Crazy! Brave! Inspiring Indian!
Name: Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra
June 1, 1999, his unit proceeded to the Kargil Sector where by now war like situation had erupted. The first task assigned to the young officer was the recapture of Point 5140, which was at an altitude of 17000 feet.
Upon reaching the point he got into a cheeky conversation with a terrorist commander on the radio. The enemy commander challenged him by saying, “Why have you come Sher Shah (Vikram’s nick name given by his commanding officer), you will not go back”. Captain Vikram Batra with immense confidence replied, “We shall see within one hour, who remains on the top”.
In a short while Captain Vikram Batra and his company of troops killed 8 enemy soldiers and captured a heavy anti-aircraft machine gun. Mission Point 5140 was a success!!
Soon after the victory of Point 5140 he radioed his commanding officer and said victoriously “Yeh Dil Maange More”( The heart wants more).
“Yeh Dil Maange More” became the catch line for the war!
With the victory of Point 5140 cleared the Srinagar-Leh highway, which led to capturing of Point 5100, 4700 Junction, Three Pimples and the ultimate prize- Tiger Hill.
After taking rest for couple of days he was sent for the task of capturing Point 4750, where he was engaged in the fiercest battle since the war had started. Vikram was challenged by an enemy officer, “Shershah, nobody shall be left to lift your bodies” to which Captain Vikram replied, “Don’t you worry about us, Pray for your safety.” Point 4750 was captured in no time adding one more victory to the count of Captain Vikram Batra.
Captain Batra was on a victory rampage, his heart asking for more honor and victory. He stoutly volunteered for the next mission, which was very crucial. It was the capture of Point 4875 at an altitude of 17000 feet. He went for the mission along with his company and another led by Captain Anuj Nayyar.
A number of enemy troops were killed in this mission. On 5th July 1999 Point 4875 was captured. But the enemy troops set in for a counter attack on 7th July 1999 which was well retaliated by Captain Batra. In all this action one of his junior officers (Lieutenant Naveen) has severely injured his leg.
Captain Vikram Batra went for his rescue. While dragging Lieutenant Naveen back under cover he pleaded to Captain Batra to let him continue the fight in spite the injuries to which Captain Batra heroically replied “Tu baal bachedaar hai!! Hatt jaa peeche”, (You have kids and wife to look after! Get back).
It didn't take long for this war hero to realize that he had been hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and then in a split of a second he was hit by a artillery splinter in the waist region. This great martyr gave away his last breath with “Jai mata di” (Long Live Mother Durga) on his lips. Before succumbing to his injuries he killed 5 more enemy soldiers.
For his display of bravery he was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest medal for gallantry. His father G.L Batra received the medal from the President of India on behalf of his brave son.