
Signalman Eknath Khairnar Chaitram was born on 1st Jun 1968 and hailed from Devghat village in Malegaon tehsil of Nashik district in Maharashtra. After completing his school education, Signalman Eknath Khairnar joined the army on 22nd Feb 1991 at the age of 22 years. He was recruited into the Corps of Signals.
Service Number | 6932439N |
Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra |
Rank | Signalman |
Unit | 8 MDSR |
Regiment | Corps of Signals |
Award | Sena Medal |
Date of Martyrdom | 7th June 1999 |
During 1999, Signalman Eknath Khairnar was serving with 8 Moutain Division Signal Regiment. The regiment was inducted as part of “Op Vijay” on 29th May 1999 under the command of Col Sudhir Bhatnagar. Signalman Eknath Khairnar’s regiment was made responsible for operations in the Drass sector. On 7th Jun 1999, Signalman Eknath Khairnar along with Signalman M R Sahoo of 8 Moutain Division Signal Regiment was tasked to provide radio communication to the Infantry battalion attacking a feature in the Drass sector. The enemy suspecting an attack by Indian forces resorted to heavy artillery shelling. Signalman Eknath Khairnar tasked to provide the crucial communication links with the attacking forces also moved along with the infantry soldiers. As the soldiers were slowly inching towards the objective Signalman Eknath Khairnar sustained a splinted injury due to heavy enemy artillery shelling. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred.
Signalman Eknath Khairnar was given the gallantry award, “Sena Medal” for his great courage, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.