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Bench had sought president’s opinion on the matter

Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association’s General Body today shut the door on shifting the High Court to a new site, opting to retain the institution within its current premises instead. The decision was taken through a show of hands, amidst warnings from the court about severe space constraints that could make relocation unavoidable.A Bench of the HC had earlier asked Bar president Sartej Singh Narula to place before the court the Bar’s opinion on whether it was willing to shift. The Judges had clarified that they were open to relocation, provided the General Body of the Bar Association agreed.

“Executive Committee has passed a resolution that they are ready and willing to search for an alternative site for the High Court. Let the resolution of the Executive Committee be placed before the General Body, which, if passed, would definitely be accepted by the Court, not otherwise,” the Bench headed by Chief Justice Nagu had asserted.

The matter, as such, was placed before the General Body this afternoon, where the relocation proposals and other issues were discussed. Initially, formal voting was contemplated, but the General Body chose to decide through a show of hands.

The development is significant as the court had previously acknowledged the acute shortage of space in its existing complex, while discussing the proposals to move the High Court to Sarangpur or the IT Park. But the rejection by the Bar today virtually closed the door on any immediate relocation.

“We are forced to think about an alternative site for the High Court…. Such a good building you have. It’s a unique building. I have not seen such a building in the entire country. And yet you are compelling people to leave this building by your adamancy,” the Bench had earlier asserted, while making clear its stand.

Currently, the High Court functions with 69 courtrooms against a sanctioned strength of 85 judges. The Bench, during the course of hearing, was informed that the number of functional courtrooms could rise to 89 if certain staff occupying existing courtrooms were relocated.

The Bench is now virtually left with two proposals: converting adjoining forest land into non-forest area to allow expansion of the current premises, and constructing a new judicial complex opposite the High Court Bar Room.

The UT Administration has already approved the plan to construct 16 additional courtrooms across two floors, along with two basement levels for parking, which would provide nearly two lakh square feet of additional space.

On the issue of forest land conversion, UT senior standing counsel Amit Jhanji has all along been maintaining that de-reservation could not be considered. He pointed out that the proposed land was an eco-fragile patch of reserve forest notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forming part of the Sukhna Lake/wetland catchment. Also, it falls within the eco-sensitive zone of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary as per the Environment (Protection) Act notification of January 10, 2017.

Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain, on the other hand, has been stating that the real obstacle is not legality but a lack of willpower. “People who have to do it lack willpower,” he remarked during a hearing, highlighting bureaucratic inertia as the key challenge in expanding the High Court’s infrastructure.

Decisions taken at the meeting

The General House of the Bar Association unanimously decided not to shift the High Court to Sarangpur or any other alternative site.

The Bar Association will pursue de-reservation of adjoining forestland to enable the expansion of the High Court at its current location.

The continuation of the High Court at its present site is considered in the best interest of the legal fraternity, litigants and justice administration.

Copies of the resolution are to be forwarded to the Chief Justice and judges of the High Court, Union Law Minister, Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana, and the UT Administrator for consideration and necessary action.

Pilots undertaking tandem flights will have to complete simulation during flights paragliding safety course

Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service

The state government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022, to make norms for adventure sports more stringent and safe, especially for those who take a joy ride with a professionally-trained pilot.

The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation had issued a notification on September 20 to seek suggestions and objections to the amendment within 30 days. These amended rules will be called the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The amendment has been made in the clause j of sub rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022.

As per the amendment, the pilots undertaking tandem flights will have to complete simulation during the flights paragliding safety course. Pilots will now have to complete this course before seeking a tandem licence. The pilots already registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation have been given time to complete the simulation safety training course for paragliding by August 31, 2026.

Aero sports, especially paragliding, are a big attraction, particularly for tourists in Himachal. Paragliding is being undertaken at various places like Bir-Billing near Baijnath in Kangra, in Kullu and Manali and several other locations. However, several people have lost their lives in various mishaps.

The amendment is aimed at making safety norms more stringent and the safety course mandatory for pilots, who are undertaking tandem flights, where a person takes a flight in a paraglider with a trained professional pilot.

As per the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022, a person can undertake aero sports only after registration with the Tourism Department. It is after approval from the technical committee regarding proper training and safety of the equipment being used that a person is issued a licence.

However, there have bene instances where people, who are not registered with the Tourism Department, have been found to be undertaking aero sports. Though at times even trained pilots meet with mishaps, the greater problem is when there are accidents during tandem flights.

