An interview featuring Kirti Chakra awardee Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram, the Tamil Nadu soldier who continued fighting terrorists despite suffering bullet injuries to his face and shoulder during a counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir, has gone viral on social media.
In the interview, Meenatchi Sundaram speaks about the transformation of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and credits the Indian government’s uncompromising counter-terrorism approach for significantly weakening terrorist networks operating in the region.
“Nowadays, if a new terrorist emerges in Kashmir, that individual cannot operate for even a year. The Indian government is that strict.”
The remarks have gained widespread attention online, with many users sharing the clip as an example of the confidence displayed by soldiers involved in India’s counter-terror operations.
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The Soldier Behind The Viral Statement
Meenatchi Sundaram hails from Theni district in Tamil Nadu and serves in the 34 Rashtriya Rifles, one of the Indian Army’s premier counter-insurgency formations operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
He recently came into the national spotlight after being awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, for exceptional bravery during a counter-terror operation in Kulgam district.
On 19 December 2024, security forces received intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in Kulgam. Personnel from the 34 Rashtriya Rifles launched an operation, leading to a fierce gun battle with heavily armed terrorists hiding in the area.
According to accounts of the encounter, terrorists opened intense fire on Indian troops, resulting in several soldiers sustaining injuries.
Shot In The Face And Shoulder, Yet Continued Fighting
During the encounter, Meenatchi Sundaram emerged as one of the key figures leading the operation. At one stage of the firefight, terrorists reportedly concentrated their attack on him and opened fire.
Bullets struck Meenatchi Sundaram in both his face and shoulder, leaving him severely wounded and with blurred vision.
Despite the serious injuries, he refused to withdraw from the operation.
Realising that allowing the terrorists to escape could pose a serious threat to national security, he continued fighting while bleeding from his wounds. He encouraged fellow soldiers to press ahead with the assault and continued firing at the terrorists despite his condition.
His actions are credited with helping neutralise multiple terrorists and preventing them from escaping. The soldier’s courage also boosted the morale of fellow personnel who were battling under heavy fire.
Military accounts of the encounter note that his determination under extreme circumstances played a crucial role in the success of the operation and helped save the lives of fellow soldiers.
President Murmu Conferred Kirti Chakra
In recognition of his exceptional courage, devotion to duty and leadership under fire, Meenatchi Sundaram was awarded the Kirti Chakra.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in New Delhi earlier this month.
The honour is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award and is conferred for acts of conspicuous bravery, valour and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
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