Lt Triveni Singh

Lt Triveni SinghScreen heroes may rekindle memories of the 1999 Kargil War, but Indian Army officer Lieutenant Triveni Singh became a real life hero when he gunned down two terrorists in direct combat. The young soldier's raw courage averted what could have been a bloodbath at Jammu Railway Station on January 2. After accomplishing his duty, the brave officer laid down his life. "I am proud of our young officer Lieutenant Triveni Singh, who braved firing and grenade bursts to kill both the suicide group terrorists in the shortest-ever operation at the railway station," Rajinder Singh, general officer commanding, 26 Infantry Division, said in Jammu. Army sources said Singh, who headed the army's Quick Reaction Team posted at the station, spotted the two heavily armed Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorists forcing their way into the station in battle fatigues. Singh and his 'Ghatak Commandos' reached the spot within 10 minutes, cordoned off the station and employed the 'zigzag methodology' to arrive within close range of the terrorists, said a senior railway police officer who was at the scene. Singh took on the terrorists in a gunfight at close quarters. He faced indiscriminate firing and lobbing of grenades. He succeeded in killing one of them and took charge of the so far 'uncontrollable' situation, the official said. The first terrorist was killed near the bridge between the first and the second platforms, he added. The second terrorist lobbed a grenade at Singh while trying to escape but the seriously injured officer stood up and killed him before being shot in the head. "Task accomplished," Singh said and saluted the GOC before breathing his last. Rajinder Singh remembered the lieutenant, who was commissioned in the 5 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in 2001, as a "brave and sharp boy". Seven people were killed and 15 were injured in the attack. The exchange of fire between the two sides continued for almost two and a half hours. Army sources said the other fatalities occurred as the terrorists fired indiscriminately while trying to get away. They said they had recovered a huge cache of AK-47 magazines and grenades from the terrorists, both suspected to be Pakistani nationals. The lieutenant's body has been taken by land to his hometown Pathankot in Punjab, where he will be given a funeral with full military honours. Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri (9 Para SF)- Op Sarp Vinash The government has conferred the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, which is the equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, on a 21-year-old army commando who died participating in Operation Sarp Vinash in Jammu and Kashmir this year. Sanjog Chhetri of the prestigious 9 Para Commando was part of a team tasked for the initial operations on terrorist locations in Surankot area of Rajouri sector on April 22. "The commandos, while approaching the terrorists' hideout, drew extremely heavy automatic fire. Sensing grave danger to his comrades Sanjog assaulted the cave, lobbing grenades and firing from the hip and killing one terrorist. In the intense fire he suffered gunshot wound to the right shoulder, but unmindful of his physical condition he pressed on with the assault and killed a second terrorist. He, however, fell at the entrance of the cave. The terrorists had inflicted multiple gunshot wounds to Sanjog," the army said in a statement "Paratrooper Sanjog Chhetri, in one last act of supreme valour, drew his commando knife and charged into the hideout, killing one more terrorist in hand-to-hand combat before finally succumbing to his wounds." Inspired by his supreme sacrifice, his comrades killed 13 terrorists that night and captured a Pakistan-trained terrorist. Chhetri was born on the Republic Day (January 26) of 1982 in Sikkim. A resident of South Sikkim district's Namchi tehsil, he lost his father when he was very young and he and his sister Sangeeta were adopted by their father's elder brother. He joined the army in March 2001 and was later selected to the exclusive 9 Para (Special Forces), which has been constantly in action in J&K since the beginning of militancy there in the late 80s. The unit has also seen action in Sri Lanka [ Images ] as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in the late 80s. The elite unit has so far won an unprecedented three Ashok Chakras. Captain A S Jasrotia posthumously won the Ashoka Chakra in 1996 and Major Sudhir Kumar in 2000 when he took on a big group of terrorists in Rajawar jungles in Kupwara district of J&K. The 9 Para is the only battalion to have won the army chief's unit citation three times. It was also labelled the 'Bravest of the Brave' for its valiant efforts to retake the entire Zulu ridge in Mushko valley during Kargil operations. The 9 Para is one of the four special forces in the army and is specially tasked for mountain operations. The unit traditionally operates between Akhnoor and Poonch areas in J&K. It was this unit that held the Munawar Tawi Line against a Pakistani armoured thrust in Chamb sector in 1971, for the first time donning the role of a regular frontline unit to stem the Pakistani attack. This year the unit has won one Shaurya Chakra and 10 Sena medals. Major Mangerira Vinod Muthanna (5 Sikh LI/RR) Major Vinod Muthanna, a native of Madikeri and attached to the 5th Sikh Light Infantry unit positioned at Khanbal in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir died a heroes‘ death and true to the characteristic valour of military officers from Kodagu. The Army base is situated on both sides of the Srinagar-Leh Highway at Khanbal and due to its remoteness was always under threat of being attacked by militants. Hence, the army personnel were on a constant alert and used to conduct security drills throughout the day, guarding the vital installations and civilian population around the camp. On January 12 last, at about 6 pm, when the soldiers were about to have their dinner, a Maruti van barged into the camp with four militants in it. The intruders were firing indiscriminately from AK 47 assault rifles, rocket launchers and hurling grenades to give the impression that a large number of them had broken into the camp. As the soldiers returned fire and stopped the vehicle, one of the militant was fatally hit and died on the spot. Another, who was wounded, fled and two of them managed to slip into the barracks. Major Vinod Muthanna, who was leading the counter attack on militants finding that the militant fire had subsided, informed his Commanding Officer about the incident and informed him that two of the militants were suspected to have entered the camp. The CO instructed a thorough search of the camp and apprehension of the intruders. Accordingly, the entire camp was cordoned off and a search began. During the search operations it was found that the militants were holed up in a two storey building at the other side of the road. The building had only one entrance with a staircase leading to the first floor. Two jawans entered the building and were fired upon by the militants. Both the soldiers were injured and Major Muthanna, who was the third to enter the building fired at the militants. He gave covering fire till both of the wounded jawans retreated into safety outside the building. In the process, Major Vinod Muthanna was hit by a bullet on his lower right hip and grievously injured when a grenade, hurled by the militants, exploded on the right side of his face. He however, managed to kill one of the militants before falling unconscious. The time was around 1.30 am that fatal night and already seven hours had gone by with the encounter continuing. The Army then employed controlled blasting of the building with the intention of saving Major Muthanna. At that time, they did not know that Muthanna was fatally injured. Moreover, the two wounded jawans, in their dazed state, had informed their colleagues that "Major saab theek hain". This later proved to be wrong. As the building was being blasted, the lone surviving militant showed a desire to surrender. When questioned by the army, he confessed that he was part of a suicide squad sent in by the militant outfit, Lashkar-e-Toiba and was a native of Lahore in Pakistan. However, during the interrogation, he once again started firing from inside the building and was killed in return fire by the army fire. The Army personnel entered the building at around 3.30 am and found that Major Vinod Muthanna had already succumbed to his injuries. They also found that the dead militant was holding fast to a grenade in his hand with the pin removed so that when the army personnel attempt to remove it from his grasp, a few more of them would be killed in the blast. Lt Hari Singh Bisht (11 GR) Hari Singh Bisht of 11 Gorkha Rifles showed undaunting courage, valour and in the highest tradition of the Indian Army made supreme sacrifice in Bhimer Gali sector while fighting with terrorist. Lieutenant Hari Singh Bisht eliminated the most dreaded terrorist Abu Ahad Divisional Commander Rajouri and Poonch of HUJI organisation in a closely fought gunfight. The above terrorist was also involved in firing at Harni Police Station and killing innocent people at Harni. It was also reported that the he had physically abused the womenfolk at gunpoint, locals in and around the neighbouring area heaved a sign of relief on his elimination. Lieutenant Hari Singh Bisht was the son of the soil and with illustrious Army background, he was the second generation to be in the Indian Army. His father is a Honorary Captain also from the Army. Lieutenant Hari Singh Bisht was born in December 1974 and commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1999. The young officer had dynamic personality and an outstanding sportsman and was liked by all for his tremendous sense of humour. A touching and emotional wreath laying ceremony and last tributes were paid at 150 General Hospital with full military honours to the departed officer. A large number of senior Army officers and civil dignitaries were present. The mortal remains of the officer were sent to Jammu and will be flown by Indian Airlines to his hometown Lucknow. Arun khetarpal: On 16 December 1971, the Squadron Commander of ‗B‘ Squadron, the Poona Horse asked for reinforcement as the Pakistani Armour which was superior in strength, counter attacked at Jarpal, in the Shakargarh Sector. On hearing this transmission, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was in ‗A‘ Squadron, voluntarily moved along with his troop, to assist the other squadron. En route, while crossing the Basantar River, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and his troop came under fire from enemy strong points and RCL gun nests that were still holding out. Time was at a premium and as critical situation was developing in the ‗B‘ Squadron sector, Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, threw caution to the winds and started attacking the impending enemy strong points by literally charging them, overrunning the defence works with his tanks and capturing the enemy infantry and weapon crew at pistol point. In commander of his troop was killed. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal continued to attack relentlessly until all enemy opposition was overcome and he broke through towards the ‗B‘ Squadron position, just in time to see the enemy tanks pulling back after their initial probing attack on this squadron. He was so carried away by the wild enthusiasm of battle and the impetus of his own headlong dash that he started chasing the withdrawing tanks and even managed to shoot and destroy one. Soon thereafter, the enemy reformed with a squadron of armour for a second attack and this time they selected the sector held by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and two other tanks as the points for their main effort. A fierce tank fight ensured ten enemy tanks were hit and destroyed of which Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was severely wounded. He was asked to abandon his tank but he realised that the enemy though badly decimated was continuing to advance in his sector of responsibility and if he abandoned his tank the enemy would break through, he gallantly fought on and destroyed another enemy tank, At this stage his tank received a second hit which resulted in the death of this gallant officer. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was dead but he had, by his intrepid valour saved the day; the enemy was denied the breakthrough he was so desperately seeking. Not one enemy tank got through. Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal had shown the best qualities of leadership, tenacity of purpose and the will to close in with the enemy. This was an act of courage and selfsacrifice far beyond the call of duty. Brigadier Khawja Mohammad Naser to Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal :"It is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I was to live and he was to die." In spite of his critical injuries and profuse bleeding the officer in the highest traditions of theIndian Army.62 mm universal machine gun with one box cylindrical magazine. Mean while another militant from the adjacent house opened fire indiscriminately at Major IS Babbar and his buddy. In this unparalleled act of raw courage the officer killed two hardcore ULFA militants and succeeded in destroying the ULFA hideout. one rifle AK 56 with three magazine. Major IS Babbar in a rare display of inspired bravery and personal courage laid down his life fighting the militants in the service of the nation. Major Inderjeet Singh Babbar (14 Field regiment) The troops of Red Horns Division deployed in Darrang district had a spectacular success on 17 June 2003 in smashing an ULFA temporary transit hideout at village Neogpara five kilometers north east of Deomornai in Darrang district. Based on specific information about the presence of ULFA militants in Neogpara village the troops of Red Horns Division carried out seek and destroy operation under Major IS Babbar on 17 June 2003.When an enemy cherishes such a high regard of someone then must confess This kind of man comes once in a million i guess. large quantity of medicines and four rucksacks with personal belongings. The party Commander Major IS Babbar in a swift offensive action charged into one of the houses from where the hiding militants opened fire. In this ensuing encounter the officer sustained grievous injuries in his abdomen and shot dead one ULFA militant. On search of the area Army recovered one 7. . 290 live rounds. The third militant who tried to flee while firing on own troops was also injured by Major IS Babbar and later shot dead by one of the stops. At about 1130 hours. 