“Hero of Batalik”: Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey in 1995 got commissioned into 1/11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army, a unit known for its gallant soldiers and various heroic exploits. Before his selection, during his Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, the interviewer asked him “why do want to join the Army?”. Without a second thought, he replied “I want to win the Param Vir Chakra”. True to his words he did. Alas! He did not live to receive it in person. In his diary he wrote:

“Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail”

Capt-Manoj-Kumar-Pandey — **Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey**

On 11th June 1999, Capt. Manoj Pandey was posted in Batalik Sector. He had forced back intruders there and led his men to capture the Junnar top which is an important strategic location. Capt. Manoj Pandey took part in many boldly led attacks in operation Vijay.

On 3rd July, he and his team advanced toward the Khalbur ridge, which lies in the north of the Indus river. As they were approaching the final leg, they faced heavy firing from the enemy from the surrounding heights. Fearlessly Capt. Manoj Pandey moved forward, trying to clear the enemy position and trying to cover his battalion from being spotted and avoiding them to be in a vulnerable position.

Last letter written by Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey

He assaulted the first enemy position by killing two more personnel and destroyed the enemy position as well. He got injured while advancing toward the third. Without caring for his grave injuries he destroyed them and advanced for the fourth, where he got fatally injured. “Na chhodnu” were his final words. The valor of daredevil, Capt. Manoj Pandey, led to the capture of Khalubar.

He is fondly remembered as the “Hero of Batalik”