May 99 to July 99 was that time period when whole world was eyeing on the battle grounds of Kargil district in Kashmir. Whole world was witnessing huge trampling of land for sake of Pakistan’s selfish motives. Though Pakistan lost the battle and India won but we lost our great sons in the battlefield. The list is long and we salute them for guarding our motherland at the cost their lives but we are listing down the two soldiers who will be remembered and honored always.
LieutenantManoj Kumar Pandey, PVC (25 June 1975 – 3 July 1999)
Often known as “Hero of Batalik“, Martyr Lt Manoj had showed great courage. In Kargil, He was surging ahead of his troops. He had charged at the enemy with a full-throated battle cry along with hail of bullets that was frightening the Pakistani soldiers. He conquered bunker and was victorious in the “Operation Vijay” by conquering the Jubar Top. At final battle he had assaulted enemy leader and killed two enemy personnel and captured the second position by killing two more enemies. He was critically injured from the shoulders and legs while clearing the third position. Without caring for his deep injuries, he continued to lead on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. We won that region at the cost of his life. He was honored with “Param Vir Chakra”. Jai Hind
Sher Shah “Capt. Vikram Batra” PVC (9 September 1974 – 7 July 1999)
Captain Vikram Batra a.k.a Sher Shah displayed unparalleled courage and determination always inn Kargil. He was leading at all courses, and fully aware of the alarming danger of his mission, in eliminating a Pakistani position at Ledge because he was aware of the importance of his task. His daring and courageous assault led to the capture of Pt 4875 and this broke the will of the enemy. His courage and action were well beyond the call of duty and he continued to take risks ultimately making the supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of the Indian Army. In the words of Gazette of India Notification: No. 16 – Press/2000 “Captain Vikram Batra, thus, displayed the most conspicuous personal 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“.