109 rounds of fired cases. one Chinese grenade. At about 1100 hours the stops were placed on the escape routes and the search party under the officer approached the village to search the specific house. as the search party approached the specific house the party suddenly came under heavy automatic fire from the house. refused to be evacuated and continued to systematically destroy the militant hideout. The dead militants were identified as self styled lieutenant Ajit Saikia Alias Kausher Ali and Bhairab Deka. three detonators with safety fuse. undaunted and in complete disregard to his personal safety the officer continued to engage the militant and killed the second militant. G S Suri‘s last day valour: ―During this action while fighting the enemy. he got a burst in his left arm in the process. he continued to inspire his men. A gun. thus. He then lobbed two handgrenades into a bunker and entered inside spraying bullets and killed one enemy soldier. mother Surjit Kaur. When Capt. On Monday. Suri. Captain Gurjinder Singh Suri immediately deployed his support group to take care of any reinforcement/interference and set out to clear the enemy bunkers. Captain Gurjinder Singh Suri and his gallant men had killed 17 Pakistan soldiers. Captain Gurjinder Singh Suri.200 ft in Gulmarg sector of Jammu and Kashmir on November 9. skits. Tej Pal Singh. one by one. the officer was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and was critically wounded. the third Martyrdom Day of Capt. ―Unmindful of his injury. all roads seemed to lead to the Captain Suri Park on Captain Suri Road in Shastri Nagar Colony of Ghaziabad when people from all walks of life streamed into the park to garland the bust of Ghaziabad‘s brave hero. He refused to be evacuated and continued to exhort his men till he breathed his last. a World War II veteran. Captain Surinder Singh S uri. said: ―On November 9. Mahavir Chakra. Suri. At this point.‖ This is what the citation of Mahavir Chakra awarded to him. 1999 .Captain Gurjinder Singh Suri (12 Bihar) . Col. But before making the supreme sacrifice. a medium machinegun and two rocket launchers were snatched from enemy troops.‖ While the people eulogised the bravery of the late Capt. . in Independence Da y Gallantry Awards in 2000. enemy launched an attack on our post which was successfully repulsed. grandfather. Captain Suri had attained martyrdom by sacrificing his life in the defence of the country at Faulad post situated at a height of 11. ―Capt. But before that seventeen Pakistani soldiers were killed and 14 bankers destroyed. 2000. Some thought-provoking speeches and poems. were also recited by eminent poets. patriotic songs and mono-actings were presented by the students of various Ghaziabad schools who had worked hard to prepare the programme. had recorded Capt. He killed two enemy soldiers with his AK rifle and silenced the machinegun. Suri saw that one comrade was seriously injured. G S Chandel. However. to clear the bunker. This is how his commanding officer. high in poetic and patriotic values. Suri displayed extraordinary leadership. inspired by which the Ghataks (platoon) fell upon the enemy with vengeance and annihilated them.Op Rakshak On November 9. displayed conspicuous bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Captain Suri was the lone recipient of the nation‘s second highest decoration for gallantry. he quickly moved on with his buddy. Captain G S Suri received wounds from a direct RPG and succumbed to his wounds. his parents Col. and daughters. Captain Mandeep Singh (4 RR / 49 AD Regt) . was cremated with full military honours here today. laid wreaths on the body of the martyr. Known as "Harry" to his friends. Rajwinder Kaur. in an emotion-choked voice. Major Sudhir Kumar (9 Para SF) Even though life continues normally in the little slate-roofed mud house in the tiny village of Banuri. Mandeep Singh. Gulgul and Bani. besides his parents and two younger brothers. committed soldier staring at you. ―G S simply performed his duty as a soldier towards his motherland. besides other senior army officer. there are so . belt and beret of an Army officer. the immaculate uniform. JCO'S and jawans. yet it can never be the same again for those living there. He was body builder who had taken part in competitions of Mr Punjab and Mr Jalandhar during his college days. and other relatives heard all this with moist eyes.People from different walks of life lined the 2 km route from the captain's residence at Civil Lines to the Model Town cremation ground to pay their last respect to the soldier who died fighting militants.‖ said his grandfather Subedar Gurbaksh Singh.K. Along with the portrait and laminated blow-ups of the young officer. near Palampur. His father. Brig Surjit Singh. hangs on the wall. Grover. but she was sure to miss her loving father on her birthday.Op Rakshak JALANDHAR. Vajra Corps. lit the pyre and army bugglers sounded the last post. was too innocent to know what had hit her. Leaders cutting across political lines paid tributes to the martyr. and alongside you see the face of an earnest young. Sub-Area Commander. Aug 8 — Capt Mandeep Singh of 49 Armoured Division Regiment. Brig P. his daughter whose birthday falls next month. Rashtriya Rifles. A student of DAV College and Khalsa College. was presently attached with 4. Mr Kanwaljit Singh. In a dimly-lit small room.A contingent of Army personnel reversed the arms and then saluted the brave soldier by firing a volley of shots into the air. here 30-year-old Mandeep Singh is survived by his wife. Davinderdeep Singh and Inderdeep Singh.subedar Gurbaksh Singh. Mrs Ravinder Kaur. was seen being consoled by women who thronged the cremation ground. Gulgul. who was killed in Kupwara area of Jammu and Kashmir on August 6 in counter insurgency when terrorists stormed an Army camp of 4 Rashtriya Rifles. His mother. UNI adds: Commissioned in 49 Armoured Division in 1991. 1988. he was posted as the ADC to Army Chief. Malik. High Altitude Medal and Sainya Medal for Jammu and Kashmir in 1992. There was no looking back after this as he was decorated with service medals one after the other. "It was on the night of August 27 that he gave us a call to say that he would be reaching home after two days.Gen V. Initially. in Kargil. that he died fighting insurgents in the Kupwara sector of the trouble-torn state of Jammu and Kashmir. that he could see his dreams coming true. as he talks about his valiant son. younger brother of Major Sudhir. He was also an expert in the use of explosives and could easily decode the wireless messages of the militants. in Jammu and Kashmir. he had mastered Persian and Sindhi. who jumped back into a large covered hideout in a depression. Having added another feather to his cap. Siachen Glacier Medal. Major Sudhir studied uptil Class V in the government school in the village itself. which included being sent on special secret missions to Pakistan. It was after being selected in the Sainik School at Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district. He was entrusted with important tasks. There is pride in the moist eyes of Subedar Rulia Ram. His stint in Sri Lanka — as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) — saw him emerge as an expert in guerrilla warfare. Major Sudhir went back to counter-insurgency operations. Born on May 24. from December 1997 to June 1999. 1968. but was unable to spot them. He had a flair for languages." she says. "It was not without reason that bhai was chosen for these difficult jobs. "Even as a small child his only aim in life was to join the Army and achieve something great. barely four metres away. he was commissioned on June 11. In that he qualified as an instructor with honours. He immediately killed the nearest sentry and charged towards the second. but to all those who loved and respected him. but in a coffin. after having done the course in protective services of VIP security and combat terrorism on military installations. Ashoka Chakra. It was on August 29. which he did. Major Sudhir Kumar. he joined the 4 Jat Regiment. has been posthumously conferred. But later shifted to the elite 9 Para Commandos. last year. but to tread the path very few would dare to. After it was over.many other memories which the ageing couple in the house clings to." disclosed Arun. brought honour not only to his family. As he led a squad of five men in the area. It was not merely a fascination to adorn the olive green uniform. The endless list of decorations includes the Videsh Seva Medal and Special Services Medal in 1990. . on whom the highest peace time gallantary award. in Jodhpur. His desire to be in the thick of warfare saw him becoming part of Operation Vijay. 15 metres below. He got the Sena Medal and Bar Two Medal in 1994 and Clasp Suraksha to Special Service Medal and Wound Medal in 1996.P. The 31-year-old officer was killed in the dense forests of Haphruda in Kupwara. After passing out from the NDA in 1987. he heard disembodied voices." recounts his mother. He along with his buddy crawled uphill and on reaching the knoll saw two armed militants. Major Sudhir was selected for the International Officers Advance Course in the USA. but only after gunning down a few militants. his field of expertise. when a militant suddenly sprang up and fired two rounds in his stomach from point blank range. Arun(28 ). he continued boosting the morale of his soldiers. "I had personally requested the Chief Minister. is a forgotten man in his home state.Operation Rhino Goa salutes 36-year-old Lt Narendra Mayenkar. Mayenkar was an exceptionally gallant soldier. It is a matter of great regret that the martyr who is being revered by the entire nation. when he had come to our house. a student of BA-II. His colleagues always found him cheerful. He passed away holding his set. On February 26. who earned promotion by dint of hard work and dedication. unable to move. immediately after Sudhir‘s death. His younger sister. Despite being shot. he was hit on the face. Even five months after Major Sudhir sacrificed his life for the nation. P." Major Sudhir‘s younger brother. even in the face of danger and difficulties. was leading a search party between beyond Gauwahati. who died fighting for his motherland. Dhumal. Palampur. Hailing from Sada in Vasco. While no amount of help can compensate for the loss of Subedar Rulia Ram‘s son." rues Sub Rulia Ram. provided there is some help from the government. he continued to pass instructions to his troops on his radio set. 20 in number. in Government College. but they would not surrender despite being advised to do so. While he was searching each room cautiously. chest and arm and fell down. a brave Indian soldier. His very name terrified them and they had nicknamed him 'Marshal'. Major Sudhir charged at the hideout with only his buddy giving him covering fire. "Since there is not even a single earning member from my family. In this action. on February 26. in faraway Assam. had met with a serious car accident in 1992 and is unemployed. Mayenkar stormed the house all by himself. not to allow the militants to flee. bleeding profusely at the entrance of the hideout. in the hand. Lt Narendra Mayenkar (11 Sikh). It was only after 35 minutes. Bleeding profusely. Lt Mayenkar. the militants. when fire stopped that he allowed his evacuation. too. They located the house in which they militants had holed up. and killed two militants in a face to face encounter. Major Sudhir singlehandedly grappled with them and firing from a distance of two metres. he called up his troop commanders on the radio set. asking his men to give him covering fire. the state government has not bothered to consider the bereaved father‘s request for a job for his other son and daughter. to give a government job to my son or daughter. killed four militants. Although. a part of 'Operation Rhino'. not a single person from the state government has payed his family a visit. The entire Army . is willing to do a job. Large crowds gathered to pay homage to this gallant Goan officer at Vasco. So. Asha. let alone offer help. rushed out in an attempt to flee.Without any hesitation. He had already excelled himself at the tough task of tackling the ULFA militants in Assam.K.Taken aback. of the Bengal Engineer Group. Says his patriotic father. The body has been kept at the Air Force Command Hospital mortuary. before one of the militants died. is the eldest in the family of two brothers and two sisters. a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) brought his body to the city. Major Mohan Gangadharan (Bengal Engineer Group. "I am proud of my son for laying his life fighting for the country.Operation Rhino For 75-year-old ex-servicemen Col K G Gangadharan it is a proud moment that his soldierson died a hero's death serving the country but for a father loss of a son brings untold grief. Renjini. who had studied at Vasco Municipal School. He was to have come to Bangalore in about ten days to take his family along. . Bangalore. Atmaram Mayenkar. while the funeral pyre was being lit. He leaves behind his grief-stricken wife Neha and his two-year-old daughter Nidi. He always stood first at the Bengal Engineering Centre at Rourkee." Bangalore-based MEG Centre's Major R Premachandran said. However. 59 Engineer Regt). said Col P Madhavan.On that fateful day. among the three. a shot from his bullet hit Mohan's chest and it was instant death for him. was killed in an encounter with the ULFA militants on Tuesday. a swimming champion and a coach. his centre would perform the last rites complete with military honours. Mohan had flagged down three men on a motorcycle when the pillion rider opened fire with an AK-47. Bangalore's Major Mohan Gangadharan (38 ). is employed in the State Bank of India.Mohan's co-brother. as the Bengal regiment did not have its centre in Bangalore. The Major's bullets killed two of the militants on the spot. He had got into the Army on a direct recruitment through the Indian Military Academy. Mohan had married P G Nair's daughter.top brass was their to pay their respects to their courageous colleague. who would have also been a military man but for his health. Ignoring the injury. Mohan was a topper all through his life. He was hit by a bullet on his hand. One of Mohan's elder brothers Lt Col Keshav Gangadharan is at Jhansi while another one. "My daughter was living with him in Rourkee until he got transferred to Assam border. Besides being a champion basketball player. The third militant managed to escape. 59 engineering regiment. he was the best sharpshooter of the regiment in the Army. Says a grieving Nair." Narendra. stationed at Naugong in Assam. the Major retaliated with his gun. and had a two-year-old daughter Nayanthara. The buglers sounded the last post and self-loading rifles roared in the air to salute the martyr of the country. Mohan's military family at Benson Town in the city has accepted his death bravely. On Thursday evening. Their father recollects. Capt R. The militants fired at him.Op Rakshak PUNE. Subramanian was the Troop Commander leading one of the columns. on June 18 during operations in Haphruda forest of Kupwara district in Kashmir valley. He was totally selfless and always gave his best. Subramanian belonged to First Para (SF) at present somewhere in Western Command. Capt Subramanian kept the pressure on the militants. Maj Pradeep R Tathawade (8 J&K LI) . He had performed exceedingly well in operations against militants in the North-East.30 p. Capt Subramanian charged at the militants. Quickly analysing the situation. Ramchandran and Mrs Subha Lakshmi at Goregaon. his troops came under fire from a group of 10-15 foreign militants. By his singularly gallant action he killed three foreign militants and saved the lives of his men. The ensuing fight continued into the night. The next morning three militants from a commanding position brought down effective fire on his troop.m. R Subramanian (1 Para SF) . As a result of his bold action his troops managed to extricate themselves from the ambush zone and also engaged the enemy. JUNE 19: It was on a sultry morning that the mortal remains of Major Pradeep R Tathawade was consigned to flames at a solemn ceremony held at the Vaikunth crematorium here today morning. This did not deter the valiant officer who unflinchingly continued to charge at them. A veteran of many operations in the past till the last fateful encounter on Saturday. His motto and selfless thoughts in life can be understood by the quotation he told to his friend before going for the operation: "You have never lived till you have almost died".Op Rakshak NAHAN. Capt Subramanian was evacuated from the area immediately in a helicopter but he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. His indomitable courage and steadfast valour led to the elimination of nine hardcore foreign militants. Capt R. Capt R. He closed in on the militants and killed three of them. He received more injuries in the process in the face and head. Poonch district in Jammu last Saturday. 