Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry

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Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Insignia (India).svg
Regimental Insignia of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
Active1947present
CountryFlag of India.svg India
BranchFlag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army
Type Light infantry
Size15 battalions
Garrison/HQRangreth, Srinagar
MottoBalidanam Vir Lakshanam(Sacrifice is a characteristic of the Brave)
War CryBharat Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother India)
Decorations
  • 1 Param Vir Chakra
  • 3 Ashok Chakra
  • 10 Maha Vir Chakras
  • 34 Vir Chakras
  • 4 Shaurya Chakras
  • 56 Sena Medals. [1]
Commanders
Colonel of
the Regiment
Lt Gen PK Mishra
Notable
commanders
Lt Gen Satish Dua, PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM
Insignia
Regimental InsigniaA pair of crossed rifles

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army. It was the first regiment that was raised in independent India and was formed by amalgamating various voluntary resistance groups from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir to beat back the raiders in 1947-48. It specialises in small unit tactics for border security, combat operations in difficult-to-reach and dangerous areas - especially jungle and mountainous areas, counterinsurgency in urban steep hill areas, frontline military intelligence gathering, manoeuvre warfare, and reconnaissance in jungle and mountainous areas.

Contents

History

In response to the Pakistani invasion of Kashmir in October 1947 (Operation Gulmarg), local militias were raised to oppose the raiders. [2] They included National Home Guards in the Kashmir Valley, Leh Scouts and Nubra Guards in Ladakh, Border Defence Scouts in Jammu, Bal Sena and Banmanush in Naushera, and Punch Scouts in Punch. [3] The militias were a paramilitary force under the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs and operated on the Line of Control. [4] They volunteers were organised initially into platoons and companies in late 1947 and early 1948, and later on into 14 battalions of the Jammu and Kashmir Militia on 15 April 1948. Officers from the Indian Army were posted into these battalions. [3] Following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, in 1 June 1963, the 7th and 14th Battalions of the J & K Militia were spun off to form the 1st battalion of the Ladakh Scouts. [4]

The militias conducted themselves with great distinction during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and earned 3 battle honours during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The troopers of the force felt strongly that they wanted the dignity and privileges of a regular army unit, especially keeping in mind their performance and sacrifice in the recent wars. [5] Keeping this in mind, the then head of the J & K Militia, Brigadier Lekhraj Singh Puar of the Garhwal Rifles, who was on deputation to the Ministry of Home Affairs from the Indian Army, prepared and presented plans to the Ministry of Home Affairs for conversion of the militia into regular unit on his own initiative. These efforts bore fruit, and in 1972, the J & K Militia was converted to a full-fledged Army regiment as the Jammu and Kashmir Militia under the Ministry of Defence. Brigadier Puar went on to become the first Colonel of the Regiment. In 1976, the regiment was renamed as the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. [4] [2]

Class composition

The regiment has 50 percent Muslims and 50 percent other ethnic groups of Jammu and Kashmir. [4] [6]

Regimental Insignia and Traditions

Regimental Crest

The original regimental insignia consisted of two crossed muskets mounted by a plough and a scroll below with the words 'JAMMU KASHMIR MILITIA'. The insignia was later changed to move the plough below the crossed muskets and above the scroll. The present insignia has only the crossed muskets, with a scroll below and the words 'JAK LIGHT INFANTRY'.

Uniform

The present uniform of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry includes a black lanyard on the left shoulder and the shoulder title 'JAKLI' over a scarlet background. They traditionally wear black rank badges and buttons, as the original purpose of the rifle regiments was camouflage and concealment.

The green beret (common to all infantry units in India) has the regimental crest on a scarlet diamond base stitched to the beret. The red and black regimental turban is worn by personnel during ceremonial occasions, parades, on guard duty and by those in the regimental band.

Colours

The regimental colours are red and black.

Regimental motto and war cry

The regimental motto is 'Balidanam Vir Lakshanam' (बलिदानं वीरलक्षणम्), which translates to 'Sacrifice is a characteristic of the Brave'. [7] The war cry of the regiment is 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Victory to Mother India).

Engagements

A JAK LI soldier guarding India Gate in New Delhi with an INSAS rifle. Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) soldier.jpg
A JAK LI soldier guarding India Gate in New Delhi with an INSAS rifle.