There have been several mishaps, especially in Kullu where tourists enjoying a tandem flight with a trained pilot have died in accidents. The amendment is basically aimed at averting such mishaps by way of proper safety training for pilots, who are undertaking aero sports as a commercial activity for tourists.

Govt, military silent on attack | Tribals to launch protest | Rights panel seeks probe

At least 30 civilians, most of them women and children, were killed in the early hours of Monday when airstrikes hit the village of Matre Dara in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Indian intelligence sources.

The strikes, which began around 2 am, reportedly involved JF-17 fighter jets dropping at least eight China-made precision-guided bombs on the remote settlement. Witnesses described scenes of destruction, with bodies scattered in the streets and survivors digging through the rubble of collapsed homes with their bare hands.

“Entire families have been wiped out. Most of the victims are women and children who had no chance to escape,” a source said.

The Tirah Valley, near the Afghanistan border, is an area where Pakistani forces frequently target militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups. The military describes it as containing “dozens of TTP hideouts”. However, such operations have often been criticised by human rights organisations for causing high civilian casualties.

There was no official comment from the Pakistani government or military on Monday’s incident. The strikes were not even reported by Pakistani media. A local police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that airstrikes had targeted at least four houses suspected of being belonging to TTP militants.

Sohail Afridi, a member of the provincial assembly from Khyber district, accused the security forces of carrying out a “carnage”. In a post on X that included a video showing dead children, he wrote, “Scenes of destruction in the Tirah Maidan Akakhail Shadla Matre Dara area after jet bombing by security forces.” In an apparent reference to the Pakistani government, Afridi said the killing of children and innocent people has become a routine for the “oppressors occupying this state”.

This is not the first recent incident of its kind. A week earlier, four children were killed and five others injured in a quadcopter attack, which the Pakistan Army denied conducting, instead blaming the TTP. In May, 22 persons, including seven children, were injured in a similar strike.

Following the airstrikes, tribal elders from the Afridi community reportedly convened a meeting to discuss plans for protests and a possible siege of a nearby air force base in Peshawar.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed outrage and demanded an investigation. It said, “The HRCP is deeply shocked to learn that civilians, including children, have been killed allegedly as a result of aerial bombing in Tirah, Khyber district. We demand an immediate, impartial inquiry and that those responsible be held to account.”

India hit Pakistan hard in Khemkaran by Capt Amarinder Singh

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Abdul Hamid was among the architects of Asal Uttar victory during the 1965 war

Capt Amarinder Singh

DURING the 1965 India-Pakistan war, 4 Mountain Division was deployed at Khemkaran in Punjab’s Majha region. Among 4 Division’s most distinguished battalions was 4 Grenadiers. Lt Hari Ram Janu, my course-mate at the NDA, was the Forward Company Commander of this battalion’s C Company. He had been in service for two years and three months. His platoon commander, 2nd Lt BK Vaid, had less than a year’s service.

The company was deployed on the Khemkaran-Chima road. A roadblock had been laid. In the afternoon on September 10, 1965, two jeeps followed by a tank were seen coming up the road from Khemkaran. The jeeps came to a stop near the roadblock.

The forward jeep had two stars on it; an officer stood up and shouted to the nearest Grenadiers trench that had three men and a light machine gun (LMG): “Throw down your weapons; you are surrounded!” The Bren gunner stood up in the trench and froze; he was astonished to see a senior officer standing next to the driver. 2nd Lt Vaid ordered the gunner, “Fire, open fire!” The gunner finally opened fire at the officer and the driver. Both collapsed.

The items recovered from the jeep included an officer’s beret, star plates and a swallow-tailed pennant; it was presumed that Maj Gen Naseer Ahmad Khan, GOC of Pakistan’s 1 Armoured Division, had been killed. This was confirmed because the rescue tank commander had shouted for the ‘General’ and there was a wireless intercept to the effect that ‘Bade imam sahib’ had been killed. The three young men in the trench were Naushad, Sulleman and Shafi.

What had transpired was that the GOC, confused about the whereabouts of the Indian forces, had given his jeep to his Artillery Brigade chief Brig Ahsan Rasheed Shami, who volunteered to carry out a reconnaissance. It was he who stood up to challenge the occupants of the trench and was shot.

The Brigadier’s map case and an operational order marked “top secret” was also found. It was the order for Pakistan’s operation to bypass both the 4 Division and 7 Division defences and then capture the Beas brigade, severing the GT road and communications to all 11 Corps formations.

