7 July,1999: Remembering Kargil War Hero and Martyr, Param Vir Captain Vikram Batra on his death anniversary
| 07-Jul-2023 |
July 7,1999 marks the day when Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra laid down his life in the service of nation while fighting in Kargil with the Pakistanis. At a young age of 24, he got immortal forever by sacrificing his life fighting for India fearlessly in the war and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry award, Posthumously. Captain Batra was given the codename "Shershah", which he lived up to by ensuring the Indian armed forces' victory.
Captain Vikram Batra was born to a family of teachers, his father a principal of a government school and his mother a school teacher.Batra attended the DAV college in Chandigarh. Batra took the CDS exam and was selected by the Services Selection Board (SSB) at Allahabad in 1996. In the order of Merit, Batra was among the top 35 recruits. He completed a rigorous 19-month training course and was commissioned into the Indian Army as lieutenant in the 13th battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. He received his first posting to Sopore, Baramulla.
During Operation Vijay, Vikram Batra of 13 JAK RIf, was tasked to capture Point 5140. The Point 5140 peak was one of the most treacherous & crucial peaks in the region, heavily defended by the enemy forces. Lt Batra & his five men did what their infantry’s famous for, unfettered they climbed up & lobbed two grenades at the machine gun posts.
Leading from the front, in a daring assault, he killed four enemy troops in close combat battle despite being badly wounded during the exchange, he regrouped his men & continued the mission. India didn't suffer a single loss of life during the capture of Point 5140. Batra, who was still a lieutenant at that point, was promoted to the rank of a Captain.
Meanwhile, his battalion the 13 JAK Rifles was sent to Mushkoh valley, under the command of 79 Mountain Brigade. The battalion was assigned the task of recapturing Point 4875, a peak that held significant strategic importance, for it dominated National Highway 1, right from Dras to Matayan. It made a stretch of about 35-40 kilometres of national highway come under direct observation of the Pakistani forces, and they could easily watch the Indian army’s movements and troops movements.
Capt Batra and his 25 men from Delta Company commenced the attack on the night of 06 July 1999.Just before the objective, there was a narrow ledge manned by the enemy soldiers and it was almost impossible to advance specially in daylight. However Capt Batra decided that even though it was daylight he and his comrades would attempt a direct assault. In a rare show of extraordinary courage and daredevilry Capt Batra assaulted the ledge and took the enemy by surprise. The battle continued till daylight. Batra killed four enemy soldiers and successfully defended Area Flat Top.
However during the exchange of fire Capt Batra got injured but he continued his charge with support fire from rest of his men and reached the mouth of the ledge. He was evacuating an injured soldier when he was hit in the chest from an enemy sniper and a second later was hit by a Rocket Propelled Grenade(RPG).He breathed his last, uttering the words, “Durga Mata Ki Jai". Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon the enemy with vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875.