Lance Naik Devendra Prasad SM

During the Kargil War in 1999, Lance Naik Devendra Prasad served with the 17 Garhwal Rifles, which was deployed in the Batalik-Yaldor sector of Jammu & Kashmir under Operation Vijay. The battalion operated under the 70 Infantry Brigade of the 3 Infantry Division. By early May 1999, Pakistani forces had infiltrated 4 to 8 kilometers across the Line of Control (LOC) into Indian territory in sectors such as Mushkoh, Dras, Kaksar, and Batalik. The intrusions in the Batalik-Yaldor region were detected in the first week of May. In several key positions, Indian artillery and air strikes were ineffective as the enemy was entrenched in well-fortified bunkers located in rugged and inaccessible terrain. After a detailed assessment of the situation, it was decided to create a corridor through Junk Lungpa to cut off the enemy’s intrusion zone. This critical task was assigned to 12 JAK LI, 10 Para (Special Forces), and a company of Ladakh Scouts. By 03 June 1999, the corridor was successfully secured. However, the enemy continued to hold dominant positions on the surrounding ridgelines to the west, east, and north.

Following the capture of Point 5203 on 08 June 1999, Indian forces focused on neutralizing enemy positions on the northern heights of the Jubar Ridge—notably Bump II, Bump III, Kala Pathar, and Mound. The mission was assigned to the 17 Garhwal Rifles, led by Captain Jintu Gogoi. Each target was to be assaulted by a dedicated company, based on prior reconnaissance which confirmed enemy presence in the area between Bump II and Bump III, where Special Forces had already conducted operations. The battalion established a firm base at a location known as Flat Area in China Nala, about 4–5 km from the objectives. From here, final assault preparations were made. On the evening of 29 June 1999, as daylight faded, the assault columns commenced their advance up the steep, nearly 1 km-high climb. Lance Naik Devendra Prasad was part of one such assault team. As the soldiers reached the top of the ridge, they were detected by enemy forces and soon surrounded. In the face of overwhelming odds, Lance Naik Devendra Prasad displayed exceptional courage and tenacity. He fought with unwavering determination and laid down his life in the line of duty.

Besides Lance Naik Devendra Prasad, eleven other soldiers of 17 Garh Rif laid down their lives during this entire operation. The other martyred brave hearts included Capt Jintu Gogoi, Naik Shiv Singh, Lance Naik Madan Singh,  Lance Naik Dinesh Datt, Rfn Birendra Lal, Rfn Amit Negi, Rfn Bhagwan Singh, Rfn Vijay Singh, Rfn JS Bhandari, Rfn Ranjeet Singh, and Rfn SC Sati. Despite the heavy losses, the battalion regrouped and launched renewed attacks over the following days, eventually succeeding in capturing the assigned objectives. This paved the way for further operations, including the capture of Point 5285 in the Muntho Dhalo complex, accomplished under extreme weather conditions and relentless enemy fire. For its gallant performance and outstanding bravery during Operation Vijay, the 17 Garhwal Rifles was awarded the prestigious Battle Honour ‘Batalik’. Lance Naik Devendra Prasad was posthumously awarded the "Sena Medal" for his gallantry, devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice.