Gunner Sajeev Gopala Pillai was inducted into Batalik Sub Sector in Kargil on 11 May 1999 as Observation Post Assistant for engaging enemy intruders in the area. He volunteered for a more challenging task to accompany Forward Observation Officer in the mission to occupy

Bump-Il in SQUARE-1391.

 

On 19 May 99 at 0500 hrs, while assisting the Forward Observation Officer in directing continuous artillery fire upon the enemy and on reaching the objective, the entire team came under very heavy direct firing from the enemy causing large number of casualties to own

 

troops. Gunner Sajeev Gopala Pillai sustained multiple splinter injuries.

 

Despite the multiple injuries, braving adverse weather conditions at 16500 feet of rugged and glaciated terrain with heavy snow and high velocity winds, he continued to assist in bringing down very intense and accurate artillery fire on the enemy, resulting in heavy losses to the enemy.

 

Gunner Sajeev Gopala Pillai, with utter disregard to his personal safety, continued to provide all the necessary technical data to his Forward Observation Officer. Suddenly, he was hit by an RPG round and sustained serious head injury. He succumbed to his injuries later.

 

On 15 Jul 1999, Gunner Sajeev Gopala Pillai displayed indomitable courage, firm