1976. Maj Tathawade was killed in action against militants in Shahpur village. Born on August 12. June 27 — Tributes were paid to martyr Capt R.Capt. firing from his weapons. The bold and daring action and the supreme sacrifice made by him was in the highest tradition of the Indian Army. According to information available here. Subramanian. to Mr S. Subramanian was a zealous officer throughout his short service. injuring him in the neck and shoulders. his funeral procession started from his residence and was mobbed by scores of people who . At around 6. Capt Subramanian moved his troops over adverse and tough terrain and engaged the militants in a fight. Realising the tremendous danger to the life of his men. who laid down his life for the nation while fighting foreign militants in Kupwara districts on June 18. Milind. "The Major killed three militants in the operation before he succumbed to his injuries. Maj Sean O'Brien. performed the last rites along with the Major's one-year-old son Sagar. July 30: Displaying undaunting courage and valour of the highest order. The funeral arrangements were made by the Pune sub area and Maj Gen B K Bopanna laid a wreath on behalf of the GOC-in-C. Surrounding the hut where the militants where holed up they asked the militants to surrender. According to Maj O'Brien. When they refused the Army opened fire to flush out the militants. the place had been cleaned and washed in the early hours by the men of the Pune sub-area. Born in Kendur Pabal village of Shirur Taluka in Pune district. 'He rolled to the ground with the militant who got up and shot Maj Tathawade at point-blank range. ``It was then that Maj Tathawade saw two militants trying to break away. the unit received a tip off on Friday about a group of militants holed up in Shahpur village. Southern Command. He died due to excessive bleeding and his body was flown to Pune in the early hours of Monday.flocked the place. who is from the same unit.'' said Maj O'Brien. Maj Tathawade's elder brother.'' says Maj Tathawade's colleague. killed three dreaded terrorists of HUJI before attaining the supreme . Lt Ravinder Chhikara. Lt Ravinder Singh Chhikara ( 6 Grenadiers) -Op Rakshak RAJOURI. Maj Tathawde. Maj Tathawade did his schooling at Satara Military school before joining the National Defence Academy. Later when the remaining militants were killed they rushed the Major to a field ambulance unit but it was too late.'' Although shot in the stomach and thigh he managed to kill the third militant. Pune sub area commander. He was commissioned into the 8 JAKLI on June 1984. He had also done a stint on the Siachen glacier. warning his people to stay back till the militants were killed or captured. "He ensured the safety of his men even though he was injured he refused to be evacuated. By then he was bleeding profusely but continued to direct the operation. The procession took a circuitous route and passed through Sambhaji bridge via Karve road before arriving at the crematorium. Maj Tathawade charged the two militants and gunned them down when suddenly another attacked from behind. the 8 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) and accompanied the body to Pune. With the Army taking elaborate measures to honour a slain brother in uniform. who was the officiating commanding officer of the unit immediately moved to the area with his men. These militants were suspected to be from a group known as the HOJI. Maj Tathawade was a veteran of several operations and had killed five militants from the Hizbul-ul-Mujahadeen in October last year. while Col G Ilangovan laid one on behalf of GOC-in--C Maharashtra and Gujarat area followed by a wreath by Brig Ashok Anand.'' remembers Maj O'Brien. 24. Lt Ravinder Chhikara is survived by his father Mr Rattan Singh. With the gap closing in . Showing utmost courage. under the cover of LMG fire the officer displaying utmost dedication to his duty sweeped into the room with a volley of bullets from his A K 47 Rifle and shot dead one terrorist who was in the process of firing his RPG.sacrifices in an encounter with foreign mercenaries near village Naili Kadoka in Manjakote area of Rajouri district on July 19. The terrorist was taken by surprise with the clever move of the Officer. the fleeing terrorists suddenly took cover of a boulder and started firing at the party headed by Lt Chhikara. After receiving the information about the presence of few terrorists in village Naili a joint operation was launched by Ghatak PI under Lt Chhikara with troops of 16 Sikh on July 19. This courageous officer was so entangled by the love of his mother land that despite the grievous wound he had suffered he entered into a hand to hand fight with the third terrorist and fired a long burst from his AK 47 Rifle killing him also before attaining martyrdom. selfless devotion to duty and with total disregard to personnel safety this brave Indian Army Officer jumped behind another boulder and killed the terrorist also. However. The raw courage and swiftness shown by this Army Officer prevented the terrorists from encircling the party from behind. the terrorists opened volley of fire on the Party.selfless devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army and with total disregard to personnel safety chased the dreaded HUJI militant group to their finish. Not ready to let this fleeing opportunity to loose. in the process he suffered the grievous multiple bullet injuries in his chest from the third terrorist. Hailing from village Kheri Asra a small hamlet in Jhajjar Haryana Lt. Lt Chhikara who was moving closely behind the scouts quickly moved the house where from the fire had come. Without wasting any time. mother Mrs Kamli Devi and . Chhikara showed most courage. During this encounter a total of six foreign mercenaries including Jammu Region Area Commander of HUJI was also killed and huge quantity of arms and ammunition received. While chasing them he realised that his BPJ was hampering his impending task hence he threw it off and ran behind the terrorists like a roaring lion who were running up hill. The bold action by this young officer turned the situation in favour of security forces. Seeing the advancing Ghatak Party. Seeing their accomplice dead two more terrorists who were also inside the house returned fire and ran towards the hill under the cover of a nallah. The sacrifice given by this young officer who kept the traditions of Indian Army alive by laying down his life for this great nation will always be remembered. Lt Ravinder Chhikara along with his team immediately chased the fleeing terrorists. Men of 1 Para. The militants hurled five-six grenades and opened fire from all directions. At this point. Late tonight. the Army had halted the operation for the night.45 am. belonged to Shopian. the first assault party of the para commandos. This young officer while sacrificing his life for the nation took utmost care that no civilian should come in the cross firing in this deadly encounter and ensured their total safety before launching the offensive against the terrorists in the house they were hiding. were not taken by surprise when the paratroopers launched the first assault. a Special Operations Group officer of the J&K Police. Two militants had possibly escaped. Naik Selva Kumar. Captain Jass was missing. . dragged him inside a house and later killed him. At 4. The paratroopers retreated. There was chaos as several troopers were hit. The Army lost three men. trying to pull the injured among them to safety. sources said. local commander Bashaarat Saleem and Salahuddin of Lashkar who came from Pakistan to replace Abdullah Uni. Captain Devinder Singh Jass. Troops had blown up three houses with explosives.a younger brother who is doing engineering in Kurukshetra Engineering College. moved in to storm the house. Besides being devoted to his duty this dynamic officer had developed a good rapport with the people of the area and was enjoying their good will. The Army launched a massive operation late last night after receiving specific input about the presence of a group of HuM and Lashkar militants in a house in Chinkipora. 22 Rashtriya Rifles and the J&K Police headed for the area. Paratrooper Imtiyaz Ahmad Thokar 1 PARA (SF) Militants holed up in a congested Sopore neighbourhood today shot and injured an Army Captain. The militants. Sources said six militants. including Captain Devinder Singh Jass and paratrooper Imtiyaz Ahmad Thokar who. hoping to have killed three militants while one was said to be still alive. including top Harkat-ul-Mujahideen commander Nouman. Captain Jass and Thokar were shot when they tried to open the main door of a house where the militants were hiding. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told NDTV that the Captain was overpowered. led by Captain Jass. positioning themselves in several houses. throwing a tight cordon around the encounter area. A paratrooper from Shopian and a Naik were also killed in the fierce gunbattle that raged for 14 hours in Chinkipora in Sopore. were hiding in Chinkipora. and executed. incidentally. At the time of filing this report. taken inside the house along with his weapon. But the militants had already split into small groups. With the kind of money and job every teenager aspires for. told The Indian Express that the number of militants killed could only be ascertained after searching the area.‖ he said. hurling abuses. Ever since childhood. But fate. he was inducted into the 1 Parachute Regiment. 54 kilometres from Srinagar. after that he enrolled for a degree in computer engineering at IIIT. he was bitten by the army bug. were killed. On 23rd Feb 2010. But the militant said the officer had already been killed. including an officer. To gain time. But a militant answered. the militant was offered safe passage in exchange for Jass. he applied for the army but could not clear the test. He tried once again to get into the army and a few months before getting his MBA degree. ―A few top terrorists are believed to be injured-killed. IG. In a statement. While pursuing engineering. Mathura. Defence spokesman Lt Col J S Brar said the encounter in Chinkipora started in the wee hours in which three Army men. Ha completed his schooling from Guru Har Kishan Public School near India Gate. The body was eventually retrieved just before sundown. From there on he volunteered for the special forces and after three months of gruelling training. the two roads leading to the site were literally taken over by stone-pelters who were attacking vehicles all through the day.He then enrolled for MBA at GLA. who had guided the fidayeen during the Lal Chowk attack last month and HuM local commander and IED expert Bashaarat Saleem. Naik Selva Kumar and paratrooper Imtiyaz Ahmad Thoka of 1 Para. Farooq Ahmad. dialled Jass on his mobile phone. Sources said the militant told the officer that Captain Jass was with them. ―The deceased have been identified as Captain Devinder Singh Jass. Devinder Singh Jass an engineer 23 year old with a cushy job in a MNC at Deloitte and few months to his MBA degree was set for a comfortable life. He was posted in Kupwara. Allahabad.accompanying the Army.‖ He said paratrooper Imtiyaz was from Shopian district. had other ideas. While the fierce gunbattle was on. he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Parents of Captain Devinder Singh Jass are proud of the 26-year-old Army officer who was killed in a fierce encounter with Lashkar terrorists in Sopore on Tuesday.Just two days . Kashmir Range. 26-year-old Captain Jass along with Naik Selva Kumar and paratrooper Imtiyaz Ahmad Thokar died fighting terrorists in Sopore's Chinkipora area. Then began the difficult operation to retrieve the body of the officer while ensuring that the militants did not slip past the security cordon. Sources said the Army and police had information about the presence there of Nouman. as they call it. Our daughter is older and the son was younger. his father will be receiving the body on Thursday. Captain Devender singh Jass was full of courage. "Since childhood he was very passionate about joining the Indian Army. "Very few people get to do what they want in life. "I received a call from Srinagar that this has happened. The militants.The forces denied that there was ever a hostage situation saying the Army Captain had been killed immediately after he was taken captive by the militants.The Army Captain led his team close to the house. Captain Devinder Singh's father. He had also spoken to a friend of his on Monday before leaving for the operation to flush out terrorists hiding in a building in Chinkipora. Captain Jass's mother is sick and bedridden while his elder sister Harpreet is a professor of education at Jamia Millia University. however. The jawans were from Pulwama and Thanjavur. two Army jawans and five terrorists were also killed. When a fellow officer called on the Captain's phone to offer safe passage for his release. All we can say is that we have lost everything. That way. Apart from Captain Devinder Singh Jass. "He was so adamant to join the army that he took the entrance exam a second time and cleared it. "He had three months to go for the completion of his MBA programme when a private firm selected him through campus placement. He said he was very happy. "I am a believer in fate. It is believed that between four and six militants were hiding in three houses and firing at the forces." The last time his parents talked to him was on Saturday. he was lucky to have achieved what he wanted. The only son of Dalbir Kaur and Bhupinder Singh.before he died. Captain Jass was supposed to be home for Holi at their Mahagun Mansion in Indirapuram.Instead. the militants said: "We are ready to get killed. the other Armymen killed are Naik Selva Kumar and Paratrooper Imtiyaz Ahmad Thokar of 1 PARA.The gun battle began at about 5:30 am on Tuesday. were well-prepared for an assault. he had shot down five militants in Sopore." They also refused to release the Captain's body. in which two other soldiers have also lost their lives." he said. We've killed your Captain. only to be met by a rain of grenades. We have a daughter and a son but son is not there now. We left the choice to him." Bhupinder said philosophically. Sources say two militants had escaped after the initial shootout. All thee were from 1 Para SF ." Talking about his son. He was 26 years old. "He was never afraid of taking risks." said Bhupinder Singh." Bhupinder added. The captain killed belonged to Ghaziabad. If something has to happen. In an encounter that ended after nearly 15 hours of fierce gunbattle. A soft-spoken man. you can't prevent it. What can we say? We read that the encounter has ended now. He opted to become a para-commando and went for training with 1 Para in J& K. Bhupinder said. The police and the Army learnt about the militants hiding in a house and launched a joint operation. A jawan was killed and several troops were injured and the Captain was overpowered by militants and taken away into the house. Paratrooper Imtiyaz belongs to the Shupiyan district of Kashmir. Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir virtually trapped an elite special forces team and whisked away an Army Captain before killing him in Sopore on Tuesday. feels that the Punjab Government and the Chief Minister should at least honour Major Dada of the 11th Sikh Regiment of the Army's 21 Mountain Division. He said. May 4 — Raman Dada. too. The colonel has already lost his only son Capt Rajesh Dogra. over 150 Army officers and nearly 400 jawans were present along with a large gathering of city residents. fighting insurgents of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Biswanath Chariali reserve forest area in central Assam's Sonitar district. was killed on October 31. " says a shocked father. This village witnessed a daredevil action by soldiers of an elite Infantry Battalion on 13 April 99. Finding it a little difficult to speak Col Dogra said that both the deaths in his family were due to the political turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam. He looks at his young widowed daughter Anjani and says that though. 1998 at Poonch. only son of a doctor couple. Mr Ravi Dada. Dogra. "My son laid down his life on the border in Jammu and Kashmir and now my son-in-law has become a martyr". 11 Corps. He left for Assam on April 1. Dhruv. The funeral pyre was lit by Mr Vishnu Dada. Major Rohit Sharma (30). she would get the declared benefits by the Army. Karthikeyam. while 22-year-old Lt Sachin Khider of 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. died a soldier's death on May 2. Core Commander. Sadly. Raman Dada had spent the last one month with his family. in which three foreign mercenaries were eliminated. "But business did not interest him. 11 Corps. he married Anjani. who was killed while laying ambush in the Poonch sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Commissioned in 1991. Major Harminder Pal Singh (18 Grenadiers) The village of Sudarkut Bala is located approximately 40 km north of Srinagar in Baramula district of Kashmir Valley.Major Raman Dada (11 Sikh) - Op Rhino JALANDHAR. But I have become a victim of militancy losing my son and son-in-law in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. daughter of Retd Colonel H. 1998. younger brother of the deceased Lt General Kamal Davar. the Assam Government should give some help as her husband died fighting the militants there. who is confused by a large number of people in his house. Raman Dada (30) was educated here in Apee Jay School and did his bachelors degree in commerce from DAV College. son of a prominent business family here. Mr Ravi Dada. never to return alive. his passion was to become a soldier. Maj Gen R. "The Army is always called in to combat the militancy when civilian initiative fails. Chief of Staff. .S. died on June 17. while holding his one-and-half-year old grandson. He was cremated with full military honours. Major Raman Dada is the third Army casualty from here. boldly charged towards the side window of a room from where effective fire was being brought down on the search party. Maj HP Singh is survived by his wife with a three month old son. The commandoes surrounded the houses but they didn't know which house the militants were in. on 14 Apr 99 where he was cremated with honours reserved for the bravest. reached the locality by 1. Maj HP Singh had fearlessly led his column from upfront.m. His mortal remains. and the firing died down. the Major's buddy commando.At about 1 p. In the process. a modern-day Sikh warrior was living up to the Sikh military traditions in the Kashmir Valley. In this fire. setting a personal example for his command to emulate. and established a cordon around it. Their presence in the cluster of houses was confirmed by the visage of the villagers. Maj HP Singh sustained bullet injuries on his left arm. There can be no better example of the spirit of Service before Self . Harminder's commando platoon of 32 men surrounded 12 houses at 1 p. The 18 Grenadiers Major was shot through the temple by the third militant but not before he had gunned down two of them.'' recalls Havildar Vishnu Prasad. and his old father who has retired from the Army. has upheld the martial spirit of the Khalsa by his supreme sacrifice. continued to lead his troops from the front and eliminated two mercenaries before laying down his life. despite having suffered a grevious injuries. The third mercenary however. When the search party was approximately 40 metres from the suspected houses. were sent to his village.m. the 31-year-old 6 foot 2 inch lad from Kharar. while two other soldiers received splinter injuries from a rifle grenade fired by the mercenaries. and swiftly eliminated two mercenaries at point blank range. Soon after.30 p. When the nation is celeberating the tercentenary of the Khalsa Panth. The search party was now pinned down in the open. The mercenary tried to flee. Working swiftly on this tip off. in Sudarkut Bala. they commenced a search for the mercenaries. Maj HP Singh and his troops held their ground. and fire intensified.the motto of the Indian Army. information was received by the battalion that some Pakistani Inter Service Intelligence mercenaries were hiding in the congested locality of Khan Mohalla. . had been wounded in the left arm but had recovered to engage three militants armed with Kalashnikovs and grenades in an eyeball-toeyeball encounter in a remote North Kashmir village on April 13. ``The visibility was low because of a dust-storm. where Maj HP Singh. April 15: Even as lakhs of Sikhs were thronging Anandpur Sahib to revel in the spirit of the Khalsa on the occasion of the tercentenary of their birth. Realising the seriousness of the situation. The fire fight continued. SRINAGAR/KHARAR.m. draped in the tricolour. this brave soldier hailing from a village near Anandpur Sahib. the mercenaries opened heavy automatic fire. He made the supreme sacrifice of his life while fighting the Pak ISI sponsored proxy war and safe guarding the integrity of his motherland. Maj HP Singh with approximately 50 men under his command. He engaged the mercenary to the last till he succumbed to his injuries. Maj HP Singh sustained a gun shot wound on his temple. retaliated immediately. in spite of being injured. in the Khan mohalla after a tip-off about four Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants. and a fierce firefight ensued thereafter. Maj H P Singh. This brave son of the nation hailed from Mundi Kharar village in Ropar District of Punjab. and with utter disregard to personal safety. but was shot dead by the search party. Major Harminder Pal Singh. on 13 Apr 99. Harminder led the commando platoon of his battalion in what has been described as a ``dare-devil'' operation in a congested locality of Sadurkotbala village in Manasbal. the body of slain Major Sharma was brought home for his last rites in New Delhi on Monday morning. were among those present. Perhaps valour ran through his blood. . led by the Commanding Officer of Artillery Regiment. Chahal and Lieutenant Deepak Vector. too.'' Adds he: ``The Major's action is significant. Three other soldiers. who was killed in the Hafrada forest battling terrorists on Saturday. The Grenadiers revere the Major as a `sant-sipahi' and his loss makes even a tough Haryanvi Jat like Vishnu misty-eyed. Says Lt Gen Krishan Pal. Our morale used to shoot up because he was always in the forefront whenever there was any danger. It was a very difficult operation as the soldiers had to expose themselves in the built-up area to prevent collateral damage to civilian houses and life. The surviving militant pierced his temple with bullets.Harminder was in the lead. Sikh troops are amongst the most gallant and have repeatedly proven themselves..K. Sajiv. he opened fire at one of the militants who was poking his head out of the second floor window of the house. Major Sharma's elder brother Madhur remembers Mohit as a brilliant student and a boxing champion who was never afraid of danger. wrapped in the tricolour. V. He has upheld the spirit of Guru Gobind Singh by rising to fight the evil. Despite his injury. Major R. was cremated with full military honours at the Ram Bagh cremation grounds at Kharar this morning.S.'' he says. Pathak. Another one died when the wounded officer managed to lob a grenade through the ground-floor window with his right hand and followed it up with a burst. Commander. Major Sharma's will to fight for the country never faltered. ``Our welfare was uppermost in his mind. The encounter with terrorists in the forests near Kupwara started on March 20 and entered its third day on Monday. Major Mohit Sharma 1 PARA (SF) Major Mohit Sharma of the Parachute Regiment. 15 Corps: ``He was a brave man who led from the front. have been killed in the encounter while seven terrorists have been gunned down so far. ``He faltered and fell but recovered just enough to take cover behind a rock. is the first officer to be killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009. particularly in light of the Khalsa tercentenary. The AK burst took the militant's head and he came tumbling down.'' recalls Vishnu. Colonel of the Parachute Regiment. The Major's bullet-proof helmet slipped off when he was crawling to cut off the third militant's escape from the main entrance. V. This was a very. the militants opened fire with AK rifles through a ground floor window from a distance of 15 yards. He was one of the finest and a very brave officer. Even as the operation continues. "Major Mohit Sharma was already a Sena Medal gallantry winner. The Major's body." said Lieutenant General PC Katoch. Though he got shot in his leg in a military operation in 2004. The 31-year-old Major died fighting heavily-armed terrorists at Kupwara. Colonel Kulwant Singh. Then suddenly. He died at once. very difficult operation in which he participated and he made the supreme sacrifice. His father Harpal Singh also served the Indian Army and retired as a Captain.'' ``He was an officer who ate with his men and even played cards with them. Dalwinder Singh.'' says Grenadier Satpal. Five houses were searched without encountering the militants and Harminder and his five commandoes were approaching the next few through an alley. who was wounded in the back by a grenade blast. The bullets struck the Major in the left arm. Rajesh Anand. only to be brought back in a coffin. but was eventually shot down in an encounter that lasted till the early hours of the next morning. Capt Umang Bhardwaj ( ASC/7 Jat) The mortal remains of Capt Umang Bhardwaj were consigned to the flames with state honours at his native Gaudoli village near here last evening. wounding him in the chest and thigh. led an assault along with members of his team. No wonder that the family is devastated. Major Sharma leaves behind his wife. an emotion-choked Maj Rakesh Bhardwaj said that in a fullfledged conventional war. They raised anti-Pakistan slogans. Maj Rakesh Bhardwaj. who was commissioned as an officer about three years back. I will try and coach them to make sure that they join the army. the Indian forces were capable of overwhelming the Pakistani Army in a few days‘ time. According to an official of his 7 Jat Battalion. During the operation. left home after a brief holiday on Saturday. Significantly." Every year." said Madhur Sharma. Capt Bhardwaj hails from a family of ex-servicemen. after getting a tip-off that militants would try to sneak into the Valley around midnight of November 18. who is posted in the National Security Guard (NSG) contingent at Manesar. lit the funeral pyre. he did a Business and Management course from . the hero liquidated six of the militants on the spot. In the bloody encounter. "He died for the country. Capt Umang Bhardwaj. Representatives of the Chief of Army Staff. Capt Bhardwaj. His elder brother."I am unfortunate that i don't have a son. Maybe they want to join the army. a volley of bullets hit the captain. also an army officer and his parents. He was just 25. about 100 army soldiers are killed while battling insurgents. The seventh and the final militant of the group tried to play hide and seek. Capt Bhardwaj‘s father was a colonel when he took premature retirement. But the country was facing a low-intensity proxy war from across the border. As the funeral pyre was lit a grateful nation bid adieu to one of its bravest son. It was difficult to crush a menace like this once and for all. Several prominent residents of the city were present on the occasion. the Governor of Haryana and the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Capt Bhardwaj. I have two daughters.Their son made the supreme sacrifice on the night of November 18 while leading an operation against Pakistan-backed militants who were trying to infiltrate the Rajouri-Poonch sector near the Line of Control in the trouble-torn Jammu and Kashmir. Three of his team members are still in the hospital. Major Sharma's father RP Sharma with tears in his eyes simple said. I am proud of him. He succumbed on November 19. After the funeral last evening. A graduate from the University of Delhi. " My husband overcame pressure from his friends to become a militant and instead chose to join the Indian Army. She said that she now lives with her parents and does not want to be a burden for them any more. 1974. A small close knit family in the far eastern city of Shillong in Meghalaya is one amongst those families of these martyrs — it gave to the country a leader amongst men. True to its name. Proving daring unto death. Today he is gone. Meema. Defence Minister George Fernandes and Army Chief General N C Vij to help her in becoming a doctor..Wigan and Leigh in England. martyrised himself for the motherland. He was selected at the National Defence Academy at the age of 19.. who received from General Officer Commanding in-Chief (GOC-in-C)Northern Command." Meema said. ‗he‘ was born on March 7..." his widow 24-year-old Meema Begum said in Jammu. Captain Nongrum left behind ‗yesterday‘s beautiful moments‘ which are today's beautiful memories. who has a four-year-old daughter appealed to Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee." Dar hailed from Hawari hamlet in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir. but couldn‘t join due to his mother‘s resistance. Lt Gen Hari Prasad the Sena Medal awarded for gallantry to her deceased husband said:" I feel honoured and proud of my husband who died for his country. It gave to the country a dynamic officer when ‗he‘ was .. The mission accomplished.. when. The battle won. L Nk Mohammad Altaf Dar Lance Naik Mohammad Altaf Dar who achieved martyrdom while fighting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) terrorists had chosen to join the Indian Army in 1997 at a time when most of his friends were crossing the Line of Control (LoC) from his native border district of Kupwara to Pakistan to get trained in conducting terrorist activities. The ship is back to the home shores. a ‗Vijay‘ may have been achieved in the operation by the Indian forces in fighting with the enemy but not without the great sacrifices made by the soldiers. Meema. But where is the hero of the battle? — the daring captain who made it all possible by leading from the front. Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum (12 J&K LI) Op Vijay O captain. my captain. Alas! It is a sad irony that he is no more to witness this great hour — while his deeds are immortal his mortal remains lie on the deck of the ship. " I want the army to help me as I am part of the Army family. only for his mortal remains to land in Shillong draped in the Tri-colour exactly three months later i. As the front door opens. Clifford did his graduation from St. Kargil. you know immediately that he was one rare gem the country cannot forget. Even before enquiring about the address. Clifford rose to the occasion and returned to Shillong as an immortal warrior. 