UNSUNG HEROES EPISODE III : THE ASSASSIN WITH A KUKRI

"If death strikes before I prove my blood, I promise , I will kill death!"

CAPTAIN MANOJ KUMAR PANDEY

The reason I started this series was to tell the stories of those brave heart’s who never gave a second thought before sacrificing their lives for their motherland. I wanted to tell stories that inspire. Stories that were left unsaid and untold for long. In the first two episodes we covered the tales of Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon and Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Today I bring you the story of a man who changed the course of the 1999 Kargil War with just two things – his grit and a kukri. The pride of the 1st regiment of the 11 Gorkha Rifles. The true devotee of Mata Kaali and a dutiful son of Mother India. Today I bring you the story of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey.

Manoj was born on 25th June 1975 in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. He was raised in an environment of extreme poverty. His father used to run a small pan shack in Lucknow and the family could barely make their ends meet. Even in such an environment Manoj never complained. Infact to give his father relief he minimized his needs to an extent that without telling anyone he started rationing his meals. Most of his education was fulfilled through various merit scholarships that he had won over the course of his academic journey. Manoj was one of those rare breed of students who excelled in both academics and sports.

Manoj Sir’s mother Shrimati Mohini Pandey in an interview said , “ during his entire life Manoj only insisted twice- once when he was three years old and wanted to buy a flute and second when he faced death in the battlefield of Kargil.” Manoj cruising through his schooling career in Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Lucknow sat for the revered NDA examinations. He cleared the written round and appeared in front of the SSB board for his interview. The board asked him that one question answer to which he had prepared when he was only six years old.

‘ Why do you wish to join the army?’ was the question, replying to which Manoj said, ‘ Because I wish to earn the Paramvir Chakra.’ The officer asked, ‘ Do you know how one wins a Paramvir Chakra?’ , Manoj said, ‘ Yes! Mostly its awarded to soldiers who sacrifice their lives in battlefield, but I’ll try to win it while I’m still alive, but again if the situation demands and my country asks for it, I will not think twice before laying down my life.’ Even the board members were taken aback, a boy who hasn’t even passed his twelfth standard examinations wishes to win the Paramvir Chakra. This unparalleled spirit for the country is what separated Manoj from the rest.

Well it was no surprise that Manoj cruised through the interview and joined the National Defence Academy. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in 90th course and belonged to Mike Squadron (Mustangs). On 7th June 1997 he was commissioned in a regiment that is known for its exceptional bravery and unmatched courage – The 1st Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles.

Before I move ahead with the story let me give you a little background about the Gorkhas. The Gorkha Rifles or the Gorkhas are one the oldest units of the Indian Army. The unit has been re-raised after the independence hence there are sub-sections within the regiment itself which are further sub-divided into battalions. The Gurkhas are a tribe native to Nepal which make up for the most part of the regiment. The Gorkha Regiment is known across the world for their fearlessness, courage, athleticism and knife skills. Their weapon the Kukri is a sharp handmade knife capable of chopping off a human head with just one strike. The Gorkhas also happen to be the most lethal and feared regiment of the Indian Army. The cry of, “ Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali” is enough to send shivers down the spine of the enemy. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, General Mohinder Puri, General Dalbir Singh all were Gorkhas. The Gorkhas is also one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army with each and every gallantry decoration on its wall.

Prince Charles once said, “In the world there is only one secure place, that’s when you are between Gurkhas.” Osama bin Laden once claimed he would “eat Americans alive” if he had Gurkhas on his side. Adolf Hitler said of them, “If I had Gurkhas, no armies in the world would defeat me.” General Sam Manekshaw said that, “ if you say you don’t fear death the either you are lying or you are a Gorkha.” And that’s why Manoj had landed in a regiment which was perfect for him.

The Kargil war broke out in the days of May 1999. The Gorkha Regiment had just completed its one and half year long halt in Siachen and was moving towards Pune for peacetime location. However after the breakout the unit was asked to report in the Batalik Sector of Kargil. The unit was the under command of C/O Colonel Lalit Rai. It was initially allotted the task of evacuation and investigation. However after strong confirmation that the intruders were soldiers of the Pakistani Army and not a terrorist group the Gorkhas were assigned their war duties.

In early July, 'B' Company of 1/11 GR was assigned the task to capture Khalubar top. Manoj was asked to command a platoon and destroy four bunkers that were built in the neck region of the top. The Gurkhas were 400 meters from the top when the Pakistani defence started firing from all the directions. They also opened fire from AD Guns and bombs that exploded mid-air. The splinters from the bombs were spreading all around making it difficult for Captain Manoj Pandey’s platoon to move forward. Amidst the illuminating fire and rounds of bullets Captain Pandey was trying to figure out a way to attack.

He asked his platoon to stay back and went ahead on his own. Taking a peek he was able to memorise all the gun positions of the enemy bunkers. Taking shelter near a rock and using his AK- 47 rifle he shot down the keeper of the first bunker and captured it. He was shot in shoulder and leg but kept moving forward for the next bunker. He neutralized the next bunker with a grenade. For the third bunker he decided to enter from the back and used his kukri to chop of the heads of the two enemy soldiers. Meanwhile the blood loss and injuries were making him weak. Yet he decided to go for the fourth bunker.

He threw a grenade to neutralize the fourth bunker. During the same attack a Pakistani gunner targeted Captain Manoj sending three bullets across his forehead. This time the lion fell. But even when he fell down his last words for his buddies were, “ Mat Chorna ( Don’t leave them alive)”. His sacrifice fuelled the already raging Gorkha’s, all of them charged with their kukris and chopped off each and every Pakistani head that was present on the top that day. The Indian Army successfully took control of the Kahlubar Top.

Captain Manoj Kumar cam back wrapped in tricolour. He had sacrificed his life for his country, he fulfilled what he had promised to the NDA board and to himself.

"Some goals are so worthy, it's glorious even to fail!"

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey

He was awarded the Paramvir Chakra posthumously. His citation read-

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey was a true warrior. His was a patriot to his core. He lived for his country and eventually died for his country too. I always say that we need to rethink who are real heroes are, not because I don’t like actors, cricketers or politicians but because of the fact that while all these other entities are mere professions being a solider is service, a selfless service. A service where you forget about your own mother and father, your wife, your children, your relatives and yourself for the sake of the rest of the country. While I am penning this article a regiment of the Indian Army is patrolling our borders in Siachen and Drass, another one is at Jaisalmer border, another in the deep jungles of Mizoram, places which are practically inhabitable.

I’ll come back with a new chapter soon.

Until then,

Jai Hind.

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