The JAK LI has served with honour in numerous theatres, they are listed below - [8]

Indo-Pakistani war of 1947–1948
Indo-China war of 1962

The 14th and 7th Battalions of the J&K Militia were deployed in the Ladakh sector under 114 Infantry Brigade, the former was positioned in the northern part of the sector, including areas like Daulat Beg Oldi and the Chip Chap River, while the 7th J&K Militia covered the southern part. [9] In this extremely harsh terrain and climate, the troops were spread over numerous small outposts with long distances between them. When the Chinese offensives hit in mid October 1962, many of those posts manned by 14 J&K Militia were heavily shelled, attacked and isolated. On 22 October, the brigade ordered the withdrawal. After the withdrawal by 23 October, fighting in that sector ceased until the cease-fire in November 1962. [10]

Indo-Pakistani war of 1965
Indo-Pakistani war of 1971

During the conflict, the Jammu and Kashmir Militia displayed exceptional bravery and professionalism. The 8 J&K Militia fought in the Chhamb sector of Jammu and Kashmir and played a significant role in preventing enemy capture of strategic ground despite the fall of the Mandiala bridge. [11] It was awarded the Battle Honours of 'Laleali' and 'Picket 707', the 9 J&K Militia received the Battle Honour of 'Shingo River Valley', and the 11 J&K Militia earned the Battle Honour of 'Gutrian'. In recognition of their gallant actions, the soldiers and officers of the J&K Militia Regiment were conferred with a total of 28 gallantry awards - seven Vir Chakras, ten Sena Medals, two Vishisht Seva Medals, and nine Mention-in-Despatches. [12]

Siachen Conflict

In 1984, units of the JAK LI were deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot. The 8th battalion (8 JAK LI) earned great honour by capturing a Pakistani post at 21,000 feet on the Siachen Glacier in 1987. Naib Subedar Bana Singh earned the Param Vir Chakra for the regiment in this battle. He is the first and so far only recipient of the PVC for the regiment. [1] Major (later Brigadier) V.S. Minhas and 2Lt. Rajiv Pande won a Vir Chakra for gallantry displayed during the same engagement.

Operation Pawan

In 1987, JAK LI units were deployed with the Indian Peace Keeping Force to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan.

Kargil War

In 1999, JAK LI earned honours in the Kargil War. The Chief of Army Staff made a special instant award of "Unit Citation" to the 12th battalion for their exceptionally gallant and sterling performance during the battles of Point 5203 on the night of 10/11 June 1999 and Point 4812 on the night of 30 June/1 July 1999 in Batalik. The overall performance of the battalion during Operation Vijay was exceptional and marked with exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy. [13]

Operation Parakram
United Nations Missions

Regimental Centre

The force headquarters of the Jammu and Kashmir Militia was established on 15 April 1948 at Haft Chinar in downtown Srinagar city. This was later converted into a regimental centre. It was later shifted to its present location at Damodar Karewa, Rangreth in the outskirts of Srinagar in 1993. [16] [17] An additional training centre exists at Dansal in Jammu district. [18]

