Muniappan

Biography

Muniappan hailed from Bangalore district in Karnataka. He was the son of Shri Appavu and Smt Panjasaaram. He joined the Indian Army at the age of 19 and was recruited on 31st December 1985 into the Army Service Corps (ASC). By 1996, he had completed around nine years of service and was deputed to serve with the 16 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, deployed in Kohima, Nagaland for counter-insurgency operations. On 22nd May 1996, based on specific intelligence inputs, the 16 RR planned a counter-insurgency operation. During the operation, the team established contact with militants and came under heavy fire. Muniappan displayed exceptional bravery, advancing towards enemy positions despite the risk. He was struck by a gunshot in the chest and sustained severe injuries. He laid down his life at the age of 30, making the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.