Every year on Kargil Diwas, the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who laid their lives or contributed to the historic win on Kargil are remembered. Names of a few soldiers like Captain Vikram Batra, Grenadier Yogendra Yadav, and Captain Anuj Nayyar are known to almost every Indian.
But there are many more soldiers who gave their lives or showed outstanding courage so that the Indian flag could fly high on Kargil once again.
On Kargil Diwas 2023, know about 7 such heroes who contributed to making this win possible.
Captain Anmol Kalia
Captain Kalia and his team had the task of capturing point 5203, and they started the mission in the darkness of night. They managed to reach the foothill of the mountain before dawn.
Climbing the barren mountain covered with snow without even a small patch of grass was very difficult. Still, the team and Captain Kalia launched the attack. Since he could not get a good cover he was badly injured and in the end, succumbed to injuries.
Lt Keishing Clifford Nongrum
Lt Keishing Clifford Nongrum was given the task of capturing Point 4812 in the Batalik sector. He was supposed to climb the mountain and make an assault on the enemy at the top of the vertical cliff of Kargil. When he reached the top, his column had to face a fierce attack that continued for two hours. Without thinking of his safety, Nongrum charged at the enemy even though it meant he was fully exposed to the enemy’s line of attack.
Captain Jintu Gogoi
He was a part of Operation Vijay in which Captain Gogoi had to evict enemy soldiers from the Kala Pathar ride line near LOC. He and his team reached the top early at dawn despite facing a heavy fire attack but during the attack, he was severely injured and later on succumbed to them. Captain Gogoi was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Captain Jerry Prem Raj
He was given the task to assault the Twin Bumps in the Drass sector and positively identified enemy positions and accurately directed artillery fire at the enemy. But during this fight, he got hit by the enemy fire but instead of thinking about his safety, he continued to fight with the enemy and ultimately was gravely injured. He was awarded Vir Chakra posthumously.
Captain Shashi Bhushan Ghildiyal
He was the Artillery Observation Post Officer for Pimple 11 Complex. When both the Company Commander and the second in command of his company were fatally injured and as the enemy was at a distance of only 400 meters, with his presence of mind, Captain Ghildiyal took control and started giving directions to the troops. Even though he got injured he continued to lead his men and prevented any counterattack from the enemies. Captain Ghildiyal also was awarded Vir Chakra.
Subedar Raghunath Singh
Subedar Singh was the platoon commander of the Delta Company of 13 JAK Rif. His task was to clear the Ledge beyond Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. But when his company was stalled because of heavy firing from the enemy, Subedar Singh decided to lead his Company during the daylight and showed immense courage and grit, which went beyond the call of duty to attack the enemy. Through his courageous action, it was possible to capture the Ledge area. He was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Lieutenant Praveen Kumar
Lieutenant Praveen Kumar and his Ghatak Platoon from the 14 Sikh regiment were assigned to capture the dominant Point 5310 in the Chorbatla Sector, which was 3 km inside the enemy's territory. He divided the platoon into three, crossed the LOC using his unorthodox tactics, and fulfilled the task without losing any life. He was awarded Vir Chakra for his bravery.