with a squad of five commandos was on a “Search and Destroy” mission in the dense jungle of “Hafruda Forest” in Kupwara district of J&K. The squad suddenly chanced upon a well-camouflaged hideout having twenty-odd terrorists. Major Sudhir quickly organized his team and attacked the hideout. Leading from the front and showing rare courage Major Sudhir killed 4 militants single-handedly. However, during the process, he sustained gunshot wounds in his stomach. Though he was unable to move, he continued to give orders to his team until they eliminated all the suspected militants. Major Sudhir was airlifted to the army base hospital but he succumbed to the injuries en route.
Major Sudhir Walia was given the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, “Ashok Chakra” for his outstanding gallantry, unyielding spirit, and supreme sacrifice.
