Major Basdev — A jewel in Kangra’s crown

Col Dilbag Dabas (Retd)

In valour, Dogras are to Himachal what Jats are to Haryana – unbeatable (s). 

Even with a cursory look at the medal tally of the Indian military warriors pan-India, the hill state of Himachal emerges on top. 

No wonder this tiny state is rightly referred to as the veer bhumi, the land that has nurtured four Param Veers after Indian independence, including the first awardee in independent India.

Maj Basdev Singh Mankotia, a fourth generation soldier, belongs undoubtedly to the most illustrious military family of Himachal Pradesh. His father, grandfather and great grandfather – all served in the 2nd Bn of the 12 Frontier Force Regiment before independence. All of them were awarded the title of Sardar Bahadur and Order of British India (OBI), an award given for distinguished service rendered during the World War I and II. During Partition, the Frontier Force regiment was allotted to the Pakistan Army and its Indian troops were absorbed in Dogra, Punjab and Sikh Infantry Regiments of the Indian Army.

Basdev, son of Sardar Bahadur Colonel RS Mankotia, MC, OBI, was born on April 16, 1941, at Sidhpurgarh village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. After FA (Faculty of Arts, present day equivalent of Class XII), Basdev was selected for the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the 9th Punjab Battalion on 11 December 1962. Just two months earlier, Maj MS Chowdhary of 9 Punjab had won the first Maha Vir Chakra during 1962 India-China war in NEFA. Nine years later, Maj Mankotia of 9 Punjab was to emulate his senior and make ‘The Fighting 9th’ proud by winning the second highest gallantry award in Independent India.

During the 1971 India-Pakistan war on the western front, the 54 Infantry Brigade, ex-15 Infantry Division, was entrusted with the responsibility of defending Amritsar area against an attack along the Grand Trunk Road. The Indian Enclave at Ranian south-east of Ravi-IB confluence, provided depth to Amritsar and was designated as a vital ground to be defended in all circumstances. Pakistanis were desperate to capture Ranian because it dominated the western and northern axes. If conquered, the Pak troops after crossing the Ravi could make a dash on to Amritsar with their armour, unhindered. Such was the importance of holding Ranian in strength. As per the 54 Infantry Brigade Operation Order, 9 Punjab, supported by a squadron of tanks, was tasked to deny ingress to the enemy into the Ranian Defended Area.

Right from December 4 to the ceasefire on December 17, 1971, Ranian Enclave was the scene of the most hard slogging attacks and counter-attacks on the entire western front. In Amritsar Sector, 9 Punjab not only blunted a major Pakistani offensive at Ranian, but also captured a sizable chunk of Pak territory before the declaration of ceasefire. It was during one of the fierce battles to successfully defend Ranian, that Major Basdev Singh Mankotia, for his conspicuous act of gallantry was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Major Basdev Singh Mankotia, MVC, retired from the Army in 1997 in well-deserved rank of a Brigadier.

(Writer is a veteran Gunner, 6 Field Regiment)

The battle account of his bravery reads...

“During 1971 India-Pakistan war in western theatre, Major Basdev Singh Mankotia of 9 Punjab Battalion was holding a screen position with his company between Ranian and International Border with Pakistan. Between 3rd and 5th December 1971, the enemy attacked his screen position seven times all supported with armour. With Major Mankotia in the forefront inspiring his men to hold firm, all attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties on the attacker. When a portion of the screen was over-run by the enemy, Major Mankotia personally led a quick and determined counter-attack on the cry Durge Mata Ki Jai and regained the lost ground, once again with heavy casualties on the enemy, though at a cost. During the successful counter-attack, he was seriously wounded in the shoulder, but seeing the importance of holding onto the screen position, he refused to get evacuated. By personal example of courage and disregard for personal safety, he inspired the Punjabis under his command to continue to perform the acts of commendable gallantry. Throughout the operation, Major Basdev Singh Mankotia displayed conspicuous gallantry, exemplary leadership and determination for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.”