Major TL Sharma VrC

Major Tarsem Lal Sharma hailed from Amritsar in Punjab. He was a valiant officer of the 18 Rajput Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its bravery and historic accomplishments. His dedication to the Indian Army and his exemplary leadership qualities earned him the responsibility of leading crucial operations during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

 Battle of Akhaura (Indo-Pak War): 09 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Major Tarsem Lal Sharma's unit 18 Rajput was deployed on the eastern sector. Akhaura, situated near the Agartala Airfield and the Sylhet-Chittagong-Dhaka Railway Link, was a crucial objective during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Its strategic importance made it a heavily defended location, and its capture was vital for the success of Indian operations in the region. The task of securing Akhaura was assigned to the 311 Mountain Brigade, comprising two battalions of the Rajput Regiment: 1 Rajput and 18 Rajput. The assault on Akhaura required crossing difficult terrain, including ditches, marshy areas, and waist-deep water, followed by an attack on the enemy's well-fortified defences. These defences were strategically positioned in the built-up areas of the township and along the Titas River to the west. The operation began with 1 Rajput executing a daring infiltration through enemy lines to sever the township’s supply and communication routes from the west and north. This maneuver was designed to disorient the enemy and create an opening for the other battalions, including 18 Rajput, to launch the main assault.

The Rajput battalions including Major Tarsem Lal Sharma's 18 Rajput displayed exceptional resilience, advancing through treacherous terrain under constant threat. Despite the challenges, they successfully overran the enemy positions on 05 December 1971, employing a tactically brilliant plan that left the defenders confused and vulnerable. During the Battle of Akhaura, a strategically significant objective near the Agartala Airfield and the Sylhet-Chittagong-Dhaka Railway Link, Major Tarsem Lal Sharma played a pivotal role. Later, on 09 Dec 1971, entrusted with the task of capturing a critical enemy position, he devised and executed a bold attack plan, achieving complete surprise and compelling the enemy to retreat. Major Sharma's relentless advance caused panic among the enemy forces, leading them to destroy a bridge in their retreat. This action inadvertently left a Battalion-plus strength along with the main Headquarters of an Infantry Division stranded on the Indian side of the river, creating a significant tactical advantage for the Indian forces.

Despite being vastly outnumbered, Major Sharma and his troops held their position firmly. The enemy, in desperation, launched a counter-attack supported by two tanks. Major Sharma, undeterred by the odds, stood his ground and continued to lead his troops with unmatched bravery. However, during the intense exchange of fire, he was hit by machine-gun fire and succumbed to his injuries. In this operation, Major Tarsem Lal Sharma demonstrated extraordinary gallantry, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty. For his undaunted courage, exceptional determination, exemplary leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Tarsem Lal Sharma was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra". 

Major Tarsem Lal Sharma is survived by his wife Smt Nirmal Sharma based in Sangrur district of Punjab. 

Citation for the "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:-

Major Tarsem Lal Sharma, who was serving with a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, was assigned the task of capturing an enemy position in the Eastern Sector. He achieved complete surprise and forced the enemy to withdraw. He kept on advancing against an enemy in much larger strength. Due to the impact of this attack, the enemy, in its panic, blew up a bridge leaving a Battalion plus the main Headquarters of an Infantry Division trapped on our side of the river. A little later, the enemy launched a counter-attack with two tanks. He continued to hold his ground till he was hit by a bullet of machine-gun fire, as a result of which he died.

In this action, Major Tarsem Lal Sharma displayed gallantry, leadership, and devotion to duty of a high order.