2nd Lt L K Nadgir

During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, 2nd Lt LK Nadgir was serving with the 6th Maratha Light Infantry (6 MLI) under the command of Lt Col Mathew Manohar. At that time, the unit was operating under the operational control of the 35 Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 6th Mountain Division. The Brigade was tasked with a strategic objective under "Operation Nepal," which aimed to capture the key town of Chawinda in Pakistan. This town held significant strategic value as it was the station point for Pakistan's formidable 6th Armoured Division. As part of Operation Nepal, the 6th Maratha Light Infantry was assigned the crucial task of capturing the Chawinda railway station. This mission was vital to securing the town and disrupting enemy supply lines. Under the able leadership of their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Mathew Manohar, two companies of the 6 MLI launched a determined and all-out assault on the railway station. 2nd Lt LK Nadgir, serving as the unit's intelligence officer, played a pivotal role in this operation. Through his strategic guidance and intelligence inputs, the troops effectively navigated the challenging terrain and mounting enemy resistance to achieve their objective. By the first light of 19th September 1965, the 6 MLI troops had successfully captured the Chawinda railway station.

However, holding the railway station proved exceedingly difficult without additional support. The remaining two battalions of the 35 Infantry Brigade, expected to reinforce 6 MLI, were unable to reach the railway station that night. Consequently, the two companies of 6 MLI found themselves isolated, tasked with defending the strategically vital position without adequate support. Adding to their challenge, Indian tanks and artillery, which were supposed to provide crucial fire support, could not arrive in time. Faced with relentless Pakistani tank and artillery assaults, the 6 MLI soldiers fought valiantly despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned. During the intense bombardment, 2nd Lt LK Nadgir sustained severe injuries while bravely holding his position. Despite his critical condition, he continued to inspire his men with unwavering courage and determination. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom. The Commanding Officer, Lt Col Mathew Manohar, also laid down his life in the fierce battle that ensued. 2nd Lt LK Nadgir's supreme sacrifice at the young age of 24 exemplified his unwavering dedication, valour, and commitment to the nation. His selfless service and heroism continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike, earning him an enduring place in India's military history.

2nd Lt LK Nadgir is survived by his brother Shri Sunil Deshpande and sisters Smt Shaila Alur, Smt Shashi Upadhyaya and Smt Meena Bakshi.

The then GOC Western Command Lt Gen Harbakshan Sing VrC writes about battle of Chawinda in his WAR DESPATCHES at para 115 page 208,209 ..   ” The division mounted the attack as planned on night 18/19th September 1965. However, probably on account of lack of proper security, the element of surprise had been lost. The enemy started shelling the forming up places while the troops were being marshaled for the attack. The operation was, in consequence, dislocated from the very beginning. 116. However, 35 Infantry Brigade did achieve partial success in its assault. 6 Maratha Light Infantry were able to capture their objective by 0400 hours.”

Hon Captain and Subedar Major (Retd) Ramchandra Paste who was then a Sepoy in the 6 Maratha still recalls with pride that the entire Chawinda Railway station and surroundings reverberated with ‘SHIVAJI MAHARAJ KI JAI’ the maratha battle cry on that fateful night. “

The manner and circumstances leading to their martyrdom on that fateful night are narrated by Maj General Yashwant Deva, the then the Brigade Major attached to the 35 Infantry Brigade, in his book SAGA OF GRIT AND COLD COURAGE published on the net in 2015. “Code named ‘Abhimanyu’ for securing the Phase 1 objective (namely capture of Chawinda Railway Station in Pakistan) and heading for Phase 2 objective was the last we heard. The VHF radio set carried by the intelligence officer Second LT L K Nadgir went dead and a dynamic leader Lt Col Manohar and a promising youngster were martyred on their way to phase 2 of the objective.

Lt Col Manohar and two companies of 6 Maratha had entered the enemy defended box as Veer Abhimanyu had penetrated the Chakra-viyuhas in Mahabaratha. They sacrificed themselves in the finest traditions of the profession of soldering.” (Page 31 of Yashwamt Deva’s book) May be because of this Major General Yashwant Deva has dedicated his book Saga of Grit and cold courage to the Forgotten martyrs of 35 Infantry Brigade, who, he says, sacrificed their sarvassva (the entire) — the existence, even remembrance. “Close to 0400 hours or so, code word Abhimanyu was received from Lt Col Manohar. It bucked up my morale but it was momentary and all communication went dead. A splinter had pierced the relay radio set. It was abandoned. I lost communication control with the assaulting battalions.” (Page 32 ibid)