10.J.JULIET
JHADAV PENS
TENURE WITH 1 ASSAM (LADAKH)
1. Both self 2/Lt Ran Bijay Bhushan were posted from ASSAM RC to 1 ASSAM during Sep 1965. The Bn was located at Tlruk (Durbuk), Ladakh. Being very cold, did not feel like going out of Mangol Hut for Dinner and we tucked in the sleeping bag. Mess Hav came informed us that PM has asked us to come to Mess for Dinner. We told him we would not like to have Dinner. After some time, Mess Hav again came informed that PM want us come to Mess immediately. Since we had no choice, we got dressed and went to Offrs Mess . At that time Offrs were having Dinner. Maj JD Rai, PMC asked us to wait outside the Mess. While waiting out side the Mess, we were shivering and cursing ourselves. After Dinner was over, Offrs left the Mess but no offr spoke to us. Later Mess Hav asked to have Dinner. First day it self we got the punishment for adhering to instructions of PM.
2. Sub Maj Raj Bongshi. We were made to go around the unit area and later meet the Sub Maj. On entering the Office, Sub Maj Raj Bongshi got up , saluted and welcomed us .Sub Maj was tall,smart, well built and was Drill Instructor at IMA Dehradun. During the course of conversation, Sub Maj said that being Offrs, JOs and OR have to salute Offrs irrespective of length of service. Then he said , Quote ” Sahab, Service ke dauran Aap ko Tarakki aur Promotion milega , lekin Upar dekhate Samay, Neeche dekhana kabhi Bhoolana chahie, Nahi to aap ke Pair Keechad men gir Sakate hain”. Unquote. His Golden advice was while looking up for Promotion , it is equally important to take care of the Men that you Comd.
3. Lt Col JRP Lovejoy, CO. He was tall, handsome and very strict with strong liking & disliking. He had beautiful handwriting.The appt of Adjt & QM were changed very often.We were interviewed by the CO. During interview of 2/Lt Ran Bijay, CO asked as to how did you like the place ? In response, Ran Bijay replied that this is the most wretched place that he has come across. Col Lovejoy, did not like the reply. He summoned the 2IC and instructed him to send both of us on LRP next day. Very next day, we were sent on 3 days patrolling under Maj JD Rai though two weeks period was given for acclimatization on arr of pers.
4. Maj JD Rai – OC Coy & PMC. Physically very fit and robust offr who ensured that all offrs adhered to Mess Etiquette strictly.
5. Maj Jasbir Singh – OC D Coy. Very soft spoken,professionally competent who remained calm cool & unperturbed. I was fortunate to serve under him as Coy Offr when the Coy loc at Tangtse near Pangong Lake. I was asked to lead a LRP towards Thursang La located near Chinese Border for the duration of 5 days. In enthusiasm , we covered the route in four days returned. I reported my arr to Maj Jasbir Singh who scolded and asked as to why I had over strained the men & risked their lives ?. He emphasized that as offrs , we have to ensure safety and well being of men while undertaking any msn.
6. Capt Krishan Pal- Very intelligent, forthright and outspoken offr. He did not hesitate to raise the issue if it was not within laid down instructions. He was one of Youngest Offr who qualified in DSSC Entrance Examination. Later, he was transferred to Para Regt and commanded the Bn & rose to the rank of Lt Gen.
7. Capt SK Duggal – Very smart and upright offr who joined civil services after release from the Army. Retired as Jt Secretary and settled down at Vadodara.
8. Capt Barthakur- Very smart and well manner offr who joined Police Sevice after release from the Army.
9. Capt RS Katoch – Tall, handsome and smart offr who was excellent Hockey player. He led the Bn Sports Team during Silver Jubilee Inter sports Competition at ASSAM RC and bagged Championship Trophy. Witty and very humorous offr who makes every one laugh even in tense situation.
10. 2/Lt SI Jakhalu – .Very soft spoken offr who became Secretary Rajya Sainik Board, Kohima after retirement.
11. Capt KK Vaidya- An intelligent and very disciplined offr who joined orporate Sector after release from the Army.
12. Capt KK Bhaskar (RMO)- Very friendly and an excellent RMO who was very popular. He became part of First Assam Team.
13. Capt DV Kataria- He had his own style and very sober offr who was liked by Lt Col Lovejoy very much.
14. 2/Lt Y P Sharma – Very docile and well behaved offr who always remained cheerful. He settled down at Delhi after release from the Army.
15. 2/Lt J K Chopra – A good Regimental Offr.
