26th July, ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, not only embarks upon India’s win against the perpetrators from Pakistan, in the Kargil district of Kashmir but also pays homage to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to make ‘Operation Vijay’ a success. India will always be proud of their extraordinary tales of Bravery.
Let us have a look at these Army Heroes who fought and laid down their lives for the freedom, sovereignty & territorial integrity of Maa Bharati.
Captain Jerry Prem Raj: He was tasked with launching an assault on the Twin Bumps in the Drass sector. He could positively identify the enemy position and directed accurate artillery fire on to it. During this, he was hit by enemy fire, but disregarded his own safety and continued to bring effective fire on the enemy. He was hit a second time by a volley of bullets and gravely injured. His bravery ensured the enemy suffered high casualties and helped minimise losses to his own force. In doing so he paid with his life, for which he was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Captain Anuj Nayyar: was an Indian Army officer of the 17th Battalion, Jat Regiment, who laid down his life while battling at the Tiger Hill on 7th July 1999 during the Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exemplary valour during combat operations.
Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum: of the 12th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, attained martyrdom on July 1st, 1999 while capturing Point 4812 during the Kargil War. He was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra for his chivalry in the combat operations.
Subedar Raghunath Singh: He was the platoon commander of Delta Company of 13 JAK Rif and was tasked to clear the area ledge beyond Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. However, the Company was stalled due to heavy artillery shelling and firing from a well-fortified enemy all along the 700-metre- long ledge. Seeing the gravity of the situation, Subedar Singh volunteered to lead his Company in a daring daylight mission. Showing indomitable spirit, raw courage and with determination beyond the call of duty, he led the charge of his platoon from the front and overcome resistance put up by the enemy. In the ensuing hand-to-hand fight, he killed two intruders and kept firing on the fleeing enemy with utter disregard for his personal safety. His action was instrumental in maintaining the momentum of the assault and forcing the enemy to retreat. He was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Major Padmapani Acharya: of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, was killed by the enemy at Lone Hill on June 28, 1999, during the Kargil conflict. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his heroic act of bravery despite succumbing to injuries.
Major Rajesh SIngh Adhikari: was an Indian Army Officer who died in the Battle of Tololing on May 30, 1999 during the Kargil War. He was awarded the gallantry honour, Maha Vir Chakra for his bravey in warfare.
Captain Shashi Bhushan Ghidiyal: was the Artillery Observation Post Officer for Pimple 11 Complex. When a company commander was injured and the second-in-command of the assaulting company were fatally wounded during just 400 metres short of the goal, Captain Ghidiyal took control of the company and started directing its troops. While doing so, he sustained gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries, he led the men to the objective and prevented a counter attack from the enemy. For his leadership and courage, Capt Ghidiyal was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Major Vivek Gupta: of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, died in the Kargil conflict on June 12, 1999, after capturing two important posts in the Drass sector. He was flicitated with Maha Vir Chakra for his heroism at the war front.
Rifleman Sanjay Kumar: 13 Jammu And Kashmir rifles was the leading Scout of the team entrusted with capturing Area Flat Top, which was being held by enemy. He was shot in the chest and forearm but sustained the attack despite bleeding profusely. Charged by his act of daredevilry, the rest of the platoon attacked the enemy bunkers and captured Area flat Top. Rifleman Kumar was awarded with Param Vir Chakra.
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav: Part of the Commando ‘Ghatak’ Platoon given the task to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, was leading the assault and climbing the cliff face. He was fixing ropes for the rest of the platoon. He was awarded the highest military honour in India, Param Vir Chakra, for his 4 July 1999 action during the Kargil War.
Captain N Kenguruse: was an Indian Army officer of 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles. He was martyred at the Lone Hill, Drass Sector on June 28, 1999 in the Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery at the battlefield.
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey: of 1st Battalion, Gorkha Rifles, participated in a series of boldly led attacks during ‘Operation Vijay’ and forced back the intruded from the Batalik sector on June 11, 1999. His leadership led to the capture of Jaubar Top and Khalubar on early hours of July 3, 1999. Pandey succumbed to his injuries on the hilltop and was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra.
Captain Vikram Batra:13th Jammu And Kashmir Rifles, was ordered to recapture the highest point on Tololing Ridge, peak 5140, where Pakistani invaders had taken positions in bunkers. He was martyred on July 26, 1999 while trying to rescue an injured soldier. The peak he died on, Point 4875, is now called ‘Batra Top’. He was awarded with the Param Veer Chakra, the highest military honour.
Victory to India and its armed forces!
Jai Hind.