Rifleman Birendra Lal

During the Kargil War of 1999, Rifleman Birendra Lal served with the 17 Garhwal Rifles, a battalion that played a pivotal role in Operation Vijay—the Indian Army’s mission to reclaim territory infiltrated by enemy forces along the Line of Control (LoC). Operating under the 70 Infantry Brigade of the 3 Infantry Division, the battalion was tasked with critical operations in the Batalik-Yaldor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, where some of the most challenging combat situations unfolded. By early May 1999, Pakistani soldiers, masquerading as militants and locals, had crossed 4 to 8 kilometers into Indian territory across several key sectors—Mushkoh, Dras, Kaksar, and Batalik. In the Batalik-Yaldor region, enemy troops had entrenched themselves in fortified positions atop steep, icy ridgelines, taking full advantage of the unforgiving terrain and altitude. Their elevated positions rendered Indian artillery and air power largely ineffective, necessitating a series of daring infantry-led assaults.

Recognizing the complexity of the terrain and the strongholds the intruders had established, Indian military planners devised a strategy to carve a narrow corridor through Junk Lungpa, aimed at severing enemy supply lines and restoring control over the region. This vital objective was assigned to units including 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI), 10 Para (Special Forces), and the Ladakh Scouts. By 3 June 1999, the corridor was secured, opening up access to the LoC. However, significant enemy positions still dominated the western ridgelines of the Jubar Ridge, including Bump II, Bump III, Kala Pathar, and Mound. The responsibility for capturing these heavily defended positions fell to the 17 Garhwal Rifles, commanded by the courageous Captain Jintu Gogoi. A forward operating base was set up in China Nala, approximately 4–5 kilometers from the objectives. Reconnaissance confirmed enemy activity, especially between Bump II and Bump III, where previous special forces missions had encountered resistance. Each target was assigned to a different company, and preparations for the final assault began in earnest.

On the evening of 29 June 1999, as night fell over the mountains, the assault teams commenced their advance under Captain Gogoi’s leadership. The climb toward the enemy positions was punishing—almost a vertical ascent of one kilometer, carried out under freezing temperatures and thinning oxygen levels. Rifleman Birendra Lal was part of this fearless assault group. As they neared the ridge, they were detected and quickly engaged by entrenched enemy forces. A brutal firefight broke out in the darkness. Surrounded and under relentless fire, Rifleman Birendra Lal displayed extraordinary courage, fighting with tenacity and selflessness despite overwhelming odds. In the midst of battle, he made the supreme sacrifice, giving his life for the nation. The encounter was one of the bloodiest faced by the 17 Garhwal Rifles during the war. Twelve brave soldiers, including Captain Jintu Gogoi, Naik Shiv Singh, Lance Naik Dinesh Datt, Lance Naik Madan Singh, Lance Naik Devendra Prasad, Rifleman Birendra Lal, Rifleman Amit Negi, Rifleman Vijay Singh, Rifleman JS Bhandari, Rifleman SC Sati, Rifleman Ranjeet Singh, and Rifleman Bhagwan Singh, laid down their lives in this operation.

Despite the heavy losses, the battalion quickly regrouped and launched renewed offensives. Their relentless pursuit ultimately led to the capture of all assigned objectives, laying the groundwork for further operations—including the decisive assault on the Muntho Dhalo complex and the eventual capture of Point 5285. These victories, achieved under extreme conditions and fierce enemy fire, proved to be significant strategic gains. For its outstanding bravery and battlefield success, the 17 Garhwal Rifles was awarded the prestigious Battle Honour ‘Batalik’. Rifleman Birendra Lal’s actions in the face of grave danger embodied the noblest ideals of the Indian Army. He is remembered with pride and gratitude, not only by his comrades and country but also by his family, including his wife Smt  Parwati Devi, who survives him.