Remembering 'Sher Shah' Capt Vikram Batra, Kargil war hero who led one of the toughest ops in mountain warfare

The Indian Army and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to Kargil War hero Captain Vikram Batra, who played a crucial role in the capture of Point 5140 at Dras, in the Kargil sector during 'Operation Vijay'.

 

Singh said Captain Batra's "unmatched bravery and sacrifice" during the Kargil war remains a glorious example of courage in service of the nation."

 

"#26YearsofKargilVijay Captain Vikram Batra 07 July 1999 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF) During #Kargil War, Captain Vikram Batra had earlier led his Company to successfully capture #Pt5140, in which he had daringly neutralised four enemy personnel in hand-to-hand combat," the Army said in a social media post.

 

The Indian Army also shared a small video clip with the post.

 

"In yet another battle to capture #Pt4875, he displayed most conspicuous courage & valour in the face of enemy and achieved a near impossible mission. In this operation he led the assault and neutralised five enemy soldiers at point blank range and pressed on the attack despite sustaining grievous injuries," the Army said.

 

Inspired by his superhuman act and exemplary leadership, the troops charged on and captured Point 4875, the Army noted. 

 

Capt Batra, son of G.L. Batra and Jai Kamal Batra, was commissioned into the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1996.

 

Often referred to as "Sher Shah’’ (Lion King), he is credited with leading one of the toughest operations in mountain warfare in Indian history. 

 

Leading from the front, he and his men ascended a cliff under enemy fire to capture  Point 5140. “Chanakya …it’s Sher Shah reporting!! We’ve captured the post! Yeh Dil Maange More,” he is reported to have said on  Jun 20, 1999.

 

On 7 July 1999, during the assault on Point 4875, Batra led his men in a direct daylight attack. He killed several enemy soldiers in close combat and, despite being gravely wounded, continued to lead his troops. He was fatally shot while attempting to rescue an injured comrade.

 

He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour, posthumously. 

Defence