16. 2/Lt MTB Nair – Very sincere and hard working offr who joined Assam Rifles after release from the Army
17 The Bn Moved to Peace Station Dhana (MP) in the 1966.
Col R K Jadhav (Retd) Belgaum
ASSOCIATION WITH 1 ASSAM (DHANA)
1 1 ASSAM moved from Ladakh to Dhana Cantt in Aug 1966. Lt Col NS Surrey took over the comd from Lt Col Lovjoy . During this period , a number of offrs were posted to the Bn.
2. Lt Col NS Surrey, CO. Peace tenure under him was most enjoyable and memorable. He was soft spoken, lion hearted , magnanimous and ever cheerful who never lost his cool at any time. He was the most popular CO who took the Bn to great height in all spheres. A number of Offrs joined the Bn. If any offr got late for Lunch or Dinner due commitments, Col Surrey will tell them Not to impress him that they were working hard. A Royal CO.
3. Mrs Surrey- She came from Royal family and she was respected by families of all ranks. She had motherly feelings for Offrs and ladies especially for Bachelor Offrs. Very often she used to invite Bachelor Offrs for Breakfast on Sunday /Holiday. During Party at Offrs Mess, she made sure that all Bachelor Offrs are served First followed by other Offrs and Ladies. Truly a great Lady.
4. Maj BM Lal – Very handsome and fine offr who was professionally competent. Later he commanded 1 ASSAM , Bde and ASSAM RC.
6. Capt BB Talwar – Very smart, sincere and hardworking offr who was posted to Army HQ as ADC to President of India. Later he, commanded the Bn & took premature retirement and settled down in USA.
7. Capt PKB Barua – Simple and unassuming offr who got along with all offrs very well.
8. Capt RS Williams – Very cheerful , witty and jovial offr.
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9. Capt MK Day – A soft spoken, hardworking and sincere offr who carried any assigned task very well.
10. Capt Subimal Ganguly- Very intelligent, sharp and professionally sound offr. After retirement, he has settled down at Calcutta.
11. Maj Girdip Singh – A tall, well built and smart offr who was conscious of his Dress and wore different in civil Dress. Later he went to Assam Rifles and commanded Assam Rifles Bn. He was very particular to attend all Regimental Functions. After retirement, he had settled down at Jagraon (Punjab).
TENURE WITH 1 ASSAM AT BAREILLY AND ALMORA
1. The Bn moved from Sikkim to Bareiily Cantt in Jan 1973. Lt Col Beant Singh was the CO. The Bn was assigned the task of guarding PW Camp. After repatriation of PWs, the Bn moved to lovely Hill Station Almora Cantt. During the tenure of Bareilly and Almora, a number of offrs got married and enjoyed their stay.
2. Lt Col Beant Singh CO- He was very soft spoken, mild and unassuming. Under his command the Team of Officers was very good who enjoyed Peace tenure to the fullest extent. By nature , Col Beant Singh was very careful when spending money. Hence all offrs would decide to call on in a Group and enjoyed their drinks to heart content. Mrs Beant Singh was very nice lady who extended warm hospitality to Offrs & ladies graciously.
3. Capt Ram Chander – Very sincere,hard working and docile offr. After retirement, he has settled down at Jaipur.
4. Capt NC Rout – Very hard working, soft spoken and sincere offr. He had determination to excel in courses of instructions. Qualified DSSC entrance examination. A very good regimental offr.
5 Capt Anthony – A quite and sincere Regimental offr who got along with all offrs very well.
TENURE WITH 3 ASSAM (FAZILKA SECTOR) 1971-72
1. Lt Col Ranpal Shishupal, CO. When I was serving with JL Wing Belgaum as Instructor YO Wing, Indo Pak broke out, received forthwith posting to 3 ASSAM. Accordingly I reported my arrival around 10 Dec 1971 where I was received by QM Capt Malkiat Singh. Bn was deployed at Sabuna Distributary and heavy exchange of firing was going on. There I learnt that Four offrs ( Maj Kiangte, Maj Tek Bahadur Rana, 2/Lt Vaidyanathan and 2/Lt SS Rana) were killed during counter attack and their bodies still lying at the site of counter attack as some portion of Distributary was still under occupation by Pakistanis. I was welcomed by the CO and Adjt Maj BP Barathwal. Same night I was promoted the rank of Major and I was asked to assume the appointment of Adjt. Col Shisupal was bold and very innovative. To imbibe Regtl Spirit, he had formulated an Oath which was to be taken by all ranks. It was a unique experience to serve under excellent CO during War though for a short period. At that time following offrs were serving with tbe Bn:-
2. Maj Baldev Singh Bhalla – Was the 2IC of the Bn. A tall, smart and professionally competent offr.
3. Maj Martin Khongmen – A smart , well disciplined and sincere Regtl Offr who was forthright. He was OC A Coy and commanded great respect from all ranks. He commanded that Bn and settled down at Shillong. True RHINO
4. Maj Gurdeep Singh – OC D Coy. Came from