Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas came from the small, tight-knit village of Kamila in the Utterbehni area of Samba district, Jammu & Kashmir—a place where the air carries a sense of resilience and pride. This region, nestled close to the borders, has long been home to people who understand the meaning of courage and patriotism. Born into a simple family that held honor and duty in high regard, he was the son of Shri Chagatar Singh, a retired Sub-Inspector of Police who had spent years serving the community.

Growing up, Mukesh shared his home with two sisters and a younger brother, surrounded by a household that valued hard work and staying true to one’s principles. From his early days, it was clear that Mukesh was different—he had a spark of determination in his eyes and a heart full of responsibility. Those who knew him as a boy in the village often saw how he carried himself with a quiet strength, traits that would one day lead him to become a soldier.

School was where Mukesh first started dreaming big. He walked the dusty paths of Kamila to attend classes, soaking in lessons that fueled his growing admiration for the Indian Armed Forces. Stories of soldiers’ bravery stirred something deep within him, planting the seed of a dream to wear the uniform himself. He wasn’t just a dreamer, though—he worked hard, especially in science subjects, knowing that a good education would help him reach his goal.

Friends from those days remember how he’d talk about serving the nation, his voice steady with conviction. That resolve pushed him forward, and after years of effort, he earned his place in the Indian Army. Mukesh was assigned to the 9 Punjab Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, a unit with a long, proud history as one of the oldest and most honored infantry groups in the country. It was the start of a journey that would test his courage and define his legacy.

IED Blast-Akhnoor Sector (J&K): 11 Feb 2025

By 2025, Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas had become a vital part of the 9 Punjab Battalion, stationed in the tense Akhnoor sector of Jammu & Kashmir. This area, sitting right along the Line of Control (LoC), was no stranger to danger. Its closeness to the border made it a hotspot for trouble—ceasefire violations, sneaky infiltration attempts, and clashes stirred up by Pakistani forces and their Border Action Team (BAT) were all too common.

The soldiers here, including Mukesh, had to stay sharp every single day. Their job wasn’t easy—they carried out constant "reconnaissance and surveillance" missions, walking through rugged hills and valleys to stop enemies from crossing over. The 9 Punjab team knew the stakes were high. Militants often slipped through under the cover of shelling or bad weather, making every patrol a game of vigilance and grit.

On February 11, 2025, the day started like many others, but it wouldn’t end that way. Word came through from intelligence sources hinting at possible terrorist activity near Laleali, a spot in the Akhnoor sector that demanded quick action. The situation was serious, and the 9 Punjab didn’t waste a moment. A "Reconnaissance and Surveillance" team was sent out to check the area and keep it secure. Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas was right there among them, his courage and sense of duty shining as bright as ever.

Around 3:50 PM, the team was moving carefully along the barbed wire fence that marks the LoC—a line that separates nations and often lives. Then, out of nowhere, a deafening blast tore through the silence. A hidden Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted by enemy hands, had gone off. The explosion hit hard, gravely wounding Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi, Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas, and another soldier, leaving them exposed and in chaos.

The force of that blast was merciless. By the time the dust settled, Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas and Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi were gone, their lives taken in an instant while another comrade clung to life with severe injuries. The nation had lost two brave souls who stood tall against danger to protect its borders. For Mukesh, the tragedy cut even deeper. He was just months away from a new beginning—his wedding was set for April 8, 2025, with all the joy of traditional rituals planned out.

His family back in Kamila had been buzzing with excitement, picturing the celebrations ahead. Now, instead of laughter and music, their home was filled with sorrow, the dreams of his fiancée and loved ones shattered by his sudden loss. As the surviving soldiers tried to pull themselves together after the blast, the enemy wasn’t done—they opened fire, turning the scene into a fierce fight. Even hurt and shaken, the Indian troops fought back with everything they had. Soon, more forces rushed to the spot, setting up a cordon-and-search operation to hunt down the attackers.

Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas left behind his father, Shri Chagatar Singh, his mother, two sisters, and a younger brother who also serves in the Indian Army—a family forever marked by his sacrifice. Born in Samba District, Jammu & Kashmir, he rose to the rank of Naik in the 9 Punjab unit of the Punjab Regiment. His service in counter-insurgency and internal security operations ended in martyrdom on February 11, 2025. His story is one of honor, bravery, and a life given for the country he loved.