Units

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry marching contingent of the 11th Battalion passes through the Rajpath during the 65th Republic Day Parade, 2014 The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the 65th Republic Day Parade 2014, in New Delhi on January 26, 2014.jpg
The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry marching contingent of the 11th Battalion passes through the Rajpath during the 65th Republic Day Parade, 2014
BattalionRaising DateNicknameRemarksReferences
1st Battalion15 April 1948Sher-E-Kashmir, First
2nd Battalion15 April 1948 Sherwani PaltanRaised in Srinagar by Lieutenant Colonel Amar Singh from a core group of volunteers of National Home Guards from the Anantnag and Baramulla districts. [19]
3rd Battalion18 May 1948 [20]
4th Battalion
5th Battalion1 September 1995Ashok Chakra Paltan [21]
6th Battalion1 August 1996
7th Battalion1952Now 1st Battalion, Ladakh Scouts. [22]
8th Battalion18 December 1947Bravest of the braveRaised as First Battalion, Border Scouts in Poonch. Designated 8 Jammu and Kashmir Militia on 15 April 1948. Re-designated as 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry on 27 Apr 1976. Theatre honour J & K 1971, Battle honours Laleali and Picquet 707. Distinguished unit to have produced recipients of both the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. [23]
9th BattalionTheatre honour J & K 1971, battle honour Shingo River Valley.
10th BattalionRe-raised 28 September 1984Towering Tenth
11th Battalion17 May 1948Raised by Lieutenant Colonel Kapil Dev Pachnanda at Moti Mahal, Poonch by assorting the sub-units of the erstwhile Poonch Scouts. Theatre honour J & K 1971, battle honour Gutrain. [24]
12nd Battalion15 April 1948Raised at Hamirpur Sidhar from the Jammu and Border Defence Scouts by Lieutenant Colonel Bhag Singh MC . Theatre honour Kargil 1999 and Battle honour Batalik.
13th Battalion1948 [25]
14th Battalion1959Now 2nd Battalion, Ladakh Scouts. [22]
15th Battalion15 March 1997
16th Battalion1997Solah [26]
17th Battalion1 March 2003 [27]
129 Infantry Battalion (TA) (Ecological)Located at Samba.
161 Infantry Battalion (TA) (H&H)Located at Baramulla. [28]
162 Infantry Battalion (TA) (H&H)Ashok Chakra PaltanLocated at Srinagar. [29]
Rashtriya Rifles

Distinctions

The regiment getting its colours from the President Mr KR Narayanan The President of India, Shri K R Narayanan presenting the colors to JAKLI Regiment at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on Oct 09, 1998.jpg
The regiment getting its colours from the President Mr KR Narayanan

Battle Honours

Gallantry Awards

Though one of the younger infantry units of the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry is considered to be one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, having received one Param Vir Chakra and three Ashok Chakra. Two of the most decorated soldiers are Naib Subedar Chuni Lal of the 8 JAK LI, who was decorated with Sena Medal (Gallantry), Vir Chakra and finally with Ashoka Chakra posthumously, and Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani who was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry twice, before being posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. [4]

The following personnel of the JAK LI, have received the highest honours for gallantry. The symbol 'ϯ' indicates that the decoration was awarded posthumously.

Param Vir Chakra
Ashoka Chakra
Maha Vir Chakra
Kirti Chakra
Vir Chakra
  • Subedar Parma Nand,11 J&K Militia, 1948 [37]
  • Lance Naik Gian Singh, 11 J&K Militia, 1948 [37]
  • Jemadar Bhagwan Dass, 14 J&K Militia, 1948 [52]
  • Jemadar Hanas Raj, 9 J&K Militia, 1948ϯ [52]
  • Naik Shiv Ram, 8 J&K Militia, 1948 [52]
  • Lance Naik Gian Singh, 11 J&K Militia, 1948 [52]
  • Lieutenant Ujagar Singh Teje, 13 JAK LI, 1964 ϯ [53]
  • Havildar Balwant Singh, 8 JAK LI, 1987 [54]
  • Major Varinder Singh, 8 JAK LI, 1987 [55]
  • Second Lieutenant Rajiv Pandey, 8 JAK LI, 1987 ϯ [56]
  • Naib Subedar Lekh Raj, 8 JAK LI 1988 ϯ [57]
  • Subedar Bahadur Singh, 12 JAK LI, 1999 ϯ [58]
  • Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan, 12 JAK LI, 1999 ϯ [59]
  • Captain Amol Kalia, 12 JAK LI, 1999 ϯ [60]
  • Havildar Satish Chander, 12 JAK LI, 1999 [61]
  • Major Manoj M Deshpande, 8 JAK LI, 2000 [62]
  • Havildar Chuni Lal, 8 JAK LI, 2000 [34]
  • Rifleman Sunil Kumar, 4 JAK LI, 2025 [63]
Shaurya Chakra
  • Major Mehar Singh Dahiya, 3 JAK LI, 1985 [64]
  • Rifleman Mohd Safeer Khan, 12 JAK LI, 1993 ϯ [65]
  • Major Bal Raj Sharma, 90 AR / 10 JAK LI, 1996 [66]
  • Major Rohit Sharma, 8 JAK LI, 1998 ϯ [67]
  • Major Manish Mishra, 5 JAK LI, 1999 [68]
  • Rifleman Mohammed Mushtaq, 6 JAK LI, 1999 [69]
  • Subedar Nain Singh, 4 JAK LI, 2001 ϯ [70]
  • Rifleman Mohammed Ajaz, 5 JAK LI, 2001 ϯ [71]
  • Major Balraj Singh Sohi, 5 JAK LI, 2002 [72]
  • Rifleman Javid Ahmad Khanday, 10 JAK LI/46 RR, 2004 [73]
  • Rifleman Zahid Abass Mir, 5 JAK LI, 2006 ϯ [74]
  • Rifleman Riyas Ahmad Bhat, 16 JAK LI/35 RR, 2006 [75]
  • Havildar Abrahim, 2 JAK LI/47 RR, 2006 [76]
  • Lance Naik Subash Chander, 10 JAK LI, 2008 ϯ [77]
  • Rifleman Mohd Abdul Amieen Bhat, 13 JAK LI/57 RR, 2009 ϯ [78]
  • Rifleman Suraj Prakash, 8 JAK LI/10 RR, 2010 ϯ [79]
  • Rifleman Aurangzab, 4 JAK LI/44 RR, 2018 ϯ [80]
  • Lance Naik Badher Hussain, 4 JAK LI, 2018 [81]
  • Rifleman Shive Kumar, 15 JAK LI/31 RR, 2019 ϯ [82]
  • Naik Naresh Kumar, 12 JAK LI/42 RR, 2020 ϯ [83]

