Hajin November 2: A bust of Lt Col Shanti Swarup Rana, who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, was unveiled at Rana Army Goodwill School in Hajin on Sunday, marking the 30th anniversary of his death in an anti-terrorist operation in Kupwara district.
The bust was unveiled by his wife, Savita Rana, in a ceremony organised by the Indian Army to honour the officer’s courage and sacrifice.
Lt Col Rana was serving as the second-in-command of 13 Rashtriya Rifles when he led an operation against terrorist hideouts in the Hafruda forest of Kupwara on November 2, 1996.
According to the Army, his team destroyed four fortified hideouts containing arms and explosives. When terrorists opened fire from a fifth bunker, Rana moved forward under fire, lobbed grenades and killed two foreign terrorists who emerged from the position.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, he continued to lead his men and subsequently engaged another terrorist in hand-to-hand combat, killing him. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Rana was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
Named after the officer, Rana Army Goodwill School in Hajin commemorates his legacy. The Army said the bust would serve as a reminder to students of the values of courage, discipline, integrity and selfless service. Rana is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter and grandchildren
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