Anuj Nayyar
Captain Anuj Nayyar was a junior officer of the 17 Jat Regiment of the Indian Army, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest gallantry award, for his heroics during the Kargil War in 1999.
Early life
Anuj was born to a middle-class family settled in Janakpuri, Delhi, India. His father, S.K. Nayyar worked as a visiting professor in Delhi School of Economics while his mother, Meena Nayyar, worked for the South Campus library of Delhi University. Anuj received his high-school education from The Army Public school in Central Delhi. Anuj was a bright student who consistently performed well in academics and sports.
Kargil operation
In 1999, the Indian Army detected a massive infiltration by Pakistani paramilitary forces in Indian-administered Kashmir. The army quickly mobilized its forces to drive out the Pakistani infiltrators from Indian territory. Anuj, a junior commander in the 17 Jat Regiment, was sent to Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir, to secure the region surrounding Tiger Hill from Pakistani militants. His first major operation involved securing Pt. 4875, a strategic mountain peak on the western side of Tiger Hill, which was illegally occupied by Pakistani armed forces. Pt. 4875 was an extremely strategic mountain peak second only to the Tiger Hill and securing it from the Pakistani infiltrators was a top priority for the Indian Army. Pt. 4875, which stood at 16,250 feet above sea level, had extremely steep slopes and capturing the peak without aerial support was considered near impossible. But Anuj's Charlie Company decided to secure the peak without any aerial support on July 6, 1999. During the initial phase of assault, the Company Commander of Anuj's platoon was injured after which the command of the company fell on Captain Anuj Nayyar. After the initial setback, the Indian assault split into two groups, one led by Captain Vikram Batra and other by Anuj Nayyar. The Pakistani infiltrators had constructed several bunkers on Pt. 4875. Anuj's company located 4 enemy bunkers and charged the first bunker. During the assault, Anuj fired a Rocket propelled grenade and destroyed the first bunker. The company then charged towards the remaining 3 bunkers during which they came under heavy mortar fire from Pakistani infiltrators. However, under Anuj's leadership, the company cleared two more bunkers. It was while clearing the 4th bunker, that an enemy RPG shell fell directly on Anuj killing him on the spot. During the assault, Captain Anuj Nayyar killed more than 9 Pakistani infiltrators and destroyed 3 to 4 enemy bunkers. Soon after Anuj's death, the Charlie Company successfully cleared the 4th bunker and secured Pt. 4875. The success of this mission was largely due to the bravery and leadership skills of Captain Anuj Nayyar. The success of this mission paved the way for the Indian recapture of Tiger Hill.
Recognition and Legacy
Anuj Nayyar was posthumously awarded Mahavir Chakra for his bravery and combat skills. S.K. Nayyar, Anuj's father, was alloted a gas station in Delhi by the Government of India in recognition of the services of his son. Several books and Indian films were made to depict Anuj's life and glorify his contribution to the Indian Army.
- In 2001, L.O.C Kargil, a Hindi film directed by J.P. Dutta which depicted the endeavours of the Indian Army during the Kargil War, was released in which Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan played the role of Anuj Nayyar.
- In 2003, Hindi movie named "Dhoop" directed by national award winner, Ashwini Chaudhary, was released which depicted the life of Anuj's parents after his death. Om Puri plays the role of S.K. Nayyar, Anuj's father.
See also
- Vikram Batra, fellow army officer
- Indo-Pakistani Wars
- Kargil War
- Military of India
- Maha Vir Chakra