Captain Purushottam Sharma (Retd)
Our Armed Forces are Temples of solidarity where people of all faiths stay together in perfect harmony and joy serving their Motherland with whole-hearted devotion and spirit of sacrifice frustrating the evil designs of the enemies.
Indo-Pak War of 1947-48 from 22nd October, 1947 to 05th January, 1949, was caused by our First ‘Himalayan Blunder’ of delay in accession with India which should have been on the very day of declaration of India’s Independence on 15th of August, 1947. The war was aimed at to defend Jammu and Kashmir Borders by pushing back thousands of Pakistani Infiltrators/intruders/invaders.
With handful men and grossly inadequate resources like arms, ammunition, equipment and rations, Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumously), Chief of Staff of Jammu and Kashmir State Forces, made the Supreme Sacrifice on 26th October, 1947, gallantly fighting thousands of raiders in Uri-Rampur Sector, thus allowing sufficient time for the Indian Army to take over the operations and delaying the enemy advance. He is well-known as “Savior of Kashmir”. In fact, his martyrdom deserved the Country’s highest decoration Param Vir Chakra. Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Commander 50 Parachute Brigade, known as ‘Lion of Naushera’, laid Supreme Sacrifice on 03rd of July, 1948, for which he was also awarded Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumously). Major Somnath Sharma of 4 KUMAON, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumously), laid Supreme Sacrifice on 3rd November, 1947, in fierce Battle of Badgam foiling the attempt of enemy to march towards Srinagar. His historic words of promise to his senior commanders “I shall not withdraw an inch but fight to the last man” are very inspiring. It was the famous Battle of Shalateng that proved most decisive and changed the course of operations. Some among others who were suitably decorated for their heroism were Lieutenant NG David, Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, Havildar Major Peru Singh Shekhawat, Dafadar Joge Ram, Naik Jadhunath Singh and Lance Naik Karam Singh. A 19 years old civilian boy Maqbool Sherwani also played an important role in dodging the invaders. Hostilities of October – November, 1962, was a serious breach of trust of maxim “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” well known as ‘Himalayan Blunder’ that brought us an awakening and a lesson. Dr. S Radhakrishnan, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, VK Krishna Menon, General PN Thapar and Lieutenant General BM Kaul were the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief of the Army Staff and Corps Commander respectively in 1962 Conflict with China.
There were uncomfortable questions about the preparedness, accountability, a fast friend suddenly turning bitter foe and India’s failure to foresee the enemy’s evil intentions and deceptions. Our jawans still brought laurels in spite of a surprising misadventure and lamentable paucity of resources. To mention here is the unparalleled heroism of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of 4th Battalion of Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment who, with handful of soldiers, fought and killed 300 Chinese in the Battle of Nuranang (Arunachal Pradesh) on 17th of November, 1962. He alone engaged the enemy for 72 hours with the help of Noora and Sela, two local girls.
Sela escaped from the enemy custody and had a fatal jump. That hill top is known Sela Pass. Nura was captured and killed by the Chinese. At last, Rawat was also captured by the enemy and shot dead. He was awarded Mahavir Chakra (Posthumously). The enemy Army Commander was so much impressed with the commendable valor and ultimate martyrdom of Jaswant Singh Rawat who upheld the honor of his Motherland that, after the ceasefire, he returned the patriot’s head to the Indian Army Commander along with a brass bust. Famous Jaswant Garh War Memorial at Tawang is the eternal abode and altar of Jaswant Baba (a soldier-saint). It is a place of worship that cures one and all. He is still very much alive and goes on night patrolling on the treacherous borders in the hours of darkness. His wearing is found as if used and shoes soiled with mud. The bed laid for him also appears crumpled in the morning. Another 22 years old soldier-saint is Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of 23 Panjab Regiment who laid Supreme Sacrifice on October 4, 1968, while on duty in Sikkim. He is also found on night patrolling riding a white horse and guarding Nathula Pass Border Area. He abides in Baba Harbhajan Mandir at Sikkim, a place of worship where prayers are answered and diseases cured. Both Jaswant Singh and Harbhajan Singh, who remained on effective list of the Indian Army, were promoted to the rank of Honorary Captain on reaching their date of retirement.
In Indian Army ‘s Indo-Pak War- 1965 (Aug-Sep), it was Lal Bahadur Shashtri, the most endeared common man’s Prime Minister, who gave a popular slogan that occupied every one’s tongue ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
Our Jawans captured hundreds of kms of enemy territory and converted the battle-field into a Patton Graveyard reducing the highly sophisticated equipment worth billions of Dollars into junk. The country was led to unprecedented victory under the leadership of Dr S Radhakrishnan, Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Shri YB Chavan, General JN Chaudhary, who were the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Chief of the Army Staff respectively. General Chaudhary was one of the finest Military Leaders. Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), was among the great heroes who led the Indian Air Force to victory. He was the only 5-Star Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
Havildar Abdul Hamid of 4 GRENADIERS known as Hero of 1965 Indo-Pak War alone destroyed 8 Patton Tanks of the enemy in famous Battle of Asal Uttar on 10th of September 1965. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra (posthumously), India’s highest Military Decoration for his Supreme Sacrifice on 10th September, 1965, at the age of just 32 years in the fierce battle of Khem Karan.
Major RS Dyal of 1st Para Regt led his men to capture strategic Haji Pir Pass on 28 August, 1965, for which he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra. Another great hero was Lt Col AB Tarapore, who destroyed more than 60 enemy tanks. His actions forced the enemy to retreat. Maj Bhupinder Singh is well known for his competent command of Sqn ‘B’ of 4 HORSE that played key role in the Battle of Sodreke on 19th September, 1965. He had sustained grievous injuries in the battle on his 38th Birthday which caused his martyrdom on 3rd of October,1965, at Military Hospital Delhi. He was decorated with Maha Vir Chakra (posthumously).
Enemy’s fighting machine was totally neutralized putting her in unforgettable humiliation and shame. All our gains came to an end when Tashkent Agreement was signed by Lal Bahadur Shashtri and Mohammad Ayub Khan on 10th of January, 1966, on the pressure of Super Powers who feared further escalation of hostilities.
This accomplishment brought highest national honor of Bharat Ratna to Lal Bahadur Shashtri (posthumously). His sudden egress from this world on the subsequent day of signing Tashkent Agreement on 11th January 1966, at the age of 61 years had made everybody sad. Most of the people attributed his death to the unbearable stress caused by the Agreement.
It was at 3 PM on 03 December, 1971, that Pakistan attacked India again that proved blessing to the people of East Pakistan who were liberated from the cruel clutches of West Pakistanis and gave birth to Bangladesh, forced Lieutenant General Amir Abdulla Khan Niazi, Pakistan’s Eastern Army Commander, to make a historic surrender of 93000 soldiers who fell Prisoners of War, Niazi in utter humiliation removed his badges of rank, belt and Revolver and handed over to Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora, PVSM, GOC-in-C of India’s Eastern Command. He was awarded Padma Bhushan also. VV Giri, Indira Gandhi, Babu Jagjivan Ram and General SHFJ Manekshaw were the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Chief of the Army Staff respectively who steered the operation to a historic victory breaking the back-bone of the enemy. General Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Military Cross, was one of the most distinguished military commanders well known for his professionalism. He had received the title of Field Marshal on January 01, 1973. He passed away on 27th June, 2008, at the age of 94 years. He was very jovial by nature. On the occasion of Joint Chiefs Meeting, when Admiral Nanda, Chief of Naval Staff, asked for an attack sortie on Karachi from Air Marshal PC Lal who was little hesitant to provide, Manekshaw, supporting the Naval Chief said “Chhota Brah ek strike mang riha hai, de de, maran ge te maran ge, asi jang karan ja rehan han, mohabbat nahi” (Younger brother is asking for one strike; give in and agree; we are going to make war not love). It was provided on 4th December, 1971, morning. Among those many who brought glory to the Mother India by virtue of courage, bravery, determination, devotion to duty, leadership and able professionalism are Lieutenant General JFR Jacob, Lieutenant General KS Brar, Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, Major General SS Uban, Major General HS Kler, Major General Ian Cardozo, Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, Brigadier AS Bal, Rear Admiral S Ramsagar, Col AK Swamy, Col P Ganesh, Colonel Hoshiar Singh, Capt Mahinder Mulla, Bhairon Singh Rathore, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, Major BS Mankotia, Petty Officer Chiman Singh Yadav, Captain DS Ahlawat, Air Commodore Harcharan Singh Mangat, 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal, Lance Naik Albert Eka and they were suitably decorated by the Nation with deserving awards/honors.
To avenge the humiliation and shame suffered by Pakistan in her earlier conflicts with India, the wicked Parvez Musharraf initiated another misadventure. Finding opportune time to sneak stealthily, Pakistan forces occupied vacant positions within Indian territory along the LOC by large scale infiltrations of Army, Para Military Forces and civilian intruders throwing the Cease Fire Agreement to winds.
This led to another costly and fierce conflict known as Kargil War 1999 (Operation ‘Vijay’) from 3rd May, 1999 to 26 July, 1999 in which both sides suffered heavy casualties in men and material. For India, the task was to dislodge the enemy and flush out the infiltrators from the Indian territory. Our Defence Forces displayed amazing valor and heroism, devotion to duty and spirit of sacrifice. It was a triumph of righteousness indeed. It is worth mentioning the exceptionally inspiring role of Captain Vikram Batra (lovingly called ‘Luv’) of 13 JAK Rifles who laid Supreme Sacrifice in the early hours of July 7, 1999, at a height of 17000 feet accomplishing the Mission aimed at capturing the Point 4875 and Point 5140, the Tiger Hill (now known Batra Top or Peak). His last words were ‘Durga Mata Ki Jai’ (Victory to Goddess Mother Durga). His favorite words were ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’ (This heart asks more). Earlier, in a formal chat he had told his Friends “Don’t worry I will either come back after raising the Indian Flag in Victory or return wrapped in it; but I will come back sure”. Captain Vikram Batra was awarded country’s Highest Military Decoration Param Vir Chakra for most conspicuous bravery and leadership of the highest order in any battle. Lieutenant Colonel YK Joshi, the then Commanding Officer 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles was himself an incarnation of superior skill of exceptional order and valor. He had retired in the rank of Lieutenant General (Army Commander) after serving for 40 years. He was highly decorated with awards of PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VrC, SM.
Among others who displayed heroism of high order in Operation Vijay were Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Lt Col R Vishwanathan, Major Padmapani Acharya, Major Vivek Gupta, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Major M Saravnan,Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, Capt Keishing Clifford Nongrum, Capt Anuj Nayyar, Capt Amol Kalia, Capt Haneef Uddin, Capt Sumeet Roy, Capt Shashi Bhushan Ghildiyal, Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey, Capt Sourabh Kalia, Capt Jintu Gogoi, Capt Jerry Prem Raj, Capt Vijayant Thapar, Lieutenant SS Jamwal, Lieutenant Praveen Kumar, Lieutenant Balwan Singh, Subedar Raghunath Singh, Havildar Sis Ram Gill, Naik Digendra Kumar, Naik Brij Mohan Singh, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar who had been suitably decorated with Gallantry Awards.
Shri K Narayanan, Shri Attal Bihari Bajpai, Shri George Fernades and General Ved Prakash Malik, PVSM, AVSM, were the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Chief of the Army Staff respectively.
This war is also attributable to our another HIMALYAN BLUNDER whereby we failed to guard our vacant positions and allowed enemy to occupy these at its convenience.
It is imperative that stories of war heroes are made familiar among all particularly students for the sake of cultivating virtues and to inculcate the sense of patriotism, discipline, devotion, discrimination, determination, unity among all and spirit of sacrifice for the security and well-being of the Motherland.
Let us be always alert, prepared for any eventuality and repeat NOT any more Himalayan Blunders.
Sad part of the story is that bad luck has been haunting the people of Pakistan right from her emergence whereby they have been in the cruel clutches of brutal rulers like Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Tikka Khan, AAK Niazi, Parvez Musharraf, QJ Bajwa and such other dictators who have been responsible for thrusting conflicts on its peace-loving neighbor causing loss of millions of lives and frittering away resources worth trillions down the drain which could have been utilized for the well-being of the people.
