My tributes to Hero
NEW DELHI, JULY 07, 2025: In early May 1999, local shepherds in the Kargil region noticed suspicious movements. A deeper probe revealed a large-scale intrusion by Pakistani soldiers who had occupied key mountain posts across the LoC.
In response, India launched Operation Vijay, employing infantry assaults, artillery fire, and air power — all without crossing the Line of Control (LoC). This operation became a testament to the unparalleled valour of our armed forces. Among those brave sons of Bharat Mata stood Captain Vikram Batra.
Trained at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Vikram Batra was commissioned into the 13th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. He was first posted in Sopore (Baramulla District, J&K), where he courageously engaged in multiple counter-insurgency operations.
During the 1999 Kargil conflict, Captain Batra was deployed on the Tololing mountain range. With daring manoeuvres and unmatched grit, he led his men to capture Point 5140 on 26th June 1999. For this act of bravery, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Soon after, he was assigned a far more dangerous mission — the recapture of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley, a strategically vital peak overlooking the National Highway. At that time, Captain Batra was down with fever and exhaustion. His commanding officer advised him to rest.
But when Captain N.A. Nagappa — leading the assault on Point 4875 — was critically injured, Batra immediately volunteered to take charge.
The ascent was steep and treacherous, in pitch-dark conditions — one wrong step meant a 4,000-foot drop into the ravine. With fearless determination, Captain Batra led from the front, using hand grenades and rocket launchers at close range (within 50 metres), destroying enemy bunkers and forcing the intruders to retreat. Point 4875 was ours.
Tragically, while attempting to evacuate a wounded soldier, Captain Batra exposed himself to enemy fire from a hidden position. He was grievously injured and succumbed to his wounds on 7th July 1999.
It was a spine-chilling, heroic battle, and the nation will never forget
For his unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest gallantry honour.
Today marks the day Captain Batra laid down his life for the motherland. Let us pause to salute him — and all the brave hearts who made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.
Jai Jawan! Jai Hind!
