6 June 1999: On this day in the Kargil War: Captain Haneef Uddin laid down his life for the nation

On the eve of his martyrdom day, the nation remembers the courage and sacrifice of Captain Haneef Uddin, a young Indian Army officer who laid down his life during the Kargil War while protecting his fellow soldiers and serving the country with unwavering dedication.

 

 

Born on August 23, 1974, in Delhi, Captain Haneef Uddin grew up in a family that valued education, discipline, and culture. After losing his father, Aziz Uddin, at a young age, he was raised by his mother, Hema Aziz, a noted classical singer, along with his two brothers. Despite personal challenges, he remained determined and pursued his dream of serving the nation.

 

 

In 1996, he joined the Indian Military Academy, where he underwent rigorous military training. A year later, on June 7, 1997, he was commissioned into the Indian Army Service Corps. During his early service, he was attached to the 11 Rajputana Rifles and gained valuable operational experience in challenging field conditions, including deployment in the Siachen region.

 

 

Operation Thunderbolt:

 

 

During the 1999 Kargil War, Captain Haneef Uddin was serving with 11 Rajputana Rifles in the Turtuk sector of Ladakh. On June 6, 1999, as part of Operation Thunderbolt, his battalion launched a mission to capture a strategically important enemy held position at a high altitude.

 

 

Fully aware of the dangers involved, Captain Haneef volunteered to lead a special patrol consisting of a Junior Commissioned Officer and three soldiers. Advancing through extremely difficult terrain at an altitude of nearly 18,500 feet, the patrol moved towards the objective under freezing temperatures and constant risk from enemy forces.

 

 

 

 

As the team approached within about 200 metres of the target, they came under intense enemy fire. Captain Haneef Uddin and two of his comrades were seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, he refused to retreat. Instead, he took up a firing position and engaged the enemy, allowing the remaining members of his patrol to move to safety.

 

 

Even after being hit again by enemy fire, he continued fighting with exceptional courage. Only after ensuring the safety of his men did he finally succumb to his injuries on the battlefield. He attained martyrdom on June 6, 1999, just months before his 25th birthday and exactly two years after being commissioned into the Army.

 

 

Due to enemy presence and the harsh conditions in the Turtuk sector, his body could not be recovered until the end of the war. Alongside him, Junior Commissioned Officer Mangej Singh and Rifleman Parvesh Kumar also made the supreme sacrifice during the operation.

 

 

 

 

Captain Haneef Uddin was given the gallantry award “Vir Chakra” posthumously for displaying commendable courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice. His sacrifice during the Kargil War stands as a shining example of devotion to duty and love for the nation.

 

 

Remembering her son’s courage, his mother, Hema Aziz, had said: “As a soldier, Capt Haneef served his country with pride and dedication. There cannot be a greater statement on his valour than his death, which came while fighting the enemy.”

 

 

On his martyrdom day, the nation pays heartfelt tribute to Captain Haneef Uddin and all those brave soldiers who gave their lives in defence of India’s sovereignty and honour.