When the Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, arrived at the 4 Division HQ on September 11, the Op order and the map were shown to him. I was then instructed to take the documents back to the Command HQ. It wasn’t a pleasant task as the papers were soaked in blood. Along with these were the officers’ identity cards and personal effects. On reaching the Command HQ, I handed them over to the Chief of Staff and they were immediately sent to the Army HQ in New Delhi.

After detailed discussions and a late dinner, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, left at 2 am to take rest. We were to leave for 11 Corps at 5 am. Around 3 am, I was in my sleep when I heard the telephone ring. I answered it and a voice asked for the Commander. I asked him to identify himself. In response, he shouted, “I’m the Chief. Who else do you think!” I said, “Sorry, Sir. I will get the Commander for you.” I called up but got no response. I told my roommate, Capt Jiti Choudhry of Hodson’s Horse — who had been ADC (aide-de-camp) to Gen Daulat Singh — that I was going to the Commander’s room and that when I rang up, he should put the call through.

Lt Gen Harbakhsh was asleep when I entered his room. I shook him awake, saying, “The Chief is on the line, Sir”. Jiti put the call through. I stood by as the Commander spoke. The Army Chief said: “I have seen the Pak Op order for the dash to the Beas. I suggest you withdraw 11 Corps formations to hold a line on the Beas river.” The Commander responded in the negative: “I’ve just come from 4 Division. The situation has stabilised. The 2nd Armoured Brigade is now under its command and 3 Cavalry is also now with 4 Division.” It was decided that the Commander would postpone his visit to 11 Corps and the Chief would visit him at the Command HQ at Ambala.

At 10 am the next day, the Chief arrived at Ambala. A lengthy discussion took place on various matters, but the contentious issue of the Western Command’s withdrawal to the Beas, thereby giving up a large area of Majha (including Amritsar and Tarn Taran), was not taken up as the situation had changed overnight. Had a pliant Commander been in charge, a large chunk of Punjab would have been lost and the morale of the Army would have hit a new low just three years after the Chinese debacle.

Earlier, on September 8, Pakistan’s 1 Armoured Division confronted the battalion at Bhura Kuhna and Asal Uttar. Around 9 am, an LMG section deployed about 20 yards from the road shouted that two tanks were approaching their position from the direction of Khem Karan and were about 200 yards away. Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid’s RCL (recoilless rifle) detachment was around 30 yards to the right of the Company HQ. Lt Janu called out to him to engage the tanks as soon as he could see them. Hamid got the lead tank with his first shot. The following two tanks were abandoned intact by their crews. At 11 am, following a severe artillery barrage, another tank attack took place. Hamid once again knocked out the lead tank. The following tanks were also abandoned. The troops attacking B Company disengaged and withdrew.

By 11:30 am, a column of 1/9 Gorkhas withdrew from Bhura Kuhna due to an enemy armoured assault. Around noon, enemy tanks entered the 4 Grenadiers’ battalion defences at Chima and opened fire at close range. The RCL platoon commander, despite being wounded, ordered his detachments to engage the enemy tanks. Hamid’s detachment knocked out two of the tanks that made an attempt to overrun their defences. Another attack was also repulsed, with the enemy losing two more tanks in the process. The battalion suffered six casualties. At 3 pm, a squadron of Centurion tanks of 3 Cavalry reached the spot and forced the enemy to withdraw from Bhura Kuhna. At 2:30 pm, a third attack, this time on B Company, took place and two more tanks were shot by the RCL detachment.

At 9 am on September 9, a fleet of four F86s strafed the area. This was followed by tank attacks at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Hamid accounted for two tanks, and Havildar Bir Singh of B Company two more.

On September 10, the most important day of the Asal Uttar battle, enemy artillery started its bombardment of the Grenadiers at 6 am. One tank led the way on the road, followed by one on either side. The tanks were spotted at 200 yards, but Lt Janu ordered Hamid not to engage them till they were closer. Hamid then destroyed the leading tank, the other two being abandoned by its crew.

At 9:30 am, Hamid shot two more tanks, and while he was sighting the third, both he and the enemy fired simultaneously, hitting each other and killing both crews. 4 Grenadiers had shot 15 tanks and held its ground despite being under constant armoured attack. It received the Battle Honour ‘Asal Uttar’ and the Theatre Honour ‘Punjab 1965’. Hamid was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry during this battle.

