Service No : 9094874X
Date of Birth : February 1, 1973
Place of birth : Baramulla Dist (J & K)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Lance Naik
Unit : 12 JAK LI
Arm/Regt : The J & K Light Infantry
Operation : Op Vijay ( Kargil )
Awards : Vir Chakra
Martyrdom : July 9, 1999
Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan VrC
Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan, born on February 1, 1973, in Nambal village of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, exemplified a life rooted in patriotism, dedication, and service to the nation. He was the son of Shri Sher Wali Khan, and from an early age, he demonstrated qualities that set him apart. A diligent and sincere student, he completed his schooling up to the 9th standard in his village. Even as a young boy, he was admired for his honesty and strong sense of duty. Growing up in the picturesque but often turbulent region of Jammu and Kashmir, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan developed a deep sense of patriotism. His love for the country and a desire to contribute meaningfully to its defence inspired him to join the Indian Army.
On December 26, 1991, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan took his first steps into military life when he was recruited into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment. Known for its motto "Balidanam Vir Lakshanam" (Sacrifice is a characteristic of the brave), the JAK LI Regiment holds a unique place in the Indian Army for its valour and resilience. After undergoing rigorous basic military training, he was assigned to the 12th Battalion of the JAK LI Regiment. This unit, like the rest of the regiment, is renowned for its bravery, especially in operations conducted in challenging terrains and under adverse conditions. In his early years of service, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan proved to be a soldier of exceptional discipline and commitment. His dedication to his duties, coupled with his ability to adapt to the demanding nature of military life, earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. At a young age, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan married Ms. Zarina Akhtar. Despite the challenges of military service, which often demanded long separations and difficult assignments, he balanced his responsibilities to his family and his nation with remarkable grace.
Kargil War (Battle of Point 5203- Batalik Sector) : June 1999
In 1999, Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan's unit, the 12th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (12 JAK LI), was deployed in the Batalik area amidst escalating tensions during the Kargil War. Earlier in May 1999, the battalion had completed a challenging six-month deployment at Siachen, during which they successfully repelled two major Pakistani attacks. As the soldiers of 12 JAK LI prepared for a much-anticipated posting at a peace station, new orders came for immediate redeployment to Kargil. His unit, part of the Indian Army’s efforts during "Operation Vijay", was deployed in the Batalik sector, a critical area infiltrated by enemy forces during the Kargil conflict. After intrusions were detected in the Batalik-Yaldor region in early May 1999, the responsibility for securing the sector was assigned to HQ 70 Infantry Brigade under the 3 Infantry Division. Assuming control on May 8, 1999, the brigade included the 12 JAK LI, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, 10 Para (SF), and the Ladakh Scouts. Recognizing the complexity of the terrain and the challenges posed by well-entrenched enemy positions, the Indian Army devised a bold strategy. The initial step was to carve a corridor to the Line of Control (LOC) through Junk Lungpa, an operation successfully executed by June 3, 1999. The next objective was the capture of Point 5203, a formidable peak at 17,000 feet, dominating the region. Securing this point was pivotal for regaining control of the Batalik sector. The mission was entrusted to a combined force comprising elements of 12 JAK LI, 10 Para (SF), and the Ladakh Scouts.
The task of reclaiming Point 5203 was daunting. The peak’s treacherous terrain, thin air, and extreme cold added to the dangers posed by a well-prepared enemy. Capt Amol Kalia, a seasoned officer specializing in mountain warfare, was chosen to lead a team of 13 men into this perilous mission. On June 7, 1999, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan, serving as the Rocket Launcher Number One in Alpha Company, played a pivotal role during the assault on Point 5203, a heavily fortified enemy position. After an arduous nine-hour climb under treacherous conditions, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan and his team infiltrated the enemy lines under the cover of darkness, achieving complete surprise. By 0430 hours, as the column prepared for the final assault, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan noticed approximately twenty enemy soldiers advancing toward their position. Reacting swiftly, he alerted his comrades and opened fire with his rocket launcher, eliminating three enemy soldiers. Amid the intense firefight, while reloading his weapon, L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan and his team came under heavy automatic fire. Despite losing eight comrades to the enemy’s onslaught, he remained resolute, continuing to engage the enemy with unmatched bravery. Ultimately, he sustained multiple bullet wounds and succumbed to his injuries on 09 Jun 1999, making the supreme sacrifice for his nation.
The battle at Point 5203 claimed the lives of L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan along with his officer Capt Amol Kalia and 9 of his brave comrades, marking one of the heaviest casualties suffered by the Indian Army during the Kargil War. Among the martyred heroes were Hav Rajinder Singh, Nk Pawan Kumar, L/Nk Laykit Ali, Rfn Darshan Lal, Rfn Abdul Salam Dar, Rfn Ravinder Singh, and Rfn Ishtiyaq Ahmed. Two more soldiers, Hav Kartar Singh and Rfn Tarsaim Lal, succumbed to their injuries on June 10, 1999. L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan displayed exceptional valour and gallantry in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice. L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan was given the gallantry award, "Vir Chakra" for his outstanding courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice.
L/Nk Ghulam Mohd Khan is survived by his wife Smt Zarina Akhtar.
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