Lt Sharawat’s action forced Pak troops out of Mushkoh valley

Col Dilbag Dabas (Retd)

Lieutenant (Lt) Deepankar Kapoor Singh Sharawat, son of KS Sharawat, was born at Nathuwas village in Bhiwani district on August 23, 1976. He grew up listening to the stories of valour of his ‘Nanaji’, who was a veteran of World War 2, 1947-48 war with Pakistan and the 1962 war with China. He was also inspired by his ‘Mamaji’, who had served with distinction in Dogra Infantry Regiment.

Deepankar had initial studies at his village school. After passing Class XII from Vishwas Senior Secondary School, Hisar, he joined the National Defence Academy. On December 6, 1997, he was commissioned in 2nd Battalion of Naga Infantry Regiment, the youngest infantry regiment in the Indian Army raised in 1970.

In April 1999, Pakistan launched an ill-conceived military adventure by violating the provisions of the 1972 Simla Agreement and the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) that had been assiduously maintained by both sides since 1972. The first reports of infiltration in Kargil came on May 4, 1999. The scale of intrusions, however, became evident to the Indian Army only by mid-May. By this time, the intruders had held vantage positions in Kargil, Batalik, Mushkoh and Dras. The grim situation led the Indian Army to mobilise troops and assign different formations the task of repelling intruders. Once the nature and extent of intrusions by Pakistan's Northern Light Infantry were ascertained in detail, plans were formulated to evict the intruders. 

During the Kargil war, some of the fiercest and decisive battles were fought and won against all possible odds during the first half of June and in July 1999. The recapture of Tololing by 2 Rajputana Rifles was a game changer since that was the deepest incursion into the sector, closest to the National Highway No. 1A that connects Srinagar to Leh. 18 Grenadiers snatched Tiger Hill from the jaws of the enemy, 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles threw the intruders from the formidable Point 4875 while 2 Naga forced the intruders out of the heavily fortified Twin Bumps close to the National Highway No. 1A in the Mushkoh valley subsector during this period. 

During phase 2 of 79 Mountain Brigade attack on July 6, 2nd Naga Battalion successfully pushed back the enemy from Twin Bumps. After the recapture of Twin Bumps, a reconnaissance party of 2nd Naga Battalion located an enemy mortar position west of Twin Bumps in Mushkoh valley. The enemy mortars from this position were taking a heavy toll on the attacking troops. For furthering the operations as also to avoid casualties of our attacking columns, it was decided to eliminate this nuisance. To exploit the favourable situation, 2 Naga was ordered to raid the enemy’s mortar position and cause as much attrition as possible.

The details of the conspicuous bravery of Lt Sharawat are recorded in the War Diary of 2nd Naga Battalion.   

Lt Sharawat was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 2012 and he successfully commanded 2nd Naga Battalion for three years; two years at Doklam where he ensured that the Chinese dare not attempt any misadventure. Colonel Sharawat is now holding a key appointment at Army Headquarters, New Delhi. He has two sons; both gearing up to follow in the footsteps of their father. 

And this is what the Vir Chakra awardee has to say to the present day youth: “Naam, Namak aur Nishan are the bedrock of the Indian Army. Nothing else is more motivating. We in the Army work as a team and are not averse to taking risks — accomplishment of the mission is all that matters. The successes belong to the team and the failures to the leader. The leader takes the onus of failure and never lets the team become a failure. Join us”.

An account of his gallantry in War Diary of 2nd Naga Battalion reads

Lt Deepankar Kapoor Singh Sharawat, commanding A company, was tasked with leading a raid on the mortar position by the Commanding Officer of 2nd Naga Battalion on July 8, 1999. With great skill and tactical acumen, well beyond his limited service and experience, Lt Sharawat, with just about a platoon plus from his company, successfully infiltrated his raiding party behind the enemy lines. On reaching the mortar position, he carried out quick reconnaissance and then led the assault on the mortar position on the cry ‘Jai Durga Naga’. Having taken the Pakistanis by surprise, the raiding party comprised of fiery Nagas of the Indian Army, led by the dynamic subaltern, quickly ran over them. While storming the position, Lt Sharawat personally killed one enemy soldier in close combat. His bold and determined action led to the recovery of three 120 mm mortars, two 81 mm mortars and many valuable documents and equipment. The successful raid led by Lt Sharawat broke the backbone of the enemy’s resistance in Muskhoh valley and led to ultimate withdrawal of all Pakistani intruders from the area.

For his conspicuous act of bravery and devotion beyond the call of duty, Lt Deepankar Kapoor Singh Sharawat was awarded the Vir Chakra. 

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