1999. It gave to the country a Captain who at the mere age of 25 fought on till the moment of martyrdom which came on July 2.commissioned into the Indian Army at the Officers Training Academy. It was in his final year at college in 1995 that he appeared for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams. A winding journey by bus upward the hill carries one to the ‗Alugodam‘ area of Shillong. After completion of his schooling from Don Bosco Technical School. Anthony‘s College in 1996. Dras and Siachen. The story of Guns ‘n‘ Roses. the article that draws your immediate attention is a used Bofors shell that Clifford had carried back home as a memento from his posting at Siachen. on July 7. a few smaller photographs — a couple of them taken of him while he was in training. Fresh flowers are now placed in thus hollow portion of its nozzle. All through he was posted in very difficult places like Leh. The honour of being an Army officer came with the summons for duty in operation Vijay. A wall poster can be seen next to his photograph. Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum of the 12 J&K Light Infantry had done all to be bestowed posthumously with Mahavir Chakra for his gallantry. Chennai on September 5. He went to face the Services Selection interview board in Bangalore on July 7. says that the date of 7th has been very significant in Clifford‘s life. one‘s eyes just get transfixed for a few moments on Captain Clifford‘s his life-size photograph in full uniform. Peter. It has a touching scenary and the line. . it was on April 7. Reminiscing about his son‘s life. another with the his whole family and yet another showing his parents unbuttoning the stars on his shoulder at the ‗pipping ceremony‘ on his passing out parade which was a glorious day merely a couple of years back. matched to the date. 1997. which was to end exactly three years later. your eyes are sure to fall on the huge posters and banners which simply tell how proud and moved this place is by the heroic deeds of one of the local boys.e. That was the start of a heroic journey from Shillong. But then. Mr. from where he also got his Diploma in Automobile Mechanics. They (the banners) act as a path-finder to one calm (and benumbed) house that now has almost become a shrine. Some idea of a flower vase! The combination may look bizarre but that‘s the story of a soldier for you. 1999. Few lighted incense sticks lie at the corner of the photograph. a manager in the Personal Banking Division of Laithumkhah Branch of SBI in Shillong. As your eyes meet his. The story of a martyr.. Clifford was a loving and bright boy from his early days. The story of Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum. 1996. that he left home for the last time. Apart from being born on March 7. There are a number of articles like citation and honours which he received at the termination of his brief career. Born as the second of the three sons of Keishing Peter and Saily Nongrum.. It carried him to the Officers Training Academy in Chennai from where he was commissioned and attached to the 12 J&K LI. Peter and Clifford ‗Babah‘ (elder brother). These old friends are now heart-broken. Peter slapped Clifford hard. quips Geoffrey. Narrating this incident. According to Geoffrey. it is no wonder that the caqll to serve the nation through the Armed Forces beckoned him. in death too he kept the prestige of hisu nit. to reading encyclopaedias to collect information about world affairs particularly the defence systems and their mode of operation and also meeting unknown Army personnel to gather information about the services and its modalities were clear indicators that young Clifford had an inclination towards joining the services. Mr. but be proud of him". Mr. be accommodative and helpful to all around him. who had kept the honour of the uniform. Captain Rao was killed in a fierce encounter with a group of militants and Pak regulars at the Line of Control in Uri on . In his brief career. He even knew most household jobs and helped his mother in cooking. He came face to face with death on many occasions. Keishing Geoffrey Nongrum seem to get transferred to another world as they narrate episode and incidents from Clifford‘s life. so we must not mourn. In another incident he rescued a colleague in Siachen who was hit by a bullet in the brain. says Geoffrey. When a number of ‗don‘t-do-it‘ please didn‘t work. the father himself starts weeping. In life Captain Omkar Nath Rao had made his battalion proud by volunteering to the most difficult assignments. He never wasted time and was always active. Peter never had to face any problem with his car nor take it to any mechanic while Clifford was in Shillong. Mr. In Mr. he single-handedly rescued 12 ill-fated people in the Northern Glacier. He had the quality to please. He bandaged the soldier‘s skull and carried him to safety on shoulders with enemy bullets whizzing past his ears. He received the Sena Medal for it. some still can‘t believe the fact. Clifford was very different from any average person. getting into the Army was written in his fate. While posted in Siachen. it was a goodbye to a friend and colleague. "I tell these friends that Clifford made the supreme sacrifice dauntlessly. Geoffrey was a friend of Clifford. Clifford had always played with fire.Op Rakshak BANGALORE: As the Marathas bid adieu to their young martyr with tearful eyes in Uri sector on Monday. Clifford used to say to Geoffrey after getting a break from his hard life. Clifford started crying bitterly. Mr. an end to a story of great valour. It was in his marriage that Clifford had last come to Shillong.. "It is a great feeling to lead a few days of civilian life like you". Peter speaks of a day when all the three sons having a joyride on his scooter. It used to always surprise elder brother Geoffrey that how Clifford got the time to indulge into so many activities and gain so much of knowledge.. From playing with lots of toy-guns in the childhood."Today‘s beautiful moments are tomorrow‘s beautiful memories" inscribed on it. Suddenly Clifford started jumping. Peter‘s opinion. Being so hard working and disciplined. Captain Omkarnath Rao (22 MLI) . It perfectly sums up the feelings of Clifford‘s family members now. His proud father shows releases and paper cuttings that profoundly relate the great courage and sheer will of the indomitable ‗Captain Saab‘. '' he said. who had dreamt of coming to her sasural at Alinganj with the husband during next holidays. A civilian porter was also killed when the patrol led by Captain Rao came under fire near Dardkote forward post. However.``In fact. died. It was only on March 9 that he was sent to the forward post. he was with us here in the unit headquarters getting to know the area. In the morning amidst sloganeering of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Capt Jitesh Amar Rahen. before laying his life. Being from a fauji family. Jitesh‘s uncle lit the pyre. bravery was in his sweat and blood. Major A P Kumar.'' a colleague said. the body was consigned to flames. The martyr‘s body was brought to the state capital on Sunday evening and was kept at the Command Hospital in the night. They always want to keep the heads of their nears and dears high''. an engineer in the irrigation department. A . this 26-year-old captain hailing from Bangalore had just three and half years of service. the young officers belonging to Army families have always the penchant for sacrifice." said Captain Rao's friend and colleague. The only son of a retired Army officer. had the misfortune of escorting his body from Srinagar to Lucknow . Captain Jitesh was 15th son of the city since Kargil conflict to make the supreme sacrifice while defending the borders. Captain Rao had joined the unit in Uri sector on March 4 after serving for six months in Siachen glacer. ``After joining on March 4. remembering Rao as a brave young officer. I thought now that he has come back to the unit we will have a good time again. Captain Jitesh Bhutani (31 CIU) LUCKNOW : Twenty-eight-year-old Captain Jitesh Bhutani of the Counter Intelligence Unit (CIU) attained martyrdom during an anti-insurgency operation on November 16 at Shupian near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir . "Officers get a peace posting after serving at the Siachen but this young captain preferred to join his parent unit. Jitesh‘s friends and family members said that destiny had always been cruel with him. Jitesh‘s wife Lina. Soldiers of the Kumaun Regiment sounded the last post and fired in the air to pay their homage. "He had just returned from Siachen. ``He always wanted his father to feel proud about him.'' said Brigadier R K Sharma. In fact we didn't even get time to talk. He was just two-year-old when his father. he killed a militant and a Pak armyman. Col G V Rao. Major A P Kumar said Captain Rao was still going through the familiarisation process of the unit area. With numb eyes. Thus he volunteered to the most difficult postings and missions. "Perhaps I had forgotten the inevitable in a soldiers life". His body was cremated with full military honours here at Bhainsakund on Monday.Sunday. holding candles. the coffin. Students of an upper primary school flanked the lane leading to Kurien's home. police and military officers came to lay wreaths and offer condolences. Brig Sham Mediratta on behalf of the Chief of Staff and Col Nilesh Kunwar on behalf of Sub Area Commander. mayor SC Rai and director Sainik Kalyan Brig.Only an year ago he had called the wife to stay with him in Srinagar .'' his grandfather K George Thayyil said in the true military spirit of a retired soldier. My boy died for his motherland. where she took up a teaching job. The Major's wife Mercy. G Sasi (administrative commandant) and Captain R A Jaiswal (representing the Southern Naval Command) saluted the Major who lost his life in a `fidayeen' attack at Kupwara. Uncle Dr SP Bhutani. Major Milton V Kurien (5 Sikh) Major Milton Kurien's final homecoming on Tuesday was a sombre. He met Lina and the two got married in 2001.year later. They hastily regained their composure as a stream of ministers. MLAs V D Satheesan. But a hero's family is generally denied the luxury of grieving. MLAs. mother Baby and sister Shalbi Mini. who so far had been waiting quietly. his mother also left to remarry. (Retd) RD Singh laid wreaths on the martyr‘s body to pay their respects. dignified affair. clad in their crispest whites. Maj Chandrashekhar laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks on the CIU. There can be no better death than this. Maj-Gen Utpal Bhattacharyya on behalf of the Central Command General Officer Commanding-inChief. complete with military honours. A huge throng of mourners watched as Tourism Minister K V Thomas. giving him both motherly affection and fatherly care. Birla Vidya Mandir in Nainital and then at the RIMC in Dehra Dun . . as befitting one who had died for his country. with residents wearing black badges and even public transport vehicles flying black flags. Col. raised the boy. R K Gupta (station commander.Governor Vishnukant Shastri. let out a cry of grief. Kochi). District Collector Gyanesh Kumar. Wreaths were also laid by chief secretary AP Singh on behalf of the chief minister. Thayyil had served in the erstwhile Royal Indian Artillery. At the Nedumbassery international airport. ``He was an armyman. draped in the national Tricolour. as the military cortege wended its way. Aluva SP Shamsuddin and DSP George Sebastian. M A Chandrasekharan and K Muhamadali. a retired medical officer. Jitesh‘s early schooling was at the City Montessori School and later at the La Martiniere Boys‘ College. was borne down from the aircraft by six Naval officers. Brig. Kashmir on Saturday morning. He qualified National Defence Academy entrance examinations and was commissioned in 1996 in 5 Armoured Corps and was last serving in 3 CIU. Aluva was in complete mourning. Anyone who joins the forces knows that he might one day be called to make the supreme sacrifice. The funeral was held with full military honours. Dehradun. watched the proceedings in bewilderment. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recalled in a statement that Maj Varghese had earned a promotion by displaying exemplary courage during the Kargil war. he doesn't comprehend anything. in June 1996. Major Lalson Varghese (14 RR) HYDERABAD April 28. the Major's four-and-a-half-year-old son. friends. The Major was later laid to rest at the St Sebastian's Church cemetery. The body was then interred at the Garrison cemetery at Trimulgherry. A funeral guard as well as a local NCC platoon stood in attention. He called up his wife on April 23 and told her of his plans of returning in September for their first wedding anniversary. He celebrated his birthday with the family on March 13 and left for Kashmir three days later. his mother Aleyamma. ``He's so young. colleagues and common folk bid a tearful farewell to Major Lalson Varghese of the Indian Army in Hyderabad on Monday afternoon. The coffin was brought to the New Life Assembly of God Church where the funeral service was conducted. Thomas Varghese. Maj Varghese was an outstanding officer and served in several posts. Maj Varghese did his schooling at the Ajmer Military School and passed out of the National Defence Academy in 1995. According to the army. A resident of Ramakrishnapuram in the Secunderabad Cantonment. and wife Nisha fought back their tears as they bid him goodbye. "A soldier has died for his country and I am proud to be his father. said. Lalson got married just seven months ago. He was on deputation to the 14th Rashtriya Rifles at the time of the Kargil war. He also won many sports medals. He was commissioned into the 42nd Regiment of the Indian Army after passing out of the Indian Military Academy. with Home Minister T Devender Goud representing the state government.'' said the boy's great grandfather." Lalson's brothers.A serpentine queue formed outside the pandal at NAD football grounds where the cortege halted for people to pay their last respects. The youngest of three brothers. But he was killed the next day. Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists killed the 29-year-old major in an ambush during the counter-insurgency Operation Rakshak at Sumblar village in the Bandipora region of the Kashmir valley on April 24. Achal. a retired army officer. 2003 Family. and excelled in several disciplines. The body was brought back from Kashmir on April 26. He also loved painting. Reverend Valson Varghese and Sabu Varghese. He had done the state . While jawans saluted the soldier by reversing their weapons and playing the last post three rounds of gunshots were fired by the jawans in honour of the officer. Even before the wounds could heal. Sunanda. . Captain Chavan was leading a patrol party when he observed a group of about five militants near Majhiari schooli Surankot tehsil.Op Rakshak Meerut. in the presence of hundreds of people who with tears in their eyes said goodbye to the brave soldier.and the country proud. was killed by terrorists hiding in the forest. March 15 The whole atmosphere here was charged with deep emotions as seven-year-old Abhijatya Sharma performed the last rites of his father. Major Amit Sharma (27 RR) . In the ensuing fight with other terrorists the officer sustained serious gunshot wounds and was evacuated to the military hospital in Surankot where he breathed his last in the early hours of March 13.Op Rakshak PUNE. Several senior Army officials also accompanied the gun carriage. Then the body was taken to the Surajkund cremation ground in a gun carriage. Central Command. the GOC. She had gone to Mahad to offer thanksgiving prayers when her son was commissioned as an officer. he said. Immediately. 2004. 