Col Vijay Kumar Bakshi MVC

The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed in July 1987 marked a significant turning point in India’s involvement in Sri Lanka. Following the agreement, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka in August 1987 to oversee the disarmament of militant groups and to facilitate peace in the region. However, the situation soon turned hostile when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the most formidable militant group, reneged on their commitment to surrender. Instead, the LTTE launched aggressive attacks against the Indian forces, leading to a protracted and intense conflict. Initially, the Indian Army's 54 Division was tasked with managing the situation. However, as the conflict escalated, additional reinforcements were deemed necessary. By 1989, three more divisions—3rd, 4th, and 57th—had joined the operations to combat the LTTE’s fierce resistance. Despite numerous successful operations, by March 1989, the mission was far from its conclusion. Among the troops sent to bolster the IPKF’s efforts was the 6/8 Gorkha Rifles Battalion, commanded by Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi, a seasoned officer with a reputation for courage and exceptional leadership.

After their induction into Sri Lanka, Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi and his battalion, the 6/8 Gorkha Rifles, were swiftly drawn into the thick of operations as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). Intelligence inputs suggested a significant concentration of LTTE militants in the Wani Sector, particularly in the vicinity of the Nayaroo Lagoon. Recognizing the critical importance of neutralizing this threat, a search and destroy operation was planned for March 2, 1989. Understanding the gravity of the mission, Col Bakshi chose to personally lead the operation, exemplifying his ethos of leading from the front. As the battalion advanced toward the suspected militant stronghold, they encountered a heavily fortified LTTE camp near the lagoon. The confrontation began with an exchange of fire but rapidly escalated as the LTTE militants launched a fierce, coordinated counterattack from multiple directions. The skirmish soon transformed into a fierce and prolonged engagement, stretching over 24 hours of intense combat.

Amid the heavy exchange of gunfire, Col Bakshi was struck by enemy bullets and sustained critical injuries. Despite his deteriorating condition, he steadfastly refused to retreat or relinquish command, driven by an unwavering commitment to the mission and his troops. Displaying extraordinary courage and tactical acumen, Col Bakshi continued to lead his soldiers, ensuring relentless pressure on the militants. Under his command, the battalion inflicted significant damage on the LTTE forces, resulting in heavy casualties among the enemy ranks. However, in the midst of the fierce battle, Col Bakshi and five of his soldiers sustained severe injuries. Tragically, they succumbed to their wounds during the operation and were “Killed in Action” while serving their nation with the highest degree of valour. The five other brave soldiers who laid down their lives alongside Col Bakshi were, Nb Sub Gambir Mall Thakuri, Havildar KP Gurung, Havildar GS Gurung, Lance Naik KS Gurung and Rifleman Ram Prasad Thapa.

Col Vijay Kumar Bakshi’s actions during the operation epitomized courage, determination, and selfless leadership of the highest order. He led from the front, embodying the spirit of the Indian Army and the indomitable ethos of the Gorkha Rifles. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, indomitable spirit, and supreme sacrifice, Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi was posthumously awarded the "Maha Vir Chakra", India’s second-highest military gallantry award.