Lance Naik Saiba Baskey

Lance Naik Saiba Baskey hailed from Tmahis Kudara village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. He joined the Indian Army after completing his school education, demonstrating his commitment to serving the nation from an early age. He was recruited into the 8 Bihar Battalion of the Bihar Regiment, a unit renowned for its glorious history and unwavering dedication to duty. The Bihar Regiment, established in 1941, is one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Known for producing fearless and highly skilled soldiers, the regiment has a legacy of gallantry and sacrifice. Over the years, its battalions have played pivotal roles in numerous military operations, earning respect and accolades both nationally and internationally.

Gurez Sector Avalanche: 17 Nov 2008

During 2008, L/Nk Saiba Baskey's unit 8 Bihar was deployed in J & K. The unit was deployed in the Gurez Sector along the LOC and had to face extreme weather conditions, especially during winter months. This region, notorious for its harsh terrain and extreme weather, presented formidable challenges, especially during the winter months. Temperatures would plummet, and the area would be blanketed by heavy snowfall, making even routine operations arduous and dangerous. The soldiers of the 8 Bihar Battalion were tasked with defending the LOC and maintaining surveillance over a strategic area prone to infiltration. They manned various forward posts, often operating in sub-zero temperatures. The troops had to undertake patrols between these posts to ensure the security of the sector, especially against potential threats from enemy forces. However, the unforgiving weather and unpredictable conditions added to the dangers they faced. Frequent heavy snowfall blocked roads, disrupted supply lines and increased the risk of avalanches, a common and deadly hazard in the Gurez Sector.

On 16 November 2008, an 'Area Domination Patrol' from the battalion was assigned a crucial task to traverse a planned route in the snow-covered terrain. The patrol aimed to monitor and secure the area between the forward posts, a standard procedure to prevent any enemy movement and ensure the safety of the sector. However, as the patrol progressed, a sudden and massive avalanche struck with devastating force. The sheer magnitude and unpredictability of the avalanche left the soldiers with no time to react or take evasive action. Trapped under tons of snow, several brave soldiers of the unit went missing, buried deep beneath the icy debris. Upon receiving the distress call about the missing soldiers, a search and rescue operation was set under the leadership of Major Ajay Upreti. Known for his exemplary leadership and deep sense of responsibility towards his troops, Major Upreti swiftly assembled a rescue team, including the Ghatak Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Amit Beniwal, and led the mission himself. L/Nk Saiba Baskey was part of the assigned team. Time was of the essence, as survival chances in such situations could diminish rapidly due to the severe cold and lack of oxygen. L/Nk Saiba Baskey and his comrades equipped with whatever gear was available, braved the blizzard-like conditions, navigating the treacherous snow-covered slopes. 

Despite the hostile weather and hazardous conditions, L/Nk Saiba Baskey and the rescue team pressed forward with determination and courage. They navigated through the deep snow and treacherous slopes, displaying exceptional resolve in their efforts to locate and save their fellow soldiers. The urgency of the situation demanded immediate action, and the team showed remarkable coordination and leadership as they conducted the rescue operation. However, as they worked tirelessly the snow mass, loosened by the earlier avalanche and the unstable weather conditions, came down in a powerful surge. This sudden onslaught of snow buried the entire rescue team, including L/Nk Saiba Baskey, Major Ajay Upreti, Lieutenant Amit Beniwal, and four other brave soldiers. Despite their heroic efforts, they were engulfed by the immense force of nature, and buried under tons of snow. The brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice alongside L/Nk Saiba Baskey include Maj Ajay Upreti, Lt Amit Beniwal, Nk Kishore Dung, Nk Bhukan Oroan, Nk Amrit Lal Horo, and Sep Chandan Kumar Jha. 

L/Nk Saiba Baskey’s sacrifice, alongside his fellow soldiers, stands as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Indian Army personnel operating in hostile environments. His actions during the rescue mission exemplified the spirit of the Indian Army’s motto, "Service Before Self." L/Nk Saiba Baskey, like his comrades, placed the safety and well-being of his fellow soldiers above his own life, demonstrating the very essence of what it means to be a soldier.

Lance Naik Saiba Baskey is survived by his wife Smt Girtha Baskey.