21 Corps. yet another tragedy has hit the Chavan family. Western Command. Major Amit Sharma made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty combating terrorists in the dense jungles of Bafliaz in the Surankot tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir. Captain Nitin Chavan was in Pune to complete the last rites of his mother. Rajouri sector. At the cremation ground floral tributes were offered and wreaths laid on the body of the officer wrapped in a Tricolour. Bafliaz in Surankot is the area where Operation Sarp Vinash was carried out by the Indian armed forces some months back. the GOC. Around this time last year. Captain Chavan divided his party into two groups and chased the militants. Wreaths were also laid by the Colonel Commandant of 9 Horse and General Officer Commanding. Earlier. serving in 27 Rashtriya Rifles. Captain Nitin Chavan lost his life on Monday while flushing out Pakistan-sponsored militants in the Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir. SEPT 14: Tragedy continues to strike the Chavan family. Lt-Gen Aditya Singh. In a gun-battle on March 12 Major Amit Sharma. the body of the slain soldier arrived at his residence on Bank Street where his relatives and friends along with family members paid tributes to him. She lost her life in a road accident near Bhor Ghat before she could offer her prayers. Captain Nitin Chavan (115 Engr Regiment). Major Amit Sharma. Captain Chavan and Lance Naik Balwinder. Even though his father S Padmanabha Ayyar.'' an officer said. The last rites will beperformed at BEG Sapras on Thursday.'' Sundara Raman. when he was called up to take on an assignment in Rajouri sector fifteen days ago. Chavan had just completed an assignment in the Poonch sector a month ago. His uncle Sambhaji Chavan is with the paramilitary forces. A brilliant student. Dec 15. Major Padmanabha Sri Kumar (27 RR) . He joined the 142 Air Defence Regiment and was posted in Kota in Rajasthan.Around 1. he telephoned home to convey that all was well. His wife Annapoorna. But when one of his men was trapped and injured. A telegram arrived this morning informing the family that Nitin had died in action while fighting militants in the Rajouri sector. the major's brother-in-law said. ``He was very brave. had given birth to a son . The fact that Sri Kumar was their only son did not deter them. the young Sri Kumar was keen to join the Army. not once did they oppose him. Chavan is survived by his father Prakash Chavan and sister Smita. His mortal remains will arrive in Pune on Wednesday evening by the Delhi-Pune flight. Exhibiting raw courage. contact was established with the militants in a maize field and fierce fighting ensued for over an hour. Chavan completed his schooling at St Joseph's School in Khadki and went onto study in S P College when he was selected for the NDA in 1994. His father Prakash Chavan retired as a Havildar from the Bombay Engineer Group in 1988. ``The injured soldier survived. Sunanda Niwas. The area was soon cordoned by the reinforced troops and operations are still continuing. his radio operator closed in onto the maize field from where the fire was coming.45 pm. Nitin Chavan (23) always nursed an ambition to become an officer in the Indian Army.1997: Major Padmanabha Sri Kumar was killed in an encounter with militants in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Officers of the Air Defence Artillery spoke of his bravery. ``He killed seven dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen militants and walked out of the ambush unscathed. an official of the Employees State Insurance Corporation and his mother Parimala realised the implications of their son's decision.Op Rakshak NEW DELHI. a computer software engineer. Major Sri Kumar was seriously injured in the rescue attempt when a volley of enemy bullets hit his chest. Incidentally. But Major Sri Kumar made the supreme sacrifice of his life for the nation. He was about to pounce on the militants when the both of them fired at a close range resulting in multiple gun shot wounds to both the brave soldiers who died. He spent a month with his family at Tingrenagar at their new bungalow. On Sunday afternoon. Having graduated in science from Delhi University. he walked back into enemy fire with guns blazing all around him to rescue the injured soldier. Major Katoch belonged to a family associated with the Army. Himachal Pradesh. Delhi University and joined the Indian Military Academy where he was commissioned on December 11. He married Deepa on December 1. Two hardcore Pakistani militants identified as Yasin and Omar Sharief (code name). He did not want anybody to panic. Only when his son was born did Major Sri Kumar tell us that he was going back to Jammu and Kashmir. 1970. Major Sri Kumar knew he would be posted to Jammu and Kashmir but he did not tell us. who were coordinating the IED explosions in South Kashmir. after getting specific information about the presence of militants in the area the unit launched an operation to nab them. Major Ranbir Katoch born on June 26. Even before his son was born. affiliated to the Punjab Regiment. He graduated from Ramjas College. was killed while trying to save his men during a counter insurgency operations at Sungan village in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Saturday. Aug 24 — Major Ranbir Katoch of 7 Rashtriya Rifles. On August 21. devotion and bravery. Major Ranbir Katoch (7 RR) - Op Rakshak NEW DELHI.Op Rakshak . During the gun battle he got seriously injured but in a daring act of bravery he charged the militants and killed them.Realising the danger to his men he along with his party rushed to cut off and pin down the militants. At the airport where the family waited for the body of the hero to be flown in the officers who knew him spoke of his courage. He was promoted to the rank of Acting Major only 12 days before he made the supreme sacrifice. His father late Major PC Katoch was a Rajputana Rifles Officer.In the morning. The whole encounter lasted for more than three hours. Delhi Cantonment. His father-in-law Col B S Pathania is a retired EME officer and mother-in-law Col (Mrs) Pathania retired from the Army Medical Corps.only in November. A search party led by Major Katoch reached the location after a seven hour march over mountains in pitch darkness to maintain surprise. while searching the area his company column came under heavy automatic fire from universal machine gun (UMG) and AK-56 rifles. Originally the family belongs to Bhullana village in Palampur. During the encounter the gallant officer unmindful of his personal safety engaged the militants with heavy fire.'' Raman said. He was on deputation to 7 Rashtriya Rifles (Punjab) since December 1998.He was so respected and renowned for his bravery that the Commanding Officer of the Rashtriya Rifles gave him special leave to attend his son's first birthday. 1998. Captain Arun Singh Jasrotia (9 Para SF) . did his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya. They reside at NOIDA. not to Kota. The family resides in Hari Nagar. 1993 in the Air Defence Regiment. were also killed and a large quantity of weapons and ammunitions recovered. "It is an annual trip that Baba (saint) makes and now he has returned. soul lives on at Indian army outpost NATHU LA. the nation‘s highest gallantry award during peace-time. The army built a memorial on the spot and today proudly maintains the shrine visited by thousands of pilgrims each summer. a regimental officer claimed that Singh appeared to him. before a bullet ended his life. Capt Arun Jasrotia displayed grit and courage as he led his troops in a raid on a militant camp on September 15. 1995 where nearly 20 foreign mercenaries were holed up in the Lolab Valley. Accompanied by luggage. the Sikh soldier drowned in a stream in 1968 while accompanying a mule column along the border in the Himalayan mountain state of Sikkim. revealing where his body was buried under snow. Today an honorary captain after several posthumous promotions. However. India (AFP) .Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment reported back for duty this week at this Indo-Chinese border outpost. Old soldier never died. Despite multiple injuries. In fact. it could be the last year for the spiritual homecoming as Singh was due to retire from the army in 2005. has been awarded to two brave paratroopers—Capt Arun Jasrotia and Maj Sudhir Kumar Walia in 1996 and 2000 respectively. he pressed on with the assault and accounted for a number of militants. 9 Para (SF) Battalion. has been awarded the singular honour "Bravest of the Brave" by the Chief of the Army Staff in 2001. . Arun led the assault culminating in a fierce hand-to-hand fight. Finding his men in a disadvantageous position under rocket and rifle fire. the departed soul is taking a holiday back home courtesy of a first class train ticket paid for by the Indian army's 17th Mountain Division. 26 years after he died.Ashok Chakra." said an army captain on Wednesday. to which they belonged. Years later. 500-foot (4. India and China exchanged artillery fire at Nathu La in August 1967. Rathore added." he explained at the 14.‘ Accordingly Brig Rajinder Singh proceeded towards Muzaffrabad with a small Force of Hundred men. in fact an Independent Country. (Posthumous) the Saviour of Kashmir. Singh is also credited with healing powers and revered as a saint by soldiers and locals alike at the chilly outpost of Nathu La. The Mountain Division worships the soldier and continues to pay his monthly wages of 2. "Both civilians and troops believe that it is his spirit that has ensured a ceasefire between Indian and Chinese forces here. A military vehicle also ferries the spirit from his post to the railway station. The army even sends a soldier to escort the Baba on furlough."Already there is a crowd of devotees at his temple here. In the modest officer's mess near the shrine. five years after the border war which gave the Indian army a bloody nose." another officer said. After inflicting heavy casualties on the invaders numbering 6. a stuffed chair is reserved for the dead man. "Baba's return is special for soldiers and civilians alike.000 at Garhi he decided to blow Uri bridge and delay the Pakistani forces to enable Maharaja Hari Singh to carry out Accession Parleys so that Indian Army could move in to ultimately save the State . Brig Rajinder Singh: The Saviour of Kashmir Come October and we remember Brig Rajinder Singh. A reversed gun mounted on cement stands as his memorial outside the temple maintained by a team of junior commissioned officers. He was born on 14th June 1899 at Village Baguna (now Rajinder Pura) and Commissioned on 14th June 1921. he became Brig in May 1942 and took over as Chief of Staff J and K State Forces from Maj Gen H L Scot on 24th Sep 1947 when the State was.400-metre) high Nathu La pass where India and China fought a bloody battle in 1962.500 rupees (50 dollars) to his parents in the northern town of Kapurthala. When Pakistan attacked Kashmir on 22th Oct 1947 and Maharaja Hari Singh was informed about the fall of Mazaffrabad. one of six Indian-held passes in the northeastern state. while living colleagues have to make do with plastic chairs." following Monday's ceremonial resumption of duty. The escort stands beside an empty berth in a reserved carriage all the way from distant northern India. said the army captain who identified himself only as Rathore. The big guns have since fallen silent. MVC. He ordered Brig Rajinder Singh:‗Brig Rajinder Singh is commanded to hold the enemy at Uri at all costs and to the last man. literally being the last man setting an example for the World which remains unparalled. Mahura and Rampur inflicting heavy casualties to gain four days till he was ambushed at Buniyar on the night of 26/27th Oct 1947 and fately wounded but not before achieving a miracle. Brig Rajinder Singh. After demolishing Uri Bridge he fought delaying actions at Uri. Brig Rajinder Singh thus became the Saviour of Kashmir and was awarded the first Gallantry Award of Independent India posthumously. then Chief Minister now Minister for Renewable Energy. These tributes are quoted for the younger generation:Tributes paid by Dr. as the Indian Army landed within six hours after his last action to save the State. On the day of Accession Gilgit was with us and was acceded to India. Maharaja Hari Singh has also contributed in making the present History. recipient of the Independent Nation‘s first Gallantry Award for which the State is justifiably proud. so that we can sleep in peace. God alone knows how . Today we pay tribute to the Saviour of the State. of India just before Independence in Jul 1947 when Maharaja Hari Singh sent Brig Ghansara Singh as Governor of Gilgit who continued to be the Governor till 1st Nov 1947even after the invasion of Kashmir by Pakistan on 21st Oct 1947 where Brig Rajinder Singh the Chief of Staff of J and K State Forces delayed their advance for four days upto 26 Oct. It was Brig Rajinder Singh. Again it was possible due to Brig Rajinder Singh‘s action to Save Kashmir. Firstly the Dogra rulers never allowed a foot hold to the British in spite of many attempts to take over the control of the State particularly during Maharaja Partap Singh‘s times. Even during World War II when the Britishers wanted the control of the strategic Gilgit Maharaja Hari Singh gave the area of Gilgit only on lease for 40 years which was returned by the British Govt. Farooq Abdullah the.e.and throw the invaders out. Maharaja Gulab Singh had founded this unique State which included the most Strategic area of the World now called the Northern Areas which was acceded to India on 26 Oct 1947 through Accession made possible by Brig Rajinder Singh. 26th Oct when Maharaja Hari Singh acceded J and K to the Indian Union after Brig Rajinder Singh his Chief of Staff had saved Kashmir. We are also getting an opportunity to remember officers and soldiers who have defended our State so far. ―Today we are remembering Brig Rajinder Singh Ji. It is worth recalling two tributes paid to him on his Birth Centenary Celebrated by the State from 14th Jun 1999 to 14th Jun 2000 immediately after the Kargil War. It was Maj Brown Commander of the Gilgit Scouts serving under the Governor of Gilgit who had revolted and arrested the Governor on 1st Nov and handed over the entire area of Baltistan to Pakistan without a fight. may be in the 21st century itself as the events are unfurling. It was also in Oct 1947. Thus Maharaja Hari Singh‘s contribution by signing the Instrument of Accession legally and constitutionally acceding the entire State to the Indian Union is his unique contribution in making of the History which in fact is the only legal authority for India to hold on to the State or ultimately to retrieve the lost areas. Thus we see Brig Rajinder Singh achieving the impossible as ordered by his Ruler ‗To the Last Man‘. MVC (Posthumous). Only if the Indian Govt. Now the contribution of Brig Rajinder Singh to the making of the Modern India. i. had sent a company worth troops to Gilgit before 1st Nov 1947 Gilgit and Baltistan would have never been lost as Pakistan never conquered these areas. Who made it possible. They are prepared to lay down their lives in our defence. MP. ‗‗The way the Pakistan army came in. The lone caretaker deputed by Army authorities for the upkeep of the memorial is seldom present. only the leaves keep him company. a town two kms from here. A Company Quarter Master Havildar in 4 Grenadiers. while paying tributes to Brig Rajinder Singh said ―he was indeed a Hero of our times. It is very necessary to remember them and also remember their difficulties. Karan Singh. ―I feel that in future we must make a ―Veer Memorial‖. ‗‗The only time this place gets some visitors is on his death anniversary every September 10.