President's Standard

The President, Mr K. R. Narayanan, presented the colours to the regiment at its regimental centre on 9 October 1998. [84]

Affiliations

The regiment was affiliated with INS Ganga till her decommissioning in March 2018. In April 2018, the regiment was affiliated with INS Kochi, a stealth guided-missile destroyer and 51 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, which is based in Srinagar. [85] The regiment was affiliated with 223 Squadron (Tridents) of Indian Air Force, based in Srinagar on 26 September 2023. [86]

See also

References

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  2. 1 2 "Jammu And Kashmir Light Infantry: Soldiers Par Excellence". 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  3. 1 2 Gaylor, John (1992). Sons of John Company: The Indian and Pakistan Armies 1903–1991. Stroud: Spellmount Publishers Ltd. p. 289. ISBN   978-0-946771-98-1.
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  44. "Havildar Saroop Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  45. "Subedar Sansar Chand" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  46. "Brigadier Manjit Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  47. "Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  48. "Major Pradeep R Tathawade" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  49. "Lieutenant Natarajan Parthiban" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
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  53. "Lieutenant Ujagar Singh Teje" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  54. "Havildar Balwant Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  55. "Major Varinder Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  56. "Second Lieutenant Rajiv Pandey" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  57. "Naib Subedar Lekh Raj" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  58. "Subedar Bahadur Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  59. "Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  60. "Captain Amol Kalia" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  61. "Havildar Satish Chander" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  62. "Major Manoj M Deshpande" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
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  64. "Major Mehar Singh Dahiya" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  65. "Rifleman Mohd Safeer Khan" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  66. "Balraj Sharma SC" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  67. "Major Rohit Sharma" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  68. "Major Manish Mishra" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  69. "Rifleman Mohammed Mushtaq" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  70. "Subedar Nain Singh" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  71. "Rifleman Mohammed Ajaz" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  72. "Major Balraj Singh Sohi" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  73. "Rifleman Javid Ahmad Khanday" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  74. "Rifleman Zahid Abass Mir" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  75. "Rifleman Riyas Ahmad Bhat" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  76. "Havildar Abrahim" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  77. "Lance Naik Subash Chander" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  78. "Rifleman Mohd Abdul Amieen Bhat" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  79. "Rifleman Suraj Prakash" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  80. "Rifleman Aurangzab" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  81. "Lance Naik Badher Hussain" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  82. "Rifleman Shive Kumar" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  83. "Naik Naresh Kumar" . Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  84. "President presents Colours to J&KLI". 1998-10-10. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  85. "Army's JAK LI regiment affiliated with INS Kochi and IAF's 51st Squadron". 2018-04-15. Retrieved 2025-10-16.
  86. "Affiliation ceremony". 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2025-10-16.