OPERATIONS, GALLANTRY AWARDEES AND WAR MEMORIAL

Post Mechanisation from 1979, the battalions of the regiment have been deployed in various operations and have acquitted themselves commendably.

Operation BLUESTAR

A very difficult and sensitive operation as it involved eliminating terrorists from the Golden Temple. 5 Mechanised Infantry won a Kirti Chakra during this operation.

Operation PAWAN

This was the codename given to the operation of Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka. 13, 15, 16 and 17 Mechanised Infantry Battalions were deployed all over Northern peninsula and operated mainly with infantry formations against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. BMPs proved to be a dreaded weapon system, which was dreaded by the terrorists.

Operation CHEQUERBOARD

The Sumdrong Chu episode in 1986 along the Chinese border saw the mobilization of troops, which continued in 1987 and an ad-hoc Mechanised Infantry Battalion with 50 BMPs and eight BRDMs were deployed at Nyoma and other places in Northern Theatre under then Major DS Sandhu, of 23 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

Operation TRIDENT

Owing to Pakistan over-reacting during a massive Army level exercise called Brasstacks – IV conducted in Western Theatre in 1987, a general mobilisation was ordered under Operation Trident involving all Mechanised Infantry units deploying on the Northern and Western borders with live ammunition, leading to a near-real war-like situation, which subsided a few months later.

Operation RAKSHAK

In the 1980s the situation in Punjab and Kashmir valley deteriorated with the commencement of proxy war by Pakistan and MechanisedInfantry was deployed in counter-terrorism operations. Mechanised Infantry was also considered for deployment as foot infantry long the International Border, Shamshabari range in anti-infiltration and in the hinterland for counter-terrorism operations. Eight battalions got an opportunity to serve in Kashmir valley and all of them performed exceedingly well. Many anti-national elements were killed, apprehended, surrendered and a large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered during various operations.

Operation VIJAY

In May 1999, Pakistan occupied the winter vacated posts along the line of control under the garb of Kashmir freedom struggle in Kargil, Muskoh and Batalik areas. Operation Vijay was ordered for eviction of these intruders from the icy heights. The Mechanised units were mobilized in Western and Southern theatres as also missile detachments of selected units were deployed in affected areas to support the Infantry operations.

Operation PARAKRAM

In 2001 there was a terrorist attack on Parliament which resulted in general mobilization of Army and all units of Mechanised Infantry saw a year-long deployment in operational areas. It was Operation Pratap during which 19 Mechanised Infantry, when deployed in Rajasthan in an operation, razed the Pakistani post-Al Badar. There was also firing carried out on the posts of Pakistan along the line of control by BMPs of 18 Mechanised Infantry in Jammu and Kashmir.

Deployment in High Altitude Areas

The plateau sector of Leh and Sikkim saw operational deployment of Mechanised Infantry units in super High Altitude Areas as part of Infantry formations. Mechanised Infantry units are gaining valuable operational experience in High Altitude Warfare during these deployments.

United Nations Peacekeeping Missions

All Mechanised units also had a tour of duty in war ridden and disturbed countries as part of United Nations Peace Keeping Missions all over the world. The operations carried out during the peace keeping duties by the Mechanised Infantry Battalion/ Companies either independently or as part of Infantry Battalion groups has been acknowledged by the hierarchy of United Nations. Their efforts have also been unanimously recognised by all Force Commanders of the Peace Keeping Missions. The montage of operations undertaken brings out the versatility of Mechanised Infantry as an arm and dedication of its all ranks in creating history and upholding the traditions of this newly formed Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

Unit Citation

MIRC was awarded GOC-in-C Southern Command Unit citation twice in 2010 & 2016 for its meritorious work in different fields.

GALLANTRY AWARDS POST MECHANISATION 1979 ONWARDS

CITATION – MAJOR RAJESH SINGH ADHIKARI

IC-52574F Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was commissioned into 2 MECH INF on 11 Dec 1983. During OP VIJAY the officer was on one-year cross attachment with 18 GRENADIERS, which was deployed in the Drass Sector. On 30 May 1999, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari’s company was tasked to capture Tololing Post, located in treacherous snow-covered mountainous terrain covered with snow at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The enemy post was well stocked and fortified by Pakistani Army Intruders. Major Adhikari was fired at from two mutually supporting bunkers with Universal Machine Guns.