On 17 Sep 3 JAT was ordered to recapture Dograi as a part of a fresh 15 Infantry Division offensive. After detailed planning and probing attacks, Dograi would be retaken inch by inch once again in a gruesome battle. 3 JAT was in the Assembly Area by 1.15 AM on 21 Sep. 13 PUNJAB who had attacked MILE 13 enroute could not make much headway. This attack however divided the enemy’s attention from the 3 JAT attack giving them immense tactical advantage. 3 JAT assault began at 2 AM with two companies Charlie and Delta leading. Delta Company found the old village empty and wheeled right to new Dograi. Charlie Company came under intense fire from the canal bank. One platoon of Delta Company, following Charlie Company, charged through to attack the depth positions.

The enemy, a mixed company of 12 Punjab and 18 Baluch were routed. The fight was ferocious; of the seventy three men of Charlie Company who had charged the enemy, only twenty seven were left on their feet. This initial success was followed by house-to-house clearance and bloody mopping up operations. By 4 AM the enemy was gripped by panic and started running away. 3 JAT mounted their light machine guns on rooftops and picked off the fleeing enemy.

Bravo Company following Charlie Company passed through to attack the demolished bridge on Ichhogil Canal. They were met with intense fire …. the leading section was completely wiped out. This did not deter the Company; they soon ejected the enemy platoon guarding the east bank. Alfa Company was tasked to hit the enemy’s tank harbour. They dashed ahead to surprise the enemy while the main attack was building up, two enemy tanks were captured. The regiment regrouped quickly on the objective and prepared for a counterattack by the enemy.

The first of four counter attacks began with an intense barrage of artillery fire at about 4.30 AM. The JATs were waiting and responded fiercely killing the Counterattack Force Commander. The morning brought fresh surprises. Nearly two companies of 16 Punjab (Pak) were found to be still occupying defences in MILE 13 from where they were engaged in a firefight with 13 PUNJAB. 3 JAT was likely to be sandwiched between the counterattacks and these Pak companies holding well prepared defences.

Captain Jagtar Sangha, Squadron Commander of SCINDE HORSE lined up two troops (8 Tanks) abreast the GT Road and charged the defences at MILE 13 with all guns blazing. Two of his tanks were hit with strim grenades but the charge was pressed home. The defenders of 16 Punjab were so unnerved that they broke ranks and ran. Many were taken prisoners including Lt Col GF Golewala, the Commanding Officer (CO). The second counterattack came at 7 AM with intense shelling of Dograi and MILE 13. Swift and accurate retaliation with RCLs and Artillery firing in direct firing role unnerved the attackers and destroyed a number of their tanks.

The Pakistanis remained determined, and counter attacked again at 10 AM. A squadron of Pakistani tanks attempted to outflank 54 Infantry Brigade from the North. RCLs of 1 JAT and 1/3 GORKHA Rifles of 38 Infantry Brigade deployed in the North were grouped to face the assault. An intense Infantry Tank battle ensued, the enemy tanks charged through the defences of one of the forward companies of 1 JAT, passing over their trenches. The brave JATs stood firm. After nearly an hour, the Pakistani withdrew leaving behind six burning hulks. There was also no respite in Dograi, the enemy continued shelling and snipers made movement through the rubble of Dograi for reorganisation and casualty evacuation difficult. By evening 3 JAT was reinforced by a draft from the JAT Regimental Centre and two companies of 13 PUNJAB.

 Nightfall brought ominous signs of a fourth counterattack. Alfa Company however discovered the enemy assembly area and using machine guns launched a spoiling attack against the enemy disintegrating his plans. Morning of 23 Sep revealed 65 bodies of soldiers from 8 Punjab (Pak). By night 22 Sep four counterattacks were beaten back with heavy losses to the enemy. Respite from fighting came with cease-fire in the early hours of 23 Sep. Islamuddin a Pakistani soldier who had once served in 3 JAT came to the west bank of Ichhogil canal on afternoon of 23 Sep and shouted across, “Only my old battalion could have done this!” What better tribute? The exceptional leadership and courage of the CO Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde was acknowledged with the award of a Maha Vir Chakra

. The Battle of Dograi was fought in cold blood with determination and guts. In both battles for Dograi, 3 JAT suffered 5 Officers killed and 9 wounded, involving practically all officers of the battalion; 1 JCO killed and 8 wounded and 82 other ranks killed and 214 wounded. The battalion won three Maha Vir Chakras, four Vir Chakras, seven Sena Medals, 12 Mention-in-Dispatches and 11 Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Cards. The casualty figures and decorations bear witness to the outstanding performance by indomitable 3 JAT in the face of heavy odds. The enemy suffered heavy casualties of 509 killed, 400 wounded while 100 soldiers and officers were taken as Prisoners of War (POW).