‘‘ he says. Brig Rajinder Singh‘s MVC is being upgraded to Param Vir Chakra. There they should bow their heads in reverence to all those who gave their blood and sacrificed themselves and be thankful to them. a resident of Cheema village just a stone‘s throw away from the memorial. but for him even Bharat Ratna is less. we thought they would capture us all. I would also like all newly married couples irrespective of whether they are Muslims. the boundary wall doesn‘t look too strong. They mistook Amarkot.many more may have become martyrs today so that we can live in peace. a worn. Crumbling bricks try to peg down the cloth as the wind blows in. Former Union Minister and Sadar-i-Riyasat J and K State. But then they made a mistake. The Veer Memorial should be so grand and imposing that we all go to it on 15th Aug and 26th Jan to pay our homage there. The room of the caretaker is locked. Punjabi and Urdu. If we have attained and preserved our freedom it is only due to the sacrifices of brave soldiers like Brig Rajinder Singh. green cloth covers a modest grave. There‘s very little here to suggest that this memorial for one of the country‘s greatest heroes was erected as late as 1994. says Singh. Hamid‘s story is folklore in the surrounding villages. Today. ‗‗But I keep an eye on the grave. English. for Bhikhiwind and . Very few come this way to read the plaque which immortalises his brave deeds in Hindi.‖ Dr. scattering leaves all around. It was they who enabled the newly weds to start their new lives in peace. but that‘s not because of this memorial—it‘s because of people like Kashmir Singh who survived the war. only a dull plaque records the heroics of Param Vir Chakra Abdul Hamid.‘‘ says 70-year-old Kashmir Singh. Hindus or Sikhs as a first step in their newly married life to go to Veer Memorial. At Assal Uttar (Befitting Reply). having gallantly held off the invaders for several days.‖ Havildar Abdul Hamid 4 Grenadier (Assal Uttar) In an unkempt one-acre compound. thus preventing the Kashmir valley from falling into hostile hands before the instrument of Accession could be signed. he single-handedly stood up to Pakistani tanks in India‘s most famous win during the 1965 war. this is what you get to see in this Haryana town where very few seem to know what happened to its Ahir soldiers at Rezang La. on November 18. Without any warning.‘‘ he says. struck after overrunning all Indian posts north of it.took the main road to advance towards Amritsar. To them. 1962. who embarked on a two-pronged attack to secure Chushul. the Rezang La Shaurya Samiti conducts a ceremony to remember its heroes. 114 died defending the frontier against waves of Chinese attacks. It was the last stand of 13 Kumaon‘ s Charlie Company: of its 118 men. On the way. four Sena Medals. Ladakh. Hamid halted their assault and gave them the Assal Uttar. not many seem to know even about the existence of the memorial. Most people here will tell you that this town has nothing to do with the Army. Major Shaitan Singh. both artillery positions. Others with him were honoured with four Vir Chakras. Major Singh held a 2-km frontline with 118 men. Ansal. But wild grass threatens the plaque. 13 Kumaon‘s three companies—Major Shaitan Singh‘s Charlie company was at Rezang La—came under heavy artillery fire. once erected with great fanfare. That‘s how official records continue to describe the battle of Rezang La in Chushul.‘‘ A year later. The remembrance stone at the grave records his bravery and the gratitude of the the adjacent villages of Bhura Kuhna. But sadly. are left to gather dust. But there was no artillery cover or mine . But here in Rewari. located near the dusty tributary of NH-8 that bisects Rewari. Memorial to Shaitan Singh & his men‘s last stand at Rezang La gathers dust REWARI (HARYANA). Bhura Kareempur. Amarkot and Valtoha. The central structure is crowned by a finger holding the Sudarshan Chakra—the Ahirs maintain they are descendants of Krishna. Cheema. The memorial compound. At least. the memorial doesn‘t reflect it. Not even when you remind them that every November 18. was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. is locked. Fauja Singh recalls how Hamid blew up the Patton tank leading the Pakistani charge. Rare in military history. Hamid was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. who fought till the very end. and blew up several tanks before being felled by enemy bullets. Rewari is home only to the National Cadet Corps. The Chinese. ‗‗He killed the Pakistani commander. JUNE 8: Great battles in India are for the history books and memorials. dedicated to the memory of the men who died at Chushul. Magar Hill was manned by A and B companies. There‘s no sign of the chowkidar. ―Apart from being an excellent army officer. at distant Bandipore in Jammu and Kashmir. commanded by Brig TN Raina (who later became Army chief). Naik Sahi Ram. he was felled by a sniping MMG attack that tore a hole in his back. Singh‘s mission was doomed to failure. read extensively. The unmarried Gopi Singh was a brilliant army officer and was one of the most favourite AsDCs of both Narayanan and First Lady Usha Narayanan. who worked with Narayanan for 13 years and knew Gopi Singh well during his stint in Rashtrapati Bhavan as AsDC. But their brave stand had turned the tide. But in the ambush a militant fired at his face and the major died instantaneously. Sahu. Thirty-five-year-old Gopi was in tears when he came to know that Narayanan was no more. said Singh was ―profoundly‖ mature for his age. He room was full of books – on literature.000 troops Narayanan’s favourite falls to terrorists bullets in J&K A strange coincidence it is. horticulture and military strategy.protection to stop the huge Chinese advance. Gopi expressed his desire to come to Delhi to attend his former boss‘s funeral. Compelling his rescuers to abandon him and flee. He also served President A P J Abdul Kalam for four months. the Chinese Army lost more than 1. director Prime Minister‘s Office. Even as former President K R Narayanan was cremated on Thursday evening in New Delhi. said Sahu. managed to drop more than a hundred Chinese soldiers who had grouped to overrun the platoon. He spoke to his friend S N Sahu. Gopi was not granted leave to attend the cremation. never faced the expected next attack. wrote poetry and had a fine and sensitive approach to life. the injured Major froze to death during the night. his ―most favourite‖ AsDC Major Gopi Singh fell to terrorists bullets. The building was locked from outside and Major Gopi Singh fired at the lock to open it. Gopi Singh Rathore was a rare phenomenon. a rare blend – an army officer . From the very beginning. His first collection of poems had been published in 2002 and President Kalam had received the first . 1962. The 114 Brigade. his Commanding Officer asked him to flush out terrorists holed up in a building at Bandipore. who was formerly press secretary to Narayanan. The spot‘s remoteness from Gurung Hill and Magar Hill also precluded the possibility of assistance. he had a passion for literature and literary work. The ceasefire came on November 21. and instead. But fate had other plans. one of his men. For the 114 Ahir soldiers killed at Rezang La. With an advancing Chinese MMG unit mowing down Singh‘s soldiers by the tens. But when Singh embarked on a recovery operation. a poet and a man with an extraordinarily sensitive mind. copy of the publication in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted. Uttar Pradesh . Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position. sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. indomitable courage. This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies. being in a vulnerable position. Param Vir Chakra for his audacious courage and leadership during adverse times. posthumously awarded the India's highest military honour. PVC (25 June 1975.‖ Sahu said when he came to Delhi a few months back he revealed that he was reading Quran and trying to understand the great Islamic religion. it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Kargil The citation for the Param Vir Chakra awarded to him reads: LIEUTENANT MANOJ KUMAR PANDEY 1/11 Gorkha Rifles (IC 56959W) Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Panday took part in a series of boldly led attacks during ‗operation Vijay. displayed most conspicuous bravery. even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead.‖ Sahu told DNA. thus. he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey. which finally led to capture of Khalubar. succumbed to his injuries.2/3 July 1999. On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective. outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries. The officer. He died during the attack on Jubar Top. CAPTAIN MANOJ PANDEY Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. Apart from his duty as AsDC. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire. . he also looked after the Moghul Gardens and had indepth knowledge about plants and flowers in the gardens. forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Batalik including the capture of Jabbar Top. he expressed his happiness and commented ―Gopi you should have been a horticulturist. ―Once when President Narayanan heard him explaining to a foreign dignitary about the history of a plant and giving botanical details about it. he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more.was an officer of the Indian Army of the regiment 1/11 Gurkha Rifles. Kashmir). He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Sitapur. however. Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector. 'Of course. do you want Kashmir. 'Jawaharlal. Afzal's defenders would not today make front page news in the Indian press. In these dramatic circumstances.The soldier who won India's first Param Vir Chakra Lately many pleas have been made that Mohammed Afzal Guru's execution should be stayed because his death 'could fuel separatism in Jammu & Kashmir. I will not enter into these fallacious arguments. He rushed back for the historic meeting in Delhi with India's governor general.' The state chief minister himself has been an ardent advocate for clemency for the terrorist who attacked the Indian Parliament in December 2001 (and nearly provoked a war between India and Pakistan). Major Somnath SharmaThe 'secular' protagonists claim that his execution will make a martyr of Afzal. Arms confiscated from non-Muslims had been supplied to these tribals. He said. The bureaucrat warned of 'a scheme to send armed tribals from Pakistan to the PakistanKashmir border. Two weeks later a large contingent of Afridis.' . went to Jammu and got Hari Singh's signature on the printed Accession Form. They then overran Uri and captured Mahura. The city of Srinagar was plunged in darkness. but the time has perhaps come to remember a true martyr: Major Somnath Sharma who on November 3. Wazirs.' Then he [Patel] said: 'Please give your orders. fifty miles from Srinagar. Had he not sacrificed his life. or do you want to give it away?' He [Nehru] said. some of them had already moved towards the area in transport provided by the Pakistan government. Swathis and regular soldiers of the Pakistan army 'in mufti' began to enter Kashmir. Sardar Patel's faithful collaborator. who attended the meeting. 1947 saved Srinagar airport (and Kashmir) at the supreme cost of his life. until Sardar Patel lost his temper. the 'raiders' burnt the town of Muzaffarabad. Our story starts during in the early days of October 1947 when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru received a message from a former deputy commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan [one of the province's main districts] in the North West Frontier Province. Russia. V P Menon. During the night of October 22. the electric power station.' As Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir was reluctant to sign the Instrument of Accession to India. Lord Mountbatten in the chair. A young army colonel named Sam Manekshaw. Nehru refused to take any action. Mahsuds. recalled: 'As usual Nehru talked about the United Nations. God Almighty. for the simple reason that they would be Pakistani citizens living under a military dictatorship. Africa. I want Kashmir. everybody. Everything then moved very fast. no matter what handicap they had to contend with. but he was looking to be relieved soon from his present job and given 'something really active. was often in non-family postings. as his friends and family called him. Som. he was to die a hero's death and earn great renown. Major Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon. His name was S K Sinha (today the governor of Jammu and Kashmir).' After spending an hour discussing and sipping a mug of tea reclining on his kitbag. His father General A N Sharma. This influence of Krishna's teachings to Arjun were to remain with Somnath till his last breath. Som enrolled at the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in Dehra Dun and later joined the Royal Indian Military Academy. He had come a day earlier from Delhi with a broken arm.' With his 'wretched hand in plaster. 'Little did I then know that within the next forty-eight hours.' His company's duty was 'only' to protect the airport. At the age of 10. fighting most gallantly in very close proximity to where we then lay talking so leisurely. At Srinagar airfield.' They knew that all eyes in India were focused on them. 1947assigned to him. He was born as the eldest son of an army family. He was responsible for the logistic. who retired as the first director general of the Armed Medical Services after Independence. A young major was sent on his first assignment to Kashmir. As a young lieutenant.' His company had now been posted to Kashmir. . the first troops and equipment were airlifted from Palam airport [in Delhi] to Srinagar. just before returning to Delhi. Sinha met an old friend. He later wrote about the first Indian jawans reaching Srinagar: 'It was indeed inspiring to see grim determination writ large on their faces. he chose to join the 8/19 Hyderabad Infantry Regiment. 3 November. Sinha found him 'rather disgusted with life. used to spend time with his maternal grandfather Pandit Daulat Ram in Srinagar. Early the next morning. I had never before seen such enthusiasm and fervour for duty. His favourite pastime was listening to his grandfather's on the Bhagavad Gita.' no one would give him 'an active assignment in Delhi.' but says the governor this 'sermonising could do little to fulfill his desire for being sent further forward. Sinha tried to impress on Somnath 'the vital importance of the airfield to us and in that context the importance of the task The Reconnaiassance by companies of 1 and 4 Kumaon.' But let us spend a moment on Somnath Sharma's life. Sinha left for Delhi. They were all determined to do their best. he spent his time extinguishing fires between the two communities -. After the Japanese surrender in Kuala Lumpur in September 1945. One day. Somnath fought in World War II under Colonel K S Thimmayya (later the army chief) in Burma with the British Army. His bravery had made it possible for hundreds of his jawans to cross over to safety. From his headquarters at Parliament Street police station. he immediately threw the pistol into the sea through a porthole. his best friend and Burma companion. Somnath remarked at one point that he was going to war again but alone this time (without his friend). India became independent.' Somnath retorted. Sharma lifted Bahadur on his shoulders and began walking. Somnath returned from Malaya via Calcutta. Somnath. he ordered him -. Somnath was dispatched to aid the civil administration.'Leave this man. l will not leave him behind. Such was his straightforwardness! Two years later. he asked for a memento from Tewari who told him that he could take whatever he wanted from the . They chatted late into the night. The example of his uncle greatly influenced him during his career. With his Kumaonis. Having probably some premonition.both well armed. 