New Delhi, June 24: During ‘Operation Vijay,’ Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was tasked with clearing the Khalubar Ridge from enemy forces in Batalik, Jammu and Kashmir. On July 3, 1999, as his company advanced, they faced intense enemy fire. Fearlessly, he charged at the enemy, eliminating four soldiers and destroying two bunkers.
Despite sustaining injuries to his shoulder and leg, he reached the first bunker and engaged in fierce combat, killing two more enemy soldiers and capturing the position. Leading his troops, he continued to clear bunker after bunker until he was struck in the forehead. Inspired by his indomitable courage, his soldiers pressed on, ultimately securing the post.
“If death comes before proving my valor, I swear I will kill death itself,” said Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, whose patriotism burned brightly from a young age.
Born on June 25, 1975, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Manoj was the eldest among his siblings. He completed his early education at the Military School in Lucknow. His lifelong dream was to wear the Indian Army uniform. In his personal diary, he wrote, “Some goals are so magnificent that failing at them is also a matter of pride.” This quote is featured on the official website of the Government of India’s Gallantry Awards.
After finishing school, he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla to fulfill his dream of becoming an army officer. Following graduation, he completed his final training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles, a unit renowned for its bravery. During the Kargil conflict, Manoj was promoted to the rank of Captain.
When the Kargil War began, the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles were deployed at the Siachen Glacier. In the summer of 1999, the Pakistani army stealthily captured Indian posts that had been vacated for winter. The infiltration was discovered on May 3, 1999. On May 25, the government approved a proposal from the Indian Air Force, leading to the launch of ‘Operation Vijay’ to drive the infiltrators out. The war concluded on July 26, 1999, after two months of intense fighting.
One of the crucial battles during ‘Operation Vijay’ took place in the Batalik sector, where the enemy had captured the Khalubar Ridge. It was essential to dislodge them to reclaim lost territory. On the night of July 2-3, 1999, ‘B’ Company of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was assigned to capture Khalubar. Manoj Kumar Pandey was the commander of the 5th Platoon. Their mission was to eliminate enemy posts that could expose their battalion’s position as they advanced toward Khalubar Ridge.
Under Manoj Kumar Pandey’s leadership, the 5th Platoon began its advance. As they neared their target, they came under heavy enemy fire from surrounding heights and bunkers. Manoj was tasked with clearing these bunkers to keep the battalion safe from enemy observation.
Amidst the heavy gunfire, Manoj quickly repositioned his platoon and ordered one section to clear the enemy posts from the right flank while he attacked four enemy positions from the left. He bravely assaulted the first post, killing two enemy soldiers. He then attacked the second post, eliminating two more and capturing it. While clearing the third post, he was shot in the shoulder and leg. Undeterred by his severe injuries, he rallied his troops and launched an attack on the fourth post, destroying it with a grenade.
During this assault, he was struck in the forehead by a machine gun bullet and later succumbed to his injuries. However, he succeeded in providing his soldiers with a strong foothold to capture Khalubar. For his extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Manoj Kumar Pandey was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
–
Leave a Comment