Jammu And Kashmir Light Infantry: Soldiers Par Excellence
On October 22, 1947, the Pakistan army commenced 'Operation Gulmarg' – a covert military operation to seize Jammu and Kashmir in the garb of a tribal invasion. For this purpose, the Pakistan army used Pashtun tribals from the North West Frontier Province to create a force of 20 'lashkars' (irregular militias), each with 1,000 fighters armed by the Pakistan army. This invasion force was commanded by Pakistan army regulars who too had disguised themselves as tribals.
Despite doing their best, the state forces of the then kingdom of J&K could not hold back the numerically far superior invasion force led by regular army men with combat experience of World War II. Since newly independent India lacked the capability to undertake timely airlifting the requisite force level to evict this invasion, a decision was taken in New Delhi to raise militias from volunteer locals to resist the invasion till the adequate buildup of forces.
Though the locals who joined these militias had no previous exposure to military training, they were a motivated lot and their performance was so impressive that after the ceasefire they were retained as a para military force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Born of the Soil, Defender of the Nation
Every JKLI soldier begins his journey from the valleys, villages, and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. He is a son of the soil, shaped by the hardships of the region and forged by a spirit of service that is unmatched. This background makes him uniquely suited for both conventional warfare and complex counter-insurgency operations in some of the most difficult terrains.
J&K Militia took part in both the Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 as well 1971, and the award of three battle honours in each of these wars speaks volumes about the extraordinary display of valour and sacrifice of its rank and file. In fact, considering its awe inspiring battle performance, J&K Militia was incorporated into the India army as a regular regiment in 1972 and designated JAK LI.
Refusing to rest on past laurels, JAK LI units have exhibited extraordinary valour, and the award of one Param Vir Chakra and three Ashoka Chakras (which are India's highest gallantry award during war and in peace respectively) besides several other medals for bravery bears testimony to this regiment's continuing quest for excellence.
An Inspiration to Generations
A JKLI soldier is not just a role model for youth in Jammu and Kashmir — he is an inspiration to the entire nation. His dedication reminds us that true patriotism is not loud, but lived — through action, sacrifice, and service. He represents the best of India: unity in diversity, service over self, and strength with humility.
Performance in Counter Terrorism Operations
The performance of JAK LI battalions in counter terrorist operations in J&K has been phenomenal. This regiment has the rare honour of having won three Ashoka Chakras as well as several other gallantry awards during anti-terrorist operations. Such a rich haul of awards has come at a very heavy price that the rank and file of JAK LI battalions have paid with their lives and blood.
Unity in Diversity
The JAK LI regiment draws its rank and file from J&K irrespective of the religion to which the soldiers belong and this epitomises the Indian army's secular credentials. Soldiers of JAK LI may belong to different faiths but in the true traditions of the Indian army, they eat, sleep and stay together like a band of brothers. When duty calls, they put the nation first and fight as a cohesive team, often putting their own lives in danger to save their comrades.
Conclusion
Like their predecessors who after seeing Pakistani tribals pillage Kashmir in 1947 volunteered to save their homeland from invasion, the soldiers of JAK LI are imbued with the same determination to protect their people from the proxy war being waged in J&K by its evil intentioned Eastern neighbour. This it has ensured with consummate dedication and perhaps this can explain the award of the prestigious Ashoka Chakra thrice for displaying most conspicuous gallantry in counter terrorist operations in J&K.
The JAK LI Regiment is indeed the nation's pride!
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First Published:
July 15, 2025, 14:24 IST
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