TNR News Network
Shimla: As the nation commemorates the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, Himachal Pradesh remembers the ultimate sacrifice of its brave soldiers who played a pivotal role in India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. A total of 52 soldiers from the hill state laid down their lives in the battle to reclaim Indian territory from Pakistani intruders.
The state also takes pride in having produced two Param Vir Chakra awardees — the nation’s highest wartime gallantry honour — during the conflict.
Himachal’s unmatched valour in Kargil
On July 26, 1999, the Army successfully drove out Pakistani forces from strategic positions in the Kargil sector after weeks of intense fighting. This day, now marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrates the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
Himachal Pradesh, often called Veer Bhoomi, contributed significantly to the war effort. Leading from the front was Captain Vikram Batra from Palampur (Kangra), remembered for his fearless leadership during the capture of Point 5140 and Point 4875. His famous war cry “Yeh Dil Maange More” continues to inspire generations. Posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, he remains one of the most celebrated heroes of the conflict.
Another proud son of Himachal, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar from Bilaspur, also received the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery at Point 4875. Despite being wounded, he destroyed enemy bunkers and captured key positions, forcing the adversary to flee.
Remembering Kargil’s first martyr from Himachal
Grenadier Yashwant Singh from Shimla district is remembered as the first soldier from Himachal to make the supreme sacrifice in the Kargil War. His story, along with many others, is now etched in the state’s collective memory and continues to be passed down to future generations.
District-wise list of Kargil martyrs from Himachal
Kangra
• Captain Vikram Batra (PVC)
• Captain Saurabh Kalia
• Grenadier Vijender Singh
• Rifleman Rakesh Kumar
• Lance Naik Veer Singh
• Rifleman Ashok Kumar
• Rifleman Sunil Kumar
• Sepoy Lakhbir Singh
• Naik Brahm Das
• Rifleman Jagjit Singh
• Sepoy Santosh Singh
• Havildar Surendra Singh
• Lance Naik Padam Singh
• Grenadier Surjit Singh
• Grenadier Yogendra Singh
Mandi
• Captain Deepak Guleria
• Naib Subedar Khem Chand Rana
• Havildar Krishan Chand
• Naik Swarn Kumar
• Sepoy Tek Singh
• Sepoy Rajesh Kumar Chauhan
• Sepoy Naresh Kumar
• Sepoy Heera Singh
• Grenadier Puran Chand
• Naik Mehr Singh
• Lance Naik Ashok Kumar
Hamirpur
• Havildar Kashmir Singh
• Havildar Raj Kumar
• Havildar Swamidas Chandel
• Sepoy Rakesh Kumar
• Rifleman Praveen Kumar
• Sepoy Sunil Kumar
• Rifleman Deepchand
Bilaspur
• Havildar Udham Singh
• Naik Mangal Singh
• Rifleman Vijay Pal
• Havildar Raj Kumar
• Naik Ashwini Kumar
• Havildar Pyar Singh
• Naik Mast Ram
Shimla
• Grenadier Yashwant Singh
• Rifleman Shyam Singh
• Grenadier Naresh Kumar
• Grenadier Anant Ram
Una
• Captain Amol Kalia
• Rifleman Manohar Lal
Solan
• Sepoy Dharmendra Singh
• Rifleman Pradeep Kumar
Sirmaur
• Rifleman Kulvinder Singh
• Rifleman Kalyan Singh
Chamba
• Sepoy Khem Raj
Kullu
• Havildar Dola Ram
