30 June,1999: Remembering Kargil War Hero Captain Jintu Gogoi who in the face of heavy enemy fire fought valiantly till his last breath

 

Captain Jintu Gogoi, was a brave son of soil who laid down his life in the battlefield of the Kargil War of 1999. Born in Assam, his father was an Indian Air force Veteran, FO(Flying Officer) Thogiram Gogoi and his mother Duluprabha Gogoi.

 

From his childhood, he dreamt to join the Indian Armed forces. Captain Gogoi was commissioned into 17 Garh Rif of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian army. He was an inspiration to the people of entire state, especially the younger generation.

 

During 1999, his unit was deployed in J&K and when the Kargil War broke out, he was recalled from leave to join his duty just 12 days after his engagement.

 

 

On the night of 29th June, Capt Gogoi and his troops were given a mission- “Op Vijay, Batalik Sector: 30 Jun 1999” to clear the enemy from Kala Pathar in the Jubar heights, a ridge-line overlooking Jubar top, astride the National Highway connecting Srinagar and Leh.

 

Captain Gogoi took charge of the mission and set course towards the objective that entailed an arduous climb. L/NK Madan Singh, Rfn Jaideep Singh, Rfn Varinder Lal (17 Garhwal), Sep Rajvir Singh, Sep Dharambir Singh, Sep Vinod Kumar, Sub Harphul Singh, Sep Gazpal Singh and Sep Krishan Kumar (17 JAT) also accompanied him.

 

Captain Gogoi led his troops to the top of the ridge; however, they were spotted by the enemy and were surrounded from all directions.

 

On being asked to surrender Capt Gogoi charged at the enemy troops living up to the motto of his Regiment, “Yudhaya Krit Nischya (Fight With Determination)”, with his Regimental war cry, “Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai (Victory to the Sons of Lord Badri Nath)”.

 

Captain Gogoi in a daring action killed two enemy soldiers but also got injured during the exchange of fire.

 

He received a full burst from a machine gun in his solar plexus but he continued firing till he collapsed. He later succumbed to injuries and his body was found barely 150 yards from the picket on Jubar Top.

 

Captain Jintu Gogoi was given the gallantry award, "Vir Chakra" posthumously for his bravery, he displayed while leading his troops to evict the enemy from Kala Pathar in the Batalik Sector.