20 yrs on, martyr's parents await installation of his statue

Strap: Maj Sudhir Walia had laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara

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“I am fighting to get my son’s statue installed for the last 20 years. My age and fragile health do not allow me to move anymore. No CM, minister, MLA or senior bureaucrat has paid heed to our demand so far. Sudhir sacrificed his life for the country. Although he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the state government has failed to recognise his sacrifice. Rulia Ram, martyr’s father

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Ravinder Sood

Palampur, July 6

The bedridden parents of Major Sudhir Walia, Ashoka Chakra awardee, who had attained martyrdom fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir 20 years ago, are still waiting for the government to install his statue at Palampur.

Talking to The Tribune, the martyr’s father Rulia Ram said his last wish was to see his son’s statue installed at Palampur. “I am fighting for this cause for the last 20 years. My age and fragile health do not allow me to move anymore. No CM, minister, MLA or senior bureaucrat has paid heed to our demand so far. Sudhir sacrificed his life for the country. Although he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the state government has failed to recognise his sacrifice and install a statute despite our repeated requests,” he rued.

The aging parents of the martyr are, however, all praise for the Army. “His seniors and colleagues always stood by us and extended help whenever we approached them. Gen VP Malik (retd) still call us on a regular basis,” said the martyr’s mother Rajeswari Devi.

Major Walia was decorated with the Sena Medal (gallantry) on two occasions for combating militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. In his book ‘From Surprise to Victory’, VP Malik, who served as the Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War, has devoted a full chapter on the braveheart of Palampur, who was his ADC .

During the Kargil War, Major Sudhir’s team had recaptured the Zulu Ridge. After the end of the war on July 26, 1999, the Army was put on high alert to deal with any eventuality. Major Sudhir Walia and his team of daredevil commandos were entrusted with the task of busting the militants’ hideouts.

On August 29, 1999, Major Sudhir Walia along with a squad of five commandos was on a search and destroy mission in the dense jungles of Hafruda forests in Kupwara district of J&K. The squad came across a well-camouflaged hideout having 20-odd terrorists. Major Sudhir alone killed at least six militants. However, during the process, he sustained gunshot wounds in the stomach. He was airlifted to the Army base hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route. He was posthumously honoured with the Ashoka Chakra.