Major J C Verma

Maj J.C. Verma was serving with the 20th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment (20 Rajput) during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, when the battalion became part of the Indian Army's operations in the Sialkot sector under 35 Infantry Brigade of I Corps. The corps had been raised only a few months earlier under Lieutenant General P.O. Dunn, and although it was still developing its operational capabilities, it was soon entrusted with a decisive role in India's western campaign. The war entered a critical phase on 1 September 1965, when Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam in the Chhamb sector of Jammu and Kashmir. As the tactical situation rapidly deteriorated and enemy armour pressed forward, Maj J.C. Verma displayed exceptional leadership during one of the most difficult moments faced by his battalion. During this critical phase of the fighting, he remained behind with a small force to cover the withdrawal of his battalion. Fully aware of the danger posed by the advancing Pakistani armour, he deliberately held his ground to delay the enemy's advance, providing his men valuable time to disengage and withdraw towards safety. Even as the situation became increasingly hazardous, Maj Verma and the handful of soldiers with him continued to resist. He did not return with the withdrawing troops and was subsequently reported missing in action. Despite sustained efforts to establish his whereabouts, no definite information could be obtained, and he was eventually presumed to have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

A few days later, on the night of 7 September 1965, India opened its major counter-offensive across the international border by launching Operation Nepal, with the objective of advancing through the Daska–Phillora–Chawinda axis towards Sialkot. The newly raised I Corps, despite shortages of transport, equipment, and preparation for large-scale plains warfare, pushed deep into enemy territory and opened one of the most significant campaigns of the war. The operations witnessed intense fighting against determined Pakistani resistance supported by armour, artillery, and entrenched infantry. Indian forces secured important gains during the advance, including the victory at Phillora, before the fighting eventually centred on the heavily defended Chawinda sector. As the battle intensified, 35 Infantry Brigade, including 20 Rajput, was committed to the fierce engagements around Jassoran and Butur Dograndi, where these strategically important positions repeatedly changed hands. Despite heavy shelling and determined resistance, 20 Rajput launched a resolute night attack on 18/19 September, successfully recapturing the position and restoring the tactical situation for Indian forces. The battalion's performance reflected the Rajput Regiment's enduring traditions of courage, discipline, and unwavering determination in close combat.

The entire Sialkot campaign came at a heavy cost for 20 Rajput. Along with Maj J.C. Verma, 19 other soldiers of the battalion made the supreme sacrifice during the operations. Their losses reflected the intensity of one of the hardest-fought campaigns of the 1965 War, where every advance demanded extraordinary courage and endurance. The sacrifice of Maj J.C. Verma remains an enduring chapter in the proud history of 20 Rajput. His decision to remain behind with a small force and cover his battalion's withdrawal embodied leadership in its highest form—placing the safety of his men above his own. Together with the nineteen other brave soldiers of 20 Rajput who laid down their lives during the Sialkot campaign, his legacy continues to inspire generations of Rajput soldiers and stands as a timeless testament to duty, courage, and selfless service to the nation.