Jammu & Kashmir Rifles 

The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF), better known as “Fateh Shibji”, is a unique Indian Regiment raised in 1821, not by the British but by the Indian ruler Gulab Singh. The Jammu & Kashmir State Forces was the only former Princely State Forces of India to be absorbed into the Indian Army as a distinct and separate Regiment. The state forces fought as Imperial Service troops in both the First and Second World Wars (under their own native officers). They distinguished themselves in East Africa, Palestine and Burma.

However, the regiment's grimmest hour came during the Pakistani invasion of Kashmir in 1947. It was their heroic stand that gained time for the entry of the Indian Army and thus saved the Kashmir Valley. It may not be out of place to mention that the Indian people largely owe the State of Jammu & Kashmir to the heroic defensive stand made by the outnumbered and ill-equipped, but highly motivated, J&K State Force. They paid a steep price in blood and sacrificed over 76 officers, 31 JCOs and 1085 Other Ranks. For their gallant stand they earned three Maha Vir Chakra, 20 Vir Chakras and 52 Mentioned in Despatches. In 1963, the designation was changed to Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. After the conversion, the Ladakh Scouts came under the aegis of the Regiment, where it remained until raised as a separate Regiment in 2002.

The Chief of Army Staff made a special instant award of "Unit Citation" to 13th Battalion, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles for their exceptionally gallant and sterling performance during the battles of Hump (Tololing Ridge) on night 15/16 June, Point 5140 on night 19/20 June and Point 4875 on night 04/05 July 1999. The overall performance of the battalion during Operation "VIJAY" was exceptional and marked with exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy.

So far, the regiment has won 2 Param Vir Chakras, 1 Padma Bushan, 2 Ashok Chakras, 3 Param Vishist Seva Medals, 6 Maha Vir Chakras, 11 Kirti Chakras, 4 Ati Vishist Seva Medals, 34 Vir Chakras, 21 Shaurya Chakras, 1 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 97 Sena Medals, 2 Yudh Seva Medals, 31 Vishist Seva Medals, 52 Mentioned-in-Despatches, 243 COAS Commendation Cards and 101 Army Commanders Commendation Cards.

The Battalions:

• 1st Battalion
• 2nd Battalion
• 3rd Battalion
• 4th Battalion
• 5th Battalion
• 6th Battalion
• 7th Battalion
• 8th Battalion
• 9th Battalion
• 10th Battalion
• 11th Battalion
• 12th Battalion
• 13th Battalion
• 14th Battalion
• 15th Battalion
• 17th Battalion
• 18th Battalion
• 19th Battalion
• 20th Battalion
  
  
• 16th Battalion is now 14 Mech. Inf.