Hav Hari Om SM

Havildar Hari Om Singh Dhariwal was born on July 7, 1959, in Khungai village of Jhajjar district, Haryana, to Shri Chandram Dhariwal and Smt Chalti Devi. After completing his education, he embarked on a military career by joining the Indian Army and becoming part of the renowned Jat Regiment. Upon completing his rigorous training, he was assigned to the 17 Jat Battalion as a Sepoy. His unwavering commitment and exceptional performance in service earned him promotions, and by 1999, he had risen to the rank of Havildar.

Battle of Point 4875 (Kargil War): 06-08 July 1999

In 1999, Hav Hari Om's 17 Jat Battalion was stationed along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. During that year, the Indian Army uncovered a large-scale infiltration by Pakistani military and paramilitary forces in the Kargil sector. Swiftly responding, the Indian Army launched operations to evict the infiltrators and reclaim Indian territory. On May 22, 1999, under the leadership of Col U.S. Bawa, the 17 Jat Battalion was deployed in the Mushkoh Valley. Operating under the 79 Mountain Brigade (79 Mtn Bde) commanded by Brigadier R.K. Kakar, and reporting to the 8 Mountain Division (8 Mtn Div) led by Major General Mohinder Puri, the battalion took part in the high-stakes Kargil operations. By the end of June 1999, the Indian Army had secured key positions, including Pt 5140 and Pt 4700. The next critical objective was Pt 4875, which dominated the National Highway between Mugalpur and Drass, a strategic 30-km stretch. Securing this feature, linked to Tiger Hill by 'Rocky Knob,' was vital to disrupting enemy operations in the Mushkoh Valley and forcing their retreat. A comprehensive plan was devised to capture Pt 4875, involving units like 17 Jat, 13 JAK Rifles, 2 Naga, 12 Mahar, 21 Para (Special Forces), and artillery support. Pt 4875's terrain included key features like Whale Back, Pimple I and II, Southern Slope, and Flat Top, while its northern side encompassed Twin Bumps and Saddle.

The operation was divided into phases, with the assault beginning on July 4, 1999. In Phase I, 17 Jat was tasked with capturing Pimple I and Whale Back by the morning of July 5. Simultaneously, 13 JAK Rifles was to take South Spur and Pt 4875 from the south, while 21 Para (SF) established a block at Safaid Nala. 12 Mahar would set up a firm base at Pt 4540 and Tekri to disrupt enemy movement. By July 5, A and D Companies of 17 Jat, led by Maj R.K. Singh and Maj Deepak Rampal, had successfully seized Pimple I and Whale Back despite fierce resistance. Around the same time, 13 JAK Rifles captured Flat Top and secured Pt 4875 by midday. However, enemy resistance persisted, necessitating Phase II. On the night of July 6, Charlie Company of 17 Jat, led by Maj Ritesh Sharma, launched an assault on Pimple II from Whale Back. Early in the battle, Maj Sharma was wounded by splinter injuries and evacuated. Capt Anuj Nayyar, who had recently been promoted, assumed command of Charlie Company. The enemy had fortified Pt 4875 with bunkers armed with automatic weapons. Capt Nayyar led his troops with extraordinary courage, clearing four enemy bunkers. Tragically, during this intense combat, Hav Hari Om sustained injuries and succumbed, sacrificing his life at the age of 30 years in service to the nation.

The capture of the Pimple Complex was a turning point that facilitated the eventual recapture of Tiger Hill, compelling Pakistan to withdraw its forces. The operation came at a heavy cost, with the loss of Capt Anuj Nayyar, Hav Hari Om, and 27 other brave soldiers, including Hav Bhagwan Singh, Hav Kumar Singh, Hav Mahavir Singh, Nk Balwan Singh, Nk Krishan Lal, Nk Rishipal Singh, Nk Ram Swaroop Singh, L Nk Rajesh, L Nk Ramvir Singh, L Nk Vijay Singh, L Nk Rajbir, Sep Syodana Ram, Sep Raj Singh, Sep Karan Singh, Sep Kalu Ram Jakhar, Sep Kanchi Singh, Sep Satyvir Singh, Sep Surender, Sep Anil Kumar, Sep Hawa Singh, Sep Jitendra Singh, Sep Naresh Kumar, Sep Shish Ram, Sep Virander Kumar. L Nk Rajendra Singh & Sep Dharamvir Singh were martyred on 8th Jul 1999, whereas Nk Shyam Bir Singh succumbed to his injuries on 9th Jul 1999. Hav Hari Om was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" for his valour and dedication to duty.

Hav Hari Om Singh Dhariwal is survived by his father Shri Chandram Dhariwal, mother Smt Chalti Devi and wife Smt Nirmala Devi.