9th BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT SPECIAL FORCES.

A very informative and factual account, though a bit long. But a very interesting read nevertheless.

From the wall of Attar Singh Rathee

It’s a known fact in history, that in September of 1965 when Pakistan was on the verge of victory in Kashmir with the Chhamb offensive, a three pronged attack on Jammu Akhnoor and Pathankot to cut off Kashmir from the rest of India; one man stood up… Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh the Western Army Commander.
The towering Khalsa, took upon himself to break the defensive mindset, and went on the offensive… thus, for the second time in history after the Khalsa offensive by the legendary Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa against the Pathans in 19th century; the Indian Army went on the offensive… Lahore was attacked.
Since early days, Harbaksh was destined to always save India out of trouble. 13 Years of combat experience with his parent unit 5 SIKH, fighting the Japanese in WWII, Harbaksh had seen it all from capturing posts, to being ambushed, injured and taken as Prisoner of War. By 1947 Harbaksh a senior Military officer and brilliant battle hardened soldier had just completed Staff College at quetta and was ready to take on the higher echelons of the military. As a full Colonel, he was the Deputy Commander of the famous 161 Infantry Brigade in Uri in 1947. He had volunteered to command a unit in battle but was denied as he was a full Colonel (units were commanded by Lt Cols).
During the offensive by 1 SIKH the CO Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai got Killed in Action, Harbaksh Singh again volunteered and this time removed a star from his shoulders (for the first time in history an officer demoted himself to lead his men in battle). The battered battalion regrouped and fought like lions under Harbaksh to reclaim Farkian Gali and drove out Pakistanis from the valley.
Harbaksh Singh was promoted as Brigadier in 1948. As the Commander of 163 Infantry brigade Harbaksh again conducted daring operations in Tithwal and captured Tithwal. He at the rank of Brigadier, was awarded Veer Chakra, the third highest gallantry award of India.
In September 1965, the Indian Army went on the offensive with Jalandhar based 11 Corps launched all of its infantry divisions (7th Inf Div, 15th Inf Div and 4th Inf Div) launched towards Lahore and Army HQ Reserve 1 Strike Corps with the elite 1 Armoured Division launched further North Towards Sialkot to not only thwart the Pakistani Juggernaut but also to crush Pakistan feeling of supremacy and regain the pride of the Indian Army licking its wounds from 62 China debacle. Bitter battles followed with both sides fighting even for an inch of land. The Indian Armoured Corps came into its own with destruction of Pakistani counterparts despite having inferior Sherman tanks as compared to the modren Patton Tanks of Pakistan. Legends were created on the battle field with units like 17 Poona Horse, 4 Horse, 3 Cavalry writing history in blood and gold.
The infantryman went beyond the call of duty and beyond imagination to fight with tanks, the likes of Abdul Hamid showed the true colour of the sons of the soil. India regained its pride as not only Pakistani offensives were crushed, but Indians were now ready to capture Lahore. Pakistan however launched another offensive this time towards south Punjab in Ferozpore sector. In Hussainiwala, Pakistan cracked up Indian defences and a crisis developed. The Army Chief Gen JN Choudhary ordered 11 Corps, which was in offensive to withdraw and take defensive positions. Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh Western Army Commander refused, defied the Army Chief and instead ordered GOC 11 Corps to attack, thereby saving Punjab and India from a certain defeat.
Meanwhile in Kashmir, during the progress of operations history was in the making. The Operation Gibralter combined with the Pakistani offensive in Jammu, initially had succeeded due to the surprise and speed. It was a precarious situation as Poonch was threatened. The only possible way to recapture territory and save poonch was to go behind the enemy lines and destroy his flanks. Pakistanis knew India would loose Kashmir if the old road to valley from Poonch was lost. Doom prevailed on the horizon of the future of an integrated India. At this time a miracle happened. It is often said that the outlaws create history, same thing happened when Maj Megh Singh of the 3RD BATTALION BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS, a superseded officer who had been denied promotion, volunteered to the Western Army Commander to carry out commando raids behind the enemy lines. A preposterous idea given the time and situation and with no resources at hand. India had no commando units. Nor were there any plans to raise any.
Gen Harbaksh listened patiently, and asked Megh Singh, “Son if you succeed in this, I will put that star on your shoulder with my own hands.” And without the govt’s approval, Harbaksh gave a nod to raise this force. Maj Megh Singh organised a force of volunteer dare devils personally chosen by him, A few Good Men. This force, known as the ‘MEGHDOOT FORCE’ after Megh Singh, the forgotten men not even recognised by the govt of the day, formed the nucleus of the first special forces unit in India. Thus was born the elite 9 PARA COMMANDO or the 9th BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT SPECIAL FORCES.
Maj Megh Singh proved his mettle and carried out not one but three of the most outstanding and daring raids and link ups ever in history of warfare. His raids took Pakistanis completely off the guard as nothing this spectacular was ever expected by them from the Indians. Today Poonch stands with India courtesy Megh Singh. Maj Megh Singh the outlawed man facing court martial charges before the raids, came back home with a bullet in his thigh and was pipped Lt Col by Gen Harbaksh Singh himself and became the first CO of 9 PARA.
By the time ceasefire was declared on 23 Sep 65, the Indian army had not only recovered from the initial losses, but instead captured large chunks of vital Pakistani territory in North Punjab. War as a whole was a stalemate but the Indian army was able to thwart the Pakistani intentions of capturing Kashmir with force, their Operation Gibralter proved to be an utter failure.Truly Harbaksh was the saviour of Kashmir, Punjab and that of the honour of India.
For saving India, Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh was awarded with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan both the second and the third highest honours in the country. For inconspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and outstanding leadership under fire Lt Col Megh Singh was awarded with Veer Chakra.
Today the Indian Parachute Regiment and Special Forces are considered amongst the best in the world including the British SAS, US Special Forces, Navy SEALs and Israeli Sayeret Matkal and Flotila 13. Few outlaws, few good men started a tradition of valour and sacrifice. The saga continues till date with Parachute Regiment being the most decorated regiment in the world despite it being only raised in WWII and despite it competing amongst the best of the best who have been there for centuries. The Maroon Berets are truly a different breed, and it all started with one man who said, “Who dares wins”.
This post is dedicated to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh Padma Vibhushan, VrC, Padma Bhushan GOC-in-C Western Command 1965 and Lt Col Megh Singh Rathore VrC CO 9 PARA CDO BN….. True legends
I hope a war movie is made on these raids on Poonch.
PS:- For all those who are sharing this post.
The idea is to highlight a military personality, I deliberately combined two personalities, to negate the efforts of giving it a religious colour by certain kind of people who might portray Gen Harbaksh’s prowess as something related to his religious believes, which certainly is not the case. This post is not a “Sikh” praise post. It is a post on two brilliant military commanders.
A man’s ability has nothing to do with religion. and this post is equally for Lt Col Megh Singh Rathore and I want it to be that way if anyone shares this post.

Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat stands out as one of the Indian Army’s most decorated officers, earning prestigious awards like the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for his bravery in operations and expeditions.

He has summited Mount Everest three times and climbed major peaks across continents, showcasing extraordinary endurance and leadership that motivate adventurers and soldiers alike.

Through his 30-year career, he exemplified dedication, overcoming challenges in high-stakes missions and adventures, inspiring others to pursue excellence with resilience and teamwork.

Early Life and Entry into the Indian Army

Born in Alwar, Rajasthan, in 1970, Brigadier Shekhawat grew up in an environment that emphasized education, discipline, and service. He joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Army on June 11, 1994, beginning his service with the 17th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry before transitioning to the elite 21 Para (Special Forces). This set the stage for a career defined by gallantry and adventure.

Military Career Highlights

Brigadier Shekhawat steadily rose through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Brigadier in 2020. Over the years, he participated in critical operations, including counter-insurgency missions in the Northeast, service in Siachen Glacier, and United Nations peacekeeping assignments.

One of his most celebrated actions came in 2008, during an anti-terrorist operation in Manipur, where his leadership and personal courage under fire earned him the Kirti Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. His service record reflects a rare combination of tactical brilliance, fearlessness, and empathy for his troops.

Adventures Beyond the Battlefield

Parallel to his military service, Brigadier Shekhawat carved a name as a world-class mountaineer.