'Sir. saving his life. Som had an unauthorised pistol unofficially presented to him by some Japanese officer in addition to a Samurai sword (officially allotted to each officer). At that time. Somnath was moving around with his broken arm and a plaster from the wrist to the elbow. To complicate the matter. When his company was ordered to move to Srinagar. he spent his last night in Delhi with Major K K Tewari.His maternal uncle Captain Krishna Dutt Vasudeva who belonged to this regiment had died defending a bridge on the River Slim in Malaya against the Japanese. though technically 'unfit for active duty in war' insisted that he had to lead his company.' He eventually managed to carry Bahadur back. doing their duty honestly and impartially towards both communities. a small incident occurred when the British Military Police came aboard to check for contraband. When Thimmayya found his officer lagging behind under the weight of his orderly. he is badly wounded and bleeding. He was awarded a 'Mention in Dispatch' for this act of bravery. streams of refugees were pouring in wave after wave to the capital. it is my own orderly that I am carrying. Before landing. Before leaving for Srinagar. Som and rush back to the camp. Sharma's orderly Bahadur was badly wounded in action and was unable to return to the camp. Somnath refused to lie or invent a story to bluff the British officer. The Kumaon Regiment rose to the occasion. but fell prey to mad communal fighting. at the Queen Victoria Road bachelor Officers' Mess in Delhi. An anecdote speaks tellingly about the character of the young officer. Though mutilated beyond recognition. By the evening.room. The next morning Somnath Sharma landed in Srinagar (where he met S K Sinha). supported by 3-inch and 2-inch mortars. It is his younger brother . the airfield was the only lifeline between the Valley and the rest of India. a few pages of the Gita that he always kept in his breast pocket and the empty leather holster of Tewari's pistol helped to identify the body. We are heavily outnumbered. Sharma's body was recovered. gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy outnumbering them. Sharma immediately sent a request to Brigadier Sen for reinforcements. Somnath had joked that either he would die and win the Victoria Cross or become the army chief. a 700-strong tribal force attacked the Indian jawans. He knew that if the enemy advanced any further. Major Sharma set an example of courage and qualities seldom equaled in the history of the Indian Army.' Three days later. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round. he skillfully directed the fire of his section into the ever-advancing enemy. At 2:30 pm. The situation was fast deteriorating. Quite upset. The citation read: 'Keeping his nerve. the airport would be lost and Kashmir would become a province of Pakistan. Tewari had no choice but to honour his promise. Being outnumbered by 7 to 1. During the last chat with his friend before flying to Kashmir. Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the first Param Vir Chakra. His leadership. Somnath Sharma was killed by a mortar. the highest Indian gallantry award (the Indian equivalent of Param Veer Chakra medalthe Victoria Cross). He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid out cloth airstrips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy. the 'raiders' reached Badgam a few miles away from the Srinagar airfield. Somnath went straight to the cupboard and took his automatic pistol. it was too late. immediately dispatched Sharma and his company to Badgam. a German Luger. His last wireless message to the headquarters stated: 'The enemy are only 50 yards from us. Two days later on November 3. Brigadier 'Bogey' Sen. The Kumaonis had suffered over 50 per cent casualties though they had inflicted much heavier losses to the 'raiders' who lost 200 men and the airport and Kashmir. We are under devastating fire. The pistol was gone.' Soon after. when reinforcement reached Badgam. the commander in Srinagar. 1974 – July 7.m. He was killed when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the . His company is credited with killing at least eight Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun. on 20 June 1999. Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Inspired by the courage displayed by Captain Batra. as an element of surprise would help stupefy the enemy.R. he decided to lead the rear. Param Vir Chakra Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. the enemy pinned them on the face of the bare cliff with machine gun fire. and his Delta Company was given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Nicknamed Sher Shah ('Lion King' in Urdu/Hindi) for his unstinting courage. the world has gone topsy-turvy: true heroes are forgotten and terrorists become martyrs. but as the group neared the top. He was seriously injured during this. the 52nd anniversary of India's independence. Narayanan. but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the mission. for his actions during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.V N Sharma who in 1988 became chief of army staff. 13 JAK Rifles.[1] India's highest award for valour. He single-handedly killed three enemy soldiers in close combat. 1999) was an officer of the Indian Army. hurled two grenades at the machine gun post. the late K. Today. His father Mr.[1] Captain Vikram Batra.L. India's highest military honor on 15 August 1999. Along with fellow Captain Anuj Nayyar. G. Batra led his men to victory with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875.[2] The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes. the soldiers of 13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at 3:30 a. such as Point 5100. He and his men ascended the sheer rock-cliff. climbed up regardless and after reaching the top. CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA Captain Vikram Batra PVC (September 9. posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. along with five of his men. Point 4700. Batra received the honor for his deceased son from the President of India. Captain Batra. Captain Batra gave him the reply." While dragging Lt. therefore." Captain Vikram Batra is said to have replied." ("You have kids and wife to look after! Get back!"). He then shot the taunter and said " From Madhuri.[3] Quotes Batra's last words were the battle-cry "Jai Mata Di!" ("Victory to the Mother (Durga!)" in Sanskrit) Batra's Yeh Dil Maange More! (My heart asks for more!). His last words were. ya fir Tirange mein lipta huwa awunga zaroor. "Sorry. no air defence aircraft were based at Sirinagar. "Ya toh Tiranga lehrake awunga. a popular bollywood actress. or I will come back wrapped in it. he and his colleagues fought successive waves of intruding Pakistani aircraft with valour and determination. the Divine Mother'). Naveen back under cover.[4] playing the role of Captain Batra The real topgun of India Nirmal Jit Singh sekhon Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon 18 Squadron 10877 F(P) Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was a pilot of a Folland Gnat detachment based at Srinagar for the air defence of the valley against Pakistani air attacks. Madhuri is busy!". In accordance with the international agreement dating back to 1948. Srinagar Airfield was attacked by a wave of six enemy Sabre aircraft. "Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram‘s nick name given by his commanding officer)? You will not go back. invoked at patriotic public events." (which means in Punjabi 'Hail to thee. in memory of the war and the soldiers. who challenged him by saying. but i will be back for sure). who remains on the top. Flying Officer Sekhon was on readiness duty at the time. especially with the bitter cold and biting winds of the Kashmir winter. Nevertheless. unfamiliar with the terrain and was not acclimatised to the altitude of Srinagar. Upon reaching Point 5140. Naveen pleaded to Captain Batra to let him continue the fight in spite the injuries to which Captain Batra replied "Tu baal bachedaar hai!! Hatt jaa peeche. "In reply to a Pakistani's taunt that they will leave Kashmir if the Indians give them Madhuri Dixit. For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy. Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. he could not take off at once because of the clouds of dust raised by another aircraft which had just . erstwhile a popular slogan for a Pepsi commercial. Flying Officer Sekhon was. he got into a cheeky radio exchange with an enemy commander. "We shall see within one hour. lekin awunga" (Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour (Indian flag). "Jai Mata Di.early morning hours of 7 July 1999. and as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Indian patriotism and valor in face of future attacks. In film The 2003 Hindi film LOC Kargil based on the entire Kargil conflict had Abhishek Bachchan. became an iconic battle cry that swept across the country and remains popular with millions of Indians. However. maintaining the high reputation of the Folland Gnat aircraft. from the outset of the war. until the outbreak of hostilities with Pakistan. On 14 December 1971.With love". Kadam was not even supposed to lead an assault such as this. above and beyond the call of duty. The officer‘s wife Captain Smita Kadam. By the time the runway was fit for take-off. received fatal gunshot wounds in the first round of fire. today evening. for the enemy aircraft fled from the scene of the battle without pressing home their attack against the town and the airfield. Nevertheless. flying skill and determination. at tree top height. Sepoy Pradeep Kumar. when he received information that Hafiz Nisar. The officer laid down his life on Sunday personally leading an assault to bring down the most wanted militant in Jammu and Kashmir. Tomorrow his father. he all but held his own. He was leading a joint team of security personnel when it happened. would have turned 38. Kadam could not sit back and watch. and in spite of the odds against him.‖ says his brother in law. an ex-Army dental officer. Army officers and eyewitnesses say that on receiving ―hard intelligence‖ about the militant‘s hideout on Sunday afternoon. supreme gallantry. no fewer than six enemy aircraft were overhead. . sacrificing himself for the defence of Srinagar. Kadam decided to personally lead the assault party to Chatloora village. and strafing of the airfield was in progress. She had talked to him on Sunday morning. Instead. as a steady stream of visitors trickle into their Shankar Vihar flat in New Delhi to pay condolences. In thus. 'He led from the front. Lt Col M S Kadam. or why his mother‘s tears have been flowing all night. Flying Officer Sekhon took off and immediately engaged a pair of the attacking Sabres. ―He was leading from the front even when he w as not required to. who was part of Kadam‘s colu mn. displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon in the face of certain death. just hours before he went on the operation to hunt down Nisar. even when he didn‘t have to' Three-Year-Old Sidharth does not understand the reason why his toys have been shifted out of the living room to make way for white sheets and incense sticks. Gautam Chavan.taken off. set new heights to Air Force traditions. The officer then ordered his troops to cordon off the area and led a small party to return fire. was hiding in Rafiabad‘s Chatloora village. But. in spite of the mortal danger of attempting to take off during an attack. As the officiating commanding officer of 22 Rashtriya Rifles. the Lashkar-e-Toiba‘s commander in Kashmir. In the fight that followed. His aircraft crashed and he was killed. his body reached home. but was eventually overcome by sheer weight of numbers. The sublime heroism. is still in a state of shock. The officer was heading one of the two assault columns when it came under heavy fire. Flying Officer Sekhon achieved his object. He is survived by his wife Beena Jojan Thomas. ―He managed to shoot down the commander but got critically injured in the gunfight. for his family. His family members will accompany the remains to his native village of Padve on Tuesday. were flown in to Delhi on Monday evening on a civilian flight. where Ms. . Thomas lives with her children. witnessed a series of religious prayers on Saturday evening as the family members waited for the arrival of the body. The mortal remains of Kadam.In the ensuing gunbattle at close quarters. which has several members who have served in the Defence forces. daughter Meghana Thomas.‖ a senior Army officer said. Kadam shot down the Lashkar commander but received grievous bullet injuries. The officer succumbed to his injures while he was being evacuated to a medical facility. who belongs to Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. A determined officer‘s ultimate sacrifice in the service of nation BANGALORE: The death of Colonel Jojan Thomas in an encounter with militants in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning has left his family and friends devastated. The flat in Manekshaw Vihar on St. Thomas was killed as he led a quick reaction team from 45 Rashtriya Rifles in the dense forests of Macchal sector. (18) and son Philemon Thomas (11). John‘s Church Road. his death is the ultimate sacrifice he could have made for the nation. Nevertheless. Col. where the cremation will be held with full military honours. His team shot down six militants and he was one of the four Indian soldiers who were killed in the battle. near the Line of Control. Col. Thomas worked in the Army Service Corps Centre and College here for about two years before taking up the task of heading the 45 Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir. . Col. Thomas was an officer who led from the front. Col.Many of Col. Thomas was the eldest of four sons. said Col. Thomas‘s body will be taken to St. Thomas‘s friends and colleagues joined the family members in the evening prayers. who served with Col. T. Major Sandhu.K. Col. A native of Kuttoor in Kerala. Thomas in the ASC Centre and College. the Archbishop of Malankara Syrian Knanaya Jacobite Archdiocese. Thomas held several prestigious staff appointments. He was also an experienced pilot.‖ said his colleague Col. John‘s Church in Domlur. Col. in March 1986 in the 11 Jat Regiment. On Monday. who served in the Indian Army as a mechanical engineer.‖ he said. died just a month ago. Col. Thomas. There is a lot that I learnt from him … He was my mentor and godfather. Thomas and was associated with him for eight years. Col. Men under him were ready to do anything for him. My brother worked in Indian Navy and another brother served in the Indian Army.‖ said Joby Thomas. whether guarding the border or rescuing personnel. Chennai. Thomas was ―a fantastic leader and had experience of participating in various counter-insurgency operations. ―He had a strong determined mind and believed in excelling in whatever he was doing. Thomas was commissioned from the Officers‘ Training Academy. Col.A. He will be buried at the cemetery on Hosur Road with full State honours. Thomas‘s brother. ―Our family has been serving in the Defence forces for a long time. Thomas‘s body was brought by an Indian Airlines flight from New Delhi on Saturday. Jacob who worked with Col. conducted by Kuriakose Mar Severios. His father P.