Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: Army today paid homage to jawans and officers of 18th Batallion of Dogra Regiment, who had got martyrdom in a counter-terrorist operation on August 8, 1991 in Village Zafarkhani, wherein nine terrorists were neutralized, 22 were apprehended and a huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered.
The day is embedded as the ‘Golden Day’ in the history of the Battalion, as nine brave hearts of the unit made the supreme sacrifice and attained martyrdom upholding the regimental motto of “Kartavyam Anvatma”.
During the operation, Major Sandeep Shankla, displayed indomitable courage of a very high order and sacrificed his life in trying to save one of his soldiers. His action energized his column thereby neutralizing the infiltrating column. The act of bravery, courage and sacrifice led to the conferment of three Gallantry awards Ashoka Chakra to Major Sandeep Shankla (Posthumously), Kirti Chakra to Sepoy Swaran Singh (Posthumously) and Shaurya Chakra to Captain BJS Sandhu. In addition, the Battalion earned five Sena Medals, two Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and one GOC-in-C Commendation Card.
In the year 1992, the Government of Haryana constructed an impressive memorial in the honour of Major Sandeep Shankla, Ashoka Chakara in Sector – 2, Panchkula and the first homage ceremony was offered at the memorial on August 8, 1992. Thereafter, every year the unit has been continuing the tradition with great pride.
This year the homage ceremony was held with a large number of senior officers of HQ Western Command and civil dignities attending it to pay their respects to the brave martyrs.
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