The officer immediately directed the Rocket Launcher detachment to engage one of the bunkers, while he himself rushed towards the other bunker and single-handed killed two persons in close-quarter combat. Displaying great presence of mind under heavy fire ordered his Medium Machine Gun detachment to take position behind a rocky feature and engage the enemy while the assault party continued to inch their way up. In the process the officer suffered grievous bullet injuries but still continued to direct his sub unit, refusing to get evacuated.

The officer again let the charged on the second enemy bunker and killed one more occupant, thus capturing the second bunker at Tololing, which later facilitated the capture of Point 4590. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari later succumbed to injuries. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari made the supreme sacrifice, displaying indomitable courage in the face heavy odds, in the best tradition of Indian Army.

CITATION – 2LT SATISH KUMAR PRABHAKARAN MENON

SS-32475X 2Lt Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon, 15 Mech Inf was deployed in the Jaffna Fort with his platoon of BMPs along with 1 MARATHA LI (91 Inf Bde). On 10 Oct 1987, the officer was allotted the task to rescue Commander 41 Infantry Brigade. Brig Manjit Singh who was surrounded by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and to supply ammunition to 5 RAJ RIF persons at an area approximately 2 km from Jaffna Fort.

The area was highly fortified by the LTTE and entire route was mined. The officer accepted it as a challenge, moved out of the Fort on the ICV with great confidence courage and determination and traversed the 2 km at full speed opening up all weapons and destroying a number of LTTE bunkers and mortar post which had stalled the advance. 2Lt Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon enacted with total disregard to his personal safety, retrieved the Brig and supplied the ammunition to the company’s of 5 RAJ RIF and later under the protection/covering fire of the BMPs moved them into the Jaffna Fort.

CITATION – CAPTAIN HARDEV SINGH

IC-27619L Capt Hardev Singh was Company Commander of the Mechanised Company operating on the Eastern Flank. At Approximately 0200 hrs there was extremely heavy fire in the area of Akal Takht causing extremely heavy casualties to infantry when the support of APC was asked for. The route to enter into the main complex of Golden Temple involved high steps which could not be negotiated by the APCs. Realising the urgency of the mission he had his APCs pushed from the rear by a tank to enter the Golden Temple Complex.

On entering, the driver of his APC was wounded in the eye. Since there was no other qualified driver an officer commanding of the second APC following behind him was directed to take over the driver’s seat of his own APC and move forward to Akal Takht area to support the infantry. While supporting the infantry at the Akal Takht area his APC was demolished by anti-armour fire and he himself was severally wounded on the left shoulder and leg along with members of his stick. In spite of being wounded, knowing the urgency of the task he continued to man the station till ordered to be evacuated along with the members of the stick by Force Cdr Brig Dewan. For his act of exceptional bravery beyond the call of duty this officer is recommended for the award of Kirti Chakra.

CITATION – SEP DAYA SHANKAR

On 05 August 1996, Sep Daya Shankar, enrolled in the Mechanised Infantry on 24 Oct 1991, serving with 14 RR, was part of a search party during operations at Village Laharwalpura of Baramulla District in J&K. As the party closed in towards a house where terrorists were hiding, Sep Daya Shankar was hit by militant fire when negotiating an open patch about 50 meters from the house. Realizing that his comrades were in a precarious situation, undeterred by his own injuries, Sep Daya Shankar judging the position of the holed up militant charged firing his weapon and killed him in a close firefight.

In this awesome display of courage, Sep Daya Shankar fell hit once again by terrorist fire. Another militant holed up opened fire preventing further advance. Grievously injured, Sep Daya Shankar seeing that only he could reach the militant crawled towards the militant and killed him by a long burst. Showing exemplary courage and offensive action Sep Daya Shankar killed two militants. Two Rifles and One Pistol were recovered. Sep Daya Shankar was killed in this fighting on the spot on 05 Aug 1996 at 1700 hrs.

War Memorial

Mechanised Infantry Regiment War Memorial

Mechanised Infantry Regiment War Memorial is a glowing tribute to all ranks of the Regiment who made supreme sacrifice against all odds to defend the honour of his Unit, Regiment and the Nation. These finest soldiers attained martyrdom in gallant traditions of Indian Army fighting against the enemy in adverse conditions. Mechanised Infantry Regimental War Memorial stands as a venerable institution amidst the MIRC with a befitting concept and design to honour its martyrs. The War Memorial was dedicated to the Nation on 08 Dec 2005 by Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff.

Concept

The conceptual design with four pylons symbolizes immortal soul of departed soldier omnipresent in all directions ie East, West, North and South.

Design Features

The war memorial is laid out in an area of 160 square feet consisting of the central platform, Mechanised Infantry Battalion uprights and busts of war heroes. The war memorial has been designed in three distinct modules consisting of a Central Podium at the base, four vertical Pylons in the mid-section facing east, north, west and south direction converging upwards with Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry at the Pinnacle. The Central Podium is circular in shape with a diameter of 39 feet. The central podium eulogizes the concept of all-pervading spirit of a martyred soldier and the essence of the eternity of soul spreading out in-universe.

A plaque with an inscription from the Mahabharat Shantiparva, 99: 43 is mounted on the Central Podium at the front entrance.

• DO NOT LAMENT THE DEATH OF A
• WARRIOR
• KILLED IN BATTLEFIELD
• AS THOSE WHO SACRIFICE THEIR
• LIVES IN WAR
• ARE HONOURED IN HEAVEN!

The Symbol of the Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment is located above the Four Pylons. The Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment portrays a futuristic youth with vitality, and dynamism of a neoteric Regiment. The winged figure armed with multiple weapons, charging over the ripple of waves depicts three-dimensional mobility and aggressiveness. The body armour signifies protection. In addition, there are Busts of War Heroes and thirty Upright Structures of six feet height and three feet width, displayed in a circular profile, all around the base of the Central Podium. These uprights depict the units of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and display the names of 119 soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the honour and dignity of our motherland since 02 April 1979.

The area around the War Memorial has been landscaped to project an environment of sombre, serenity and solitude. The design displays mounds of earth representing silent sentinels that stand still in mute testimony to pay homage to the spirit of the lost soldier. An artificially created water body to the rear mirrors their presence and fuses them with the memorial to become one. White roses and white lotus symbolise peace and purity.

Red roses at the base of the Central Podium symbolises the blood through which rises the Spirit of the Martyrs. All ranks of Mechanised Infantry seek inspiration and motivation from the War Memorial reminiscing blood, sweat and toil of these martyred soldiers. The ceremonial wreath-laying is done on the various occasions as also visiting dignitaries pay their respects at war memorial regularly.

The architecture of the memorial was done by M/s Cooper & Associates, Pune and Landscaping by Ms Reena Salvi from Artscape, Pune. The work was executed by M/s Rudranee Construction Company, Aurangabad and coordinated by Infantry Training Battalion of MIRC.

INTERNAL SECURITY AND AID TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES

Nanded Floods:

MIRC personnel rescuing civilians during Nanded floods in 1983

Major D R Saigal proceeded to NANDED with engineer party for flood relief operations. Fourteen villagers were rescued. Chief Minister of Maharashtra visited the camp. Second round of floods occurred and a party of two officers, two JCOs and 30 OR with motor boats left for Nanded on 7th September 1983.

Flag March:

On 7th December 1992, in the aftermath of the demolition of Babri Masjid, Internal Security Column (Operation VYAVASTHA) was provided by Driving and Maintenance Battalion under Maj Mahesh Arora for Aurangabad district to prevent any communal violence. Subsequently, a flag march was carried out by the columns in Aurangabad on 9th December 1992.

Bombay Riots:

Four Internal Security columns were provided by MIRC during the Bombay riots from 9th January 1993 to 20th February 1993. A total strength of nine officers, twenty-one JCOs, and three hundred and ninety-six OR were deployed in Bombay.

Latur Earthquake:

Four Internal Security Columns of MIRC were moved to village Killari, in Latur, Maharashtra to conduct relief operations following the devastating 1993 earthquake. Brig Pritam Singh moved in with his tactical headquarters on 30th September 1993 to help with the relief operations. They returned after a fortnight having successfully completed the operation by mid-October. The strength of the column was ten officers, twenty-four JCOs, three hundred and twenty-nine OR and forty-nine different types of vehicles.