Couple of days back during a general discussion one among the group commented “How does it matter to me if land is lost. I have my own problems to address!!! ". " If Bhagat Singh, RajGuru, Sukhdev and Capt. Vikram Batra had thought on the same lines as yours, then we would not be seeing same India as is seen now". Was my reproach to his comment?.(Many a times, it can or we should tolerate negative comments against us but not comments against Society, Country and Humanity).
Having been born in the same country as his, I see no consolable fact of reversion for missing his martyrdom day on July 7th. The Thursday which passed by us was the martyrdom day of Capt. Vikram Batra who fought to save each square inch of India.
After the capture of Point 5140, standing left to right: Captain Jamwal, Lieutenant Colonel Y K Joshi, Captain Vikram Batra and Major Vikas Vohra. Sitting left to right: Major Gurpreet Singh and Captain Rajesh Adhau, the RMO (Regimental Medical Officer).
On 01st June 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector on eruption of a war - like situation in Kargil, Drass and Batalik sub-sectors to recapture the first peak of utmost importance - Point 5140, which was at an altitude of 17,000 feet. On reaching Point 5140 he encountered the commander of the Pakistani - backed terrorists on radio. Enemy commander challenged him by saying, “Why have you come Shershah { Vikram's Nick name given by his commanding officer}, you will not go back. " Captain Batra, replied, “We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top.” In a short while Captain Batra and his company of troops killed eight enemy soldiers and captured the advantageous peak - 5140 with large cache of arms and anti aircraft machine guns.
Once his company captured Point 5140, he radioed his commanding officer and said jubilantly, " Yeh Dil Mange More!". Re - capture of Point 5140 cleared the all important Srinagar - Led highway and set in motion the capturing of Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the Tiger Hill.
After 4 to 5 days, he proceeded towards capturing Point 4750. He was once again challenged by an enemy who said, " Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your dead bodies, " to which Captain Batra curtly replied, " Don't worry about us, Pray for your safety." He captured Point 4750 and hosted the national flag. He volunteered himself for a third crucial operation of recapturing Point 4875 which was at an altitude of 17, 000 feet and had a gradient of 80 degrees. After killing a number of enemy troops and re-captured the peak on 05 July 1999.
There was a counter attacked by the enemy on 07 July 1999, but he retaliated the counter attack with vigor and zeal. In the heat of the battle one of his junior officers, Lieutenant Naveen was seriously injured and he immediately went to his rescue. While dragging Lieutenant Naveen back under cover. Captain Batra told " Tu baal bachedaar hai! Hatt jaa peeche". {You have kids and a wife to look after! Get back). Batra was hit by a bullet in the chest. With the worlds Jai Mata Di on his lips, he feel down and was hit again in the waist by an artillery splinter.
He used to always say “Sweat in peace so that you don't bleed in war" and "I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it ". He did raise the Indian flag in victory and also returned wrapped in it after succumbing to his grievous injuries and after killing another five enemy soldiers.
An video on Vikram Batra
Their lives do matter to us and it does matter to us, if India losses land!? Is it not!?
- Thanks
Rajhashekher BC - Raj
raj_rk2306@yahoo.co.in
Facebook : - Swami Vivekananda Myindiaeternal
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