• Everest Summits: 2001, 2003, and 2005, including a heroic 2001 climb when he overcame illness to complete the expedition.
• Global Peaks: Conquered Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mont Blanc (Europe), Marble Wall Peak (Kazakhstan), and many others.
• Leadership in Expeditions: In 2022, he commanded a 55-member Indian Army team to summit Shahi Kangri, adding to his tally of 14 major peaks worldwide.

These achievements highlight his message that resilience and teamwork are as vital in adventure as they are in battle.

Awards and Decorations

Award/Medal	Reason
Kirti Chakra	Leadership in a counter-insurgency operation in Manipur
Shaurya Chakra	Gallantry during Mount Everest expedition
Sena Medal (Gallantry)	Acts of bravery in operations
Vishisht Seva Medal	Distinguished service in the Army
Siachen Glacier Medal	Service in extreme high-altitude conditions
Operation Vijay Medal	Participation in Kargil-related operations
UN Service Medal (MONUSCO)	Contribution to peacekeeping mission in Congo
Long Service Medals	For 9 years, 20 years, and beyond

Lasting Legacy

After retiring on August 31, 2024, Brigadier Shekhawat continues to inspire through adventure initiatives and leadership training, including associations with organizations like Skyhigh India. His life story has been featured in books such as Balidan: Stories of India’s Greatest Para Special Forces Operatives, ensuring his experiences serve as a beacon for future generations.

Brigadier Shekhawat’s journey spanning battlefields, glaciers, and the world’s highest mountains remains a testament to courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service. His legacy motivates Indians to embrace challenges with determination and to serve with honor, both in uniform and beyond.

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Fearless Tales: How 28 Gorkhas under the Param Vir Chakra awardee stood like a wall against China’s might at Pangong Lake in 1962

Raghav Guleria

As the nation bows in reverence to its heroes, one name rises like a mountain peak among the bravest of the brave — Major Dhan Singh Thapa, Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose defiance at Srijap stands as an eternal ode to courage.

Born on April 28, 1928, in Shimla, Major Thapa grew up in the quiet hills of Solan, where his father, Padam Singh Thapa, tilled the land as a farmer. As a child, he often trekked long distances carrying sacks of corn and other produce on his back to his maternal uncle’s home in Shimla. Years later, he would fondly recall these journeys to his children — unbelievable to many, but a glimpse of the resilience and endurance that shaped his spirit from an early age.

His life found companionship in Shukla Rana of Dharamsala, who stood by him as he donned the olive green. Today, at 91, she lives with her daughters and grandchildren, still holding vivid memories of a husband who lived not just for her, but for a nation. His daughter, Madhulika Thapa, immortalised his tale of sacrifice, capture and return in her book The Warrior Gorkha.

In 1962, with China’s storm brewing on the northern borders, destiny called Major Thapa to Pangong Lake. His wife, then expecting, let him go with a promise — that he would return with India’s highest honour. Fate did not disappoint. Their newborn son, named Paramdeep after the medal his father earned, proved to be a symbol of survival and fortune.

Commissioned into the 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles, Thapa had always been known for grit. But on the bitter night of October 19–20, 1962, his name was etched into eternity. With just 28 Gorkhas at Srijap Post against a wave of 600 Chinese soldiers, he knew retreat was no option. His command was simple: “Dig fast, dig deep — hold the post.”

The sky lit up with artillery, mortars and incendiary bombs. The earth shook with rockets and tank fire. Yet, the Gorkhas thundered back with their battle cry — “Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali!” The defenders fought like warriors from another age, cutting down wave after wave of the enemy. Ammunition dwindled, trenches collapsed, comrades fell — but Thapa and his men did not yield. When bullets ran dry, khukris flashed; when even khukris slipped from hands, they fought bare-handed.

By dawn, Srijap was a smoking ruin. Only three men stood. Major Thapa, refusing surrender, fought till the last breath of strength before being overwhelmed and taken prisoner. For days, his family believed him martyred — until the Chinese released a list of prisoners and his name glowed like a miracle.

For this unmatched gallantry, Major Thapa was conferred the Param Vir Chakra. He returned to service, rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and after retirement, lived quietly, away from the limelight of his own legend. On September 6, 2005, he passed into history — leaving behind a family and a nation that will forever remember him not just as a soldier, but as the soul of courage itself.

Across India today, in statues, memorials and the tales passed down in Army schools, Major Dhan Singh Thapa’s name is spoken not with words alone — but with pride, with reverence and with a lump in the throat