From Militancy to Miracles: The 16 RR Transformation Story

RR — just hearing this name brings fear into the hearts of terrorists, and hope into the lives of the people. Known as the world’s finest Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) force, the Rashtriya Rifles is not only famous for its exceptional operations but also for its humanitarian work. Be it Operation Sadbhavana, Operation Megh Rahat, Operation MAA, or Operation Sarp Vinash, RR has always been at the forefront — not just in fighting terror, but also in helping people.

Among many proud battalions of the Rashtriya Rifles, 16 RR stands out for its strong Code of Conduct. Stationed in the Surankote area of District Poonch — the very region which, in the 90s, had more militancy than even the Kashmir Valley — 16 RR brought a new ray of hope through Operation Hill Kaka. This was the same area where Operation Sarp Vinash began. Today, when one tries to understand the values and code of 16 RR, the area itself tells the story of their unmatched dedication.

After spending time studying 16 RR and visiting their Area of Responsibility (AOR), I was truly confused — not because of a lack of content, but because there was so much to write about. Should I write about their high-altitude operations in the Pir Panjal ranges? Or about how they have won people’s hearts? Should I write about how they promote education in the region, or about how they provide medical aid? Or should I write about how they’ve become the last ray of hope for so many?

The more I learned, the more I was amazed. But above all, I was curious to know:

To find out, I met the Company Commander of 16 RR’s Town Company. My very first question to him was,
Sir, what exactly is the code of conduct of 16 RR?
He smiled gently and said,
Let’s first sit and have a cup of tea.

While sipping tea, he shared something deeply touching.
He said,
Our code of conduct… is this cup of tea.

He explained that wherever he goes during patrolling, he always tries to sit with the locals and share a cup of tea or water with them. Why?
Because it sends a silent but strong message:
I’ve had the salt of your home, and now I and my unit will always protect you. We will never do anything that harms you.

Hearing this, I was stunned. Just one cup of tea — and yet behind it, such a powerful message and deep connection. Through these small gestures, 16 RR is building relationships that are stronger than any weapon. I was truly inspired.

He added:
Our goal is not to spread fear. Our goal is to maintain peace while upholding the values of our Constitution — especially secularism. We want to be an example of unity in diversity.

While leaving the Town Company base, I saw a graveyard nearby. Out of curiosity, I asked the Company Commander about it.
He said with calm dignity:
This is where we have respectfully buried the militants we neutralized during operations.

Once again, I was taken aback — not just by the act, but by the message behind it. Even in battle, human dignity is never forgotten by 16 RR.

When I asked the Company Commander,
Sir, they were terrorists… then why give them a respectful burial here?
He looked at me calmly and replied with words I will never forget:

As long as they were alive, they were being misled by the evil within — they were walking on the wrong path. For the safety of our people, we had no choice but to eliminate them. But once they are no longer alive, our fight with them ends. We have no hatred toward a dead person. That’s why we buried them with full respect.

He continued:
We never had a personal issue with them. We never wanted to kill them. What we wanted to defeat was the evil inside them. We did what we had to… not because we hated them, but because we deeply love the people standing behind us — our own civilians. We fought to protect them.

16 Rashtriya Rifles has earned a very special place in the hearts of the people. I once saw the Commanding Officer (CO) of 16 RR during an event, and what truly touched me was how he personally greeted every individual there — shaking hands and warmly embracing them. His humble behavior clearly showed how deeply he is connected with the people on the ground.

From elderly men to young children — everyone knew him with respect and love. When I spoke to some locals about the CO and the 2IC (Second-in-Command), they all had the same heartfelt words:
May Allah bless them with a long life. They are such kind and genuine people. When they meet us, it feels like our own sons are visiting us.

Seeing such love and respect for the 16 RR team moved me deeply.

In their Area of Responsibility (AOR), 16 RR also runs an Army School, where children from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and needy families are given completely free education, including books and all other essentials. They’re not just offering schooling — they’re building futures.

What’s most inspiring is how the Code of Conduct of 16 RR reaches from the highest mountain peaks to the smallest villages. Every single home knows and respects the officers, especially the CO. People often say,
If our region is peaceful today, it’s because of the brave soldiers of 16 RR.

The philosophy of 16 RR is clear and powerful:
To truly end terrorism, we must first change the mindset that gives birth to it.

They have served the people in every possible way — whether it’s organizing large medical camps, sports tournaments, or simply being there when people need them. They’ve always stood in front — not just as soldiers, but as guardians of hope.

Surankote — once a region that saw more militancy than even Kashmir — has today become a symbol of secularism and patriotism. This transformation didn’t happen overnight; it was built step by step, with trust, love, and continuous efforts by 16 RR.

Their belief is simple but profound:
Education is the key that can change the world.

And through that key, 16 RR is unlocking a brighter, safer, and united future for the people of Surankote.

16 Rashtriya Rifles is a proud unit of the Sikh Regiment, and it follows the values laid down by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji with complete respect and dedication. When I got a chance to understand 16 RR more closely, I spoke to several soldiers. What I discovered left me truly inspired.

The Code of Conduct followed by 16 RR is not just about discipline and duty — it is rooted in three powerful teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which they follow from the heart:

1. “Nivan Su Akhar” — Humility is the Greatest Wisdom

The first teaching they follow is humility — the art of letting go of ego. According to them, when we get into arguments, it’s not about winning or losing. Sometimes, the real strength lies in stepping back with a smile and ending the conflict with grace. Ego has no place in their code. For them, humility is not weakness — it is wisdom.

2. “Khavan Gunn” — The Power of Forgiveness

The second core value is forgiveness. 16 RR believes that if someone makes a mistake or goes astray, we should forgive them. Everyone makes mistakes, but if we truly want to reach someone’s heart, we must learn to forgive. Forgiveness brings peace — both within and around us. This belief reflects in every action of 16 RR’s team.

3. “Jebha Manniya Mant” — Speak with Kindness

The third teaching they live by is the power of words. They believe our tongue holds great strength — it can heal or hurt. That’s why they always try to speak kindly, even when someone speaks harshly to them. Responding with love and respect is a sign of true strength. For 16 RR, the way we talk to people defines who we are.

The entire 16 RR team believes that these three principles are not just part of their unit, but are part of the larger values of the entire Indian Army. These values are what make our Army special — filled with soldiers who not only fight for the nation but also earn love and respect from every citizen.

The Commanding Officer of 16 RR once said,
With love and compassion, we can achieve anything.

And truly, through their humanitarian efforts, pure intentions, and noble conduct, 16 RR has won countless hearts in the Surankote region.

In this region, which was once affected deeply by terrorism, 16 RR did not fight with weapons alone — they fought terrorism by changing hearts, building trust, and living by their honest and noble Code of Conduct.

Today, not just Surankote, but the entire nation appreciates and respects the values of 16 Rashtriya Rifles — a force that stands for not only strength, but for peace, humanity, and humility.

Jai hind