A Memorable Republic Day – From a Soldier’s Memory Lane

It was 25th January 2001. I am narrating the story of the most memorable Republic Day experienced in my military career. It was the heights of winter and chill in Kashmir Valley. Generally, a lull period for militancy. I was deployed in an area where militancy was at its peak. We were doing our best by trying to win over locals through many friendly activities and social initiatives under social Army Projects, especially for Schools, the youth and Women.

On 25th January evening, we got inputs that a top commander of one of the well-known and highly dangerous insurgent groups was visiting his relatives in one of the villages. Without loosing any time, we launched ourselves.

On 25th January midnight, we deployed military tactics and field craft. We surrounded the target area and said house. On an early morning, we started the search. A burst of bullets from the house confirmed that our guy was inside.

By daylight, some of his relatives jumped out of the window and came out. Information from them revealed that this man is with one more militant, armed and willing to fight, had held 2 young boys hostages.

My first concern was directed towards the safety of those young boys, though I wanted to neutralize the militants as well. First natural step was to try negotiating a surrender. Almost 3 hours of negotiation efforts resulted in nothing. All this was happening when entire nation was glued to March Past on now what is called “Kartavya Path” and erstwhile “Janpath”.

So instead of surrendering, they open fired at us. We had no choice but to retaliate. Being conscious of the fact that they had the boys with them we could fire only in a pointed manner restricting ourselves from a full-fledged retaliation.

We had snow all around and we had to handle the entire operation very carefully. Any quick hasty action from our end would endanger the lives of the boys. After few hours of fire fight, accompanied by one of my scout, I entered the two storied wooden structure from a corner window while others kept the militants engaged. I could from a corner see the fearful boys sitting in a corner.

Why this was the most memorable Republic Day?

Amidst flying bullets, as I was contemplating my next action, the scout soldier with me suddenly leaped over from behind me and jumped on top of one of the firing militants. This was too sudden. He did this without caring for his life. He was trying to snatch the weapon of this militant. I had no choice but to jump over the Commander who tried firing on me but could not aim properly as they were shocked with our sudden action. We both were jostling with them furiously to snatch their weapons.

I was also shouting to the boys to rush out but they were too scared even to move an inch. My balance team outside realizing what was happening carefully and quickly rushed in. Both the militants were over powered by us. My scout was hit by a bullet on his arm. He was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. He was in smiles even while getting evacuated. Both the boys were handed over safely to their parents. I was so glad that we handed over both of them hale and hearty to their families.

The militant commander along with his accomplice was handed over to the police. We wanted them to be dead but for the sake of the boys we had to impose a lot of perseverance and restrictions on us. When the entire episode got over by evening, I was thinking what a happening and memorable Republic day we had. A Republic day with victory and God on our side. Jai Hind!

By Major Rakesh Sharma, Shaurya Chakra