Major Vikas Vohra, Haryanvi braveheart of Kargil war

Col Dilbag Dabas (Retd)

Major (now Colonel retd) Vikas Vohra is a second-generation soldier. His father Vidya Ratan Vohra served in the Indian Air Force for more than two decades. 

Vikas was born on January 4, 1968 at New Delhi. An alumnus of Sainik School, Kapurthala, he was commissioned into the 13th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on June 11, 1988. The Vohras relocated to Gurgaon in 1993 and are now proud Haryanvis.

During Operation Vijay (Kargil War) in 1999, after its induction in Dras sub-sector in early June, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK Rif) Battalion was tasked to re-capture Pt 4875 in Mushkoh valley. 

This feature overlooked the National Highway NH-1D and being of strategic importance, was occupied by the intruders in strength with a view to sever the Srinagar-Leh highway, the lifeline of the Indian Army operating up to Chusul in the east and Siachen Glacier up north. 

The information available on the enemy’s strength and dispositions on Pt 4875 was scanty and therefore, extensive day and night patrolling was done including registration of targets for artillery fire support. And by last light on July 4, 1999, 13 JAK Rif was ready to display its might and the stuff its officers and the men are made of.

Seeing the achievements of 13 JAK Rif right from the beginning of the Kargil war, it had become something of a tradition in the battalion for the officers to personally lead each assault. Major Vikas Vohra, ‘D’ Company Commander, was no exception. The most formidable Pt 4875 had fallen to Captain Vikram Batra and his men but area Ledge extending almost 600m had to be captured to completely secure Point 4875. 

It was for his most courageous feat leading his men from the front during the capture of area Ledge that Major Vikas Vohra was awarded the well-deserved Vir Chakra. 

Major Vikas Vohra, Vr C, after two staff tenures at an Infantry Brigade Headquarters and a short stint as the Battalion’s Second-in-Command, was promoted to the rank of Colonel and commanded 13 JAK Rif, his parent battalion from 2006 to 2008. To date, 13 JAK Rif (Kargil) has the unique distinction of being the only battalion in the Indian Army to have won two highest gallantry awards (Param Vir Chakras) in a single war, the Kargil War.

Colonel Vikas Vohra, Vr C, after successfully commanding his battalion, also had the privilege of commanding a battalion at the prestigious Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, for two years. Thereafter, he took pre-mature retirement. He devotes his time as a visiting faculty, frequently visiting schools in Gurgaon (his home town) motivating young ones to be part of the defence services, which he feels is not just a profession but a calling, a way of life and most honourable at that.

Colonel Vikas Vohra, Vr C, the living legend, is still active in Gurgaon district in helping ex-servicemen and war widows in whatever manner he can.  

The account of bravery, recorded in the War Diary of 13 JAK Rif...

“Major Vikas Vohra was Company Commander of ‘D’ Company of 13 JAK Rif during the Kargil war. His company was tasked to exploit and clear area Ledge adjoining Pt 4875 in Mushkoh Valley. The task was to be completed by the early hours on July 5, 1999. Area Ledge was strongly fortified and held in strength by the enemy and was impossible to outflank. Major Vikas Vohra, seeing no other option and knowing the inherent difficulties and resistance expected, volunteered beyond the call of duty to lead the daylight assault for capturing the targeted objective.

Braving rugged and inhospitable terrain, steep escarpments, continuous heavy artillery shelling and automatic fire, Major Vohra led the assault from the front thus motivating his men. In a daredevil action, the officer, showing true officer acumen, cool headedness, sheer grit, determination and raw courage, assaulted the enemy position and single-handedly killed two Pakistanis in hand-to-hand combat. This brave action by Major Vohra, in the finest traditions of the Indian Army, enabled his company to overcome the heavy enemy opposition. His men followed it up with a lightning assault resulting in quick capture of the target and recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition, despite all possible odds.

For his cool courage, dogged determination and inspirational leadership in the face of the enemy, Major Vikas Vohra was awarded the Vir Chakra”.

About the award

• Vir Chakra is awarded for the gallantry of a high order in the face of the enemy. The decoration may also be awarded posthumously.
• The award of the decoration carries with it the right to use Vr.C. as a post-nominal abbreviation.
• Among 1,322 Vir Chakra awardees throughout India, 139 have been nurtured by Haryanvi soil.

(The writer is a veteran Gunner, 6 Field Regiment)