Guardsman Wazir Khan SC

Guardsman Wazir Khan joined the Indian Army after completing his initial schooling and was enrolled into the 10 Guards Battalion of the Brigade of the Guards, an infantry Regiment known for its gallant soldiers with a long history of numerous battle exploits. 

Operation Bluestar : 05 June 1984 

During 1984, Guardsman Wazir Khan's unit 10 Guards under the command of Lt Col Israr Rahim Khan was based at Jalandhar and operated under the command of the 350 Infantry Brigade. In the early 1980s, Sikh agitation took an ugly turn and a group of militant Sikhs under the leadership of their leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale upped the ante.  In December 1983, fearing arrest, JS Bhindranwale with a few hundred armed supporters moved into the Golden Temple complex. In June 1984, the Indian government decided to send troops to the Golden Temple complex to clear it out of militants in an operation called, "Op Bluestar".  350 Infantry Brigade consisting of 10 Guards, 9 Kumaon, 12 Bihar, and 26 Madras and commanded by Brigadier D.V. Rao was assigned the task of clearing the temple complex.  The Brigade was supported by paratroopers from 1 Parachute Regiment and Special Frontier Force (SFF). Guardsman Wazir Khan's unit 10 Guards under the command of Lt Col Israr Rahim Khan became part of the operation along with 1 Para Regt commanded by Lt Col KC Padha, 9 Kumaon under the command of Lt Col K Bhaumik, 12 Bihar commanded by Lt Col KS Randhawa, 26 Madras commanded by Lt Col  Panniker, 15 Kumaon commanded by Lt Col NC Pant, 9 Garhwal Rifles and 10 Dogra.  All the infantry battalions belonged to 9 Divisions with the exception of 9 Garhwal Rifles from 15 Division. The Artillery commanded by Col EW Fernandez along with Armored Personal Carriers (APCs) and BMPs of 8 Mechanized Battalion and tanks of 16 Cavalry were also used in the operation.  The paramilitary troops of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Special Frontier Force (SFF) also participated in the operation.

The operation at the Golden Temple complex was divided into three phases.  Phase I was the main assault to neutralize militants, Phase II for mopping up, and Phase III for securing hostels and complete control of the complex and handing over all prisoners to other units.  Different units were launched from different entrances to kill or capture militants,  26 Madras from the southern (Langar side) entrance to secure southern and eastern wings, I Para from eastern Ghanta Ghar entrance to secure Akal Takht (later this objective was taken away from 1 Para and it was tasked to only secure Darshni Deodi and Harmandar Sahib), 10 Guards from eastern Ghanta Ghar entrance to secure Akal Takht and northern wing.  Guardsman Wazir Khan from "D" Company was made part of the 10 Guards team that was assigned the task. The assault commenced as planned on the night of the 5th/6th June 1984.

The complex was heavily fortified and strongly held by terrorists. Having cleared the first three rooms, the advance of the Company was slowed down due to heavy, automatic fire coming from one of the rooms.  As the Company Commander of the "D" Company leading his men moved forward, he received a burst of fire and got injured. Guardsman Wazir Khan who was moving immediately behind his company Commander, in utter disregard for his personal safety, dashed towards the room from where the fire was coming. He managed to lob a hand grenade through a hole into the room and succeeded in silencing the automatic weapon. However, in doing so, he was hit directly by one of the militants. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Guardsman Wazir Khan was a brave and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation. Guardsman Wazir Khan was given the gallantry award, “Shaurya Chakra” on 26 January 1985, for his extraordinary courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice.

The citation for "Shaurya  Chakra" awarded to him reads:

On the night of the 5th/6th June 1984, during Operation Blue Star, 'D' Company of 10 Guards was tasked to capture a portion of an important building complex. The complex was heavily fortified and strongly held by terrorists. Having cleared the first three rooms, the advance of the Company was slowed down due to heavy, automatic fire coming from one of the rooms. The Company Commander took the initiative and personally led his men in this operation and was injured. Guardsman Wazir Khan who was moving immediately behind his company Commander, in utter disregard for his personal safety, dashed towards the room from where the fire was coming. He managed to lob a hand grenade through a hole into the room and succeeded in silencing the automatic weapon. In the process, he was hit directly and died on the spot.

Guardsman Wazir Khan thus demonstrated valour, indomitable courage, tremendous initiative, and devotion to duty of a very high order and laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Army.