STATE TIMES NEWS
UDHAMPUR: Point 4875, in the Drass sub sector was an important objective during the Kargil War as this complex, consisted of very high mountain features which dominated the area across the LOC and observed artillery fire could be directed on the enemy’s line of communications almost all the way up. The task to recapture Point 4875 was given to 13 JAK RIFLES, the battalion that had distinguished itself at Point 5140 in the Drass sub-sector. 13 JAK RIFLES concentrated in Mashkoh valley by 0800 hours on 1st July 1999. The attack began with a Company under Major S V Bhaskar assaulting along the eastern slopes of point 4875 and a Company under Major Gurpreet Singh assaulting along the western slope of South Spur, with a view to eventually capturing Flat Top.
By 1300 hours on 5th July 1999, 13 JAK RIFLES had ensured that Point 4875 and the adjacent Flat Top were back in Indian hands. However, holding on to these objectives, which the enemy too considered important, was as difficult as capturing them. Throughout the day, the troops were subjected to artillery shelling and MMG fire by the enemy. Ammunition resupply was promptly arranged and additional reinforcements were sent under Major Vikas Vohra and Captain Vikram Batra. For his laudable leadership, sustained courage of the highest order in the face of the enemy and exemplary dedication to duty, Major S Vijay Bhaskar was awarded the Vir Chakra.
However, the enemy locality immediately to the north of Point 4875 would have to be evicted quickly since it was interfering with the success of own operations. Captain Vikram Batra volunteered to undertake this difficult task. He identified the most dominating and dangerous enemy sangar and pounced on it, firing from the hip with his AK-47. He killed all the intruders inside but suffered grievous injuries himself.
After successfully capturing the enemy locality, this gallant officer made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. By 1600 hours, the last important objective on the Point 4875 complex had fallen to 13 JAK RIFLES and the gate to Mashkoh Valley had been prized open. For its sterling contribution to the success of the Kargil campaign, the battalion was also awarded the Unit Citation by the COAS. Captain Vikram Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra India’s highest gallantry award.
