July 7, 1999: Anuj Nayyar, Mahavir Chakra Awardee, The Warrior For whom Nation Always Came First
| 07-Jul-2022 |
Whenever we talk about Kargil War, innumerable names come up in our minds who laid down their lives in the service of nation and left an unforgettable mark of bravery and compassion for the upcoming generations to follow their footsteps. One such name was Mahavir Chakra awardee Captain Anuj Nayyar. He was only 24 at the time of attaining martyrdom and presented the example that "Country Always Comes First".
Born in Delhi in 1975, completed his schooling from Army Public School. After completing schooling, joined National Defence Academy. After completing his NDA training, he joined Indian Military Academy and was finally commissioned in June 1997. Captain Anuj was commissioned in 17th Jat Regiment.
During Kargil War, Anuj's Chalie Company was given a major operation to recapture Point 4875 which is known as Pimple 2. During the initial phase of the assault on Pt. 4875, Capt Nayyar’s company commander Maj Ritesh Sharma got injured and was evacuated. Capt Nayyar who had been promoted to the Captain’s rank during the Kargil war itself, took over as the company commander. After the initial setback, the assault team split into two groups, one led by Capt Vikram Batra and other by Capt Nayyar. The Pakistani infiltrators had constructed several bunkers on Pt. 4875 and Capt Nayyar’s team, which consisted of 7 personnel, located 4 enemy bunkers.
The company began to ascend Pt. 4875 during which it came under heavy artillery and mortar fire from Pakistani infiltrators. However, the troops counter-attacked, which also included hand-to-hand combat, forcing the Pakistani soldiers to retreat. During the battle, Capt Nayyar killed 9 Pakistani soldiers and destroyed three medium machine gun bunkers.
Under Captain Nayyar’s leadership, the company had successfully cleared three of the four bunkers and began its assault on the last remaining bunker. While clearing the fourth bunker, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade directly hit Capt Nayyar. Despite being grievously injured, Capt Nayyar continued to lead the remaining men in his company. He succumbed to his injuries but not before clearing the last bunker on Pt. 4875. None of the soldiers from Capt Nayyar’s team of Charlie Company survived the battle.
Two days after Pt. 4875 was secured, it was counter-attacked by Pakistani infiltrators during which the second team of the Charlie Company, led by Capt Batra, successfully defended the peak. The securing of the Pimple Complex area paved the way for the recapture of Tiger Hill which finally forced Pakistan to retreat its forces to pre-conflict positions. Capt Nayyar showed extreme courage and grit in the face of the enemy while leading from the front in dire circumstances.
His courage and leadership was an inspiration to his troops and it will keep inspiring for the generations to come. Capt Anuj Nayyar was given the nation’s second highest gallantry award, ” Maha Vir Chakra” for his exceptional courage, unyielding fighting spirit, and supreme sacrifice Posthumously.