7 July 1999: Remembering Kargil War Hero and Martyr Captain Vikram Batra on His Martyrdom Day

July 7, 1999, marks the day when Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra made the supreme sacrifice while fighting Pakistani forces in the Kargil War. At just 24 years of age, he laid down his life in the line of duty, displaying extraordinary courage and devotion to the nation. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, and is remembered by his codename, “Shershah”, for his fearless leadership and bravery.

 

 

Captain Vikram Batra was born into a family of teachers, with his father serving as a government school principal and his mother as a school teacher. He studied at DAV College in Chandigarh before clearing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination in 1996. After being selected by the Services Selection Board (SSB), he underwent rigorous military training and was commissioned into the 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles as a lieutenant. His first posting was in Sopore, in Baramulla district of Jammu Kashmir.

 

 

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.