Rifleman Darshan Lal

Rfn Darshan Lal, a proud son of Rang Pur Trera village in Bishnah tehsil of Jammu district in Jammu & Kashmir, exemplified dedication, and courage throughout his life. Hailing from a region known for its rich cultural heritage and close ties to the armed forces, he chose to dedicate his life to the service of the nation by joining the Indian Army. Enrolled in the 12th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (12 JAK LI), Rfn Darshan Lal was part of a regiment renowned for its valour and illustrious history. The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, with its origins deeply rooted in the region's unique cultural and martial traditions, has long been a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir. By 1999, Rifleman Darshan Lal had become an integral part of his battalion, known for his discipline, dedication, and courage. His unit’s deployment to various challenging terrains prepared him to excel in some of the most demanding operations undertaken by the Indian Army. 

After completing its arduous tenure in Siachen in May 1999, the 12th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (12 JAK LI) was deployed to the Batalik Sector in Kargil as tensions escalated along the Line of Control. This battalion was soon tasked with one of the most critical and dangerous missions of the Kargil War—reclaiming Point 5203, a strategically significant peak located at a staggering altitude of 17,000 feet. Securing this peak was essential to gaining control of the Batalik region, as it provided a commanding view of the surrounding terrain and enemy supply lines. On June 7, 1999, Captain Amol Kalia, a seasoned leader in mountain warfare, was assigned to lead the mission with a team of 13 soldiers, including Rfn Darshan Lal. The team was airlifted into the region under extremely hostile conditions, with enemy positions dominating most of the approach routes. Undeterred by the constant threat of heavy enemy gunfire and the challenges posed by the rugged terrain, the team advanced toward their objective with remarkable determination and focus. Employing specialized mountaineering techniques, they skillfully navigated the treacherous landscape to reach the target area.

In the early hours of June 9, 1999, at around 3:00 a.m., the team launched a daring assault on the enemy's heavily fortified defenses. The mission was fraught with challenges, as the darkness of the night compounded the difficulties of the operation. The enemy forces were entrenched in well-prepared bunkers and had fortified their positions with machine guns and artillery support. Despite these formidable obstacles, the team managed to secure a foothold on the northwestern slope of the peak, gaining a critical advantage. As the battle raged on, the enemy launched a ferocious counterattack in an attempt to dislodge the team. Amidst this intense firefight, Rfn Darshan Lal showcased commendable bravery and an unyielding spirit. Fighting valiantly alongside his comrades, he inflicted significant damage on the enemy before making the supreme sacrifice. The battle at Point 5203 claimed the lives of  Rfn Darshan Lal 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, L/Nk GH Mohd Khan, Rfn Abdul Salam Dar, Rfn Ravinder Singh, and Rfn Ishtiyaq Ahmed. Two more soldiers, Rfn Tarsaim Lal and Hav Kartar Singh, succumbed to their injuries on June 10, 1999. The bravery and sacrifice of Rifleman Darshan Lal and his comrades were instrumental in securing a vital strategic advantage for the Indian forces. Their courageous efforts ensured the reclamation of Indian territory and upheld the honour of the nation.

Rifleman Darshan Lal is survived by his mother Smt Ram Pyari.