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The Hero of Batalik

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was commissioned in 1995 1/11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army, a unit known for its brave soldiers and various heroics.

Before his selection, during his interview with the Service Selection Board (SSB), the interviewer asked him, "Why do you want to join the army?"  Without thinking too much, he replied, "I want to earn the Param Vir Chakra" and he did it but unfortunately, he never lived to receive it personally. In his diary he wrote:  "Some goals are so valuable that even missing them is wonderful"

On June 11, 1999, Captain Manoj Pandey was stationed in the Batalik Sector. He had pushed the intruders back there and led his men to capture the summit of Junnar, an important strategic location. In fact Capt. Manoj Pandey took part in many attacks in operation Vijay.


On July 3, he and his team advanced towards the Khalbur mountain range, north of the Indus, and as they approached the final section, they found themselves exposed to heavy enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Pandey advanced, trying to vacate the enemy position, trying to shield his battalion from visibility and prevent them from being in a vulnerable position.


He assaulted the primary enemy position by killing 2 personnel and destroyed the enemy position as well. While doing so he was seriously injured but still he advanced towards the third. Without being concerned for his grave accidents he destroyed them and advanced for the fourth, where he got bitterly injured.

“Na chhodnu” have been his very last words. The valor of Capt. Manoj Pandey brought about the seize of Khalubar.
He is fondly remembered as the “Hero of Batalik”

In 2000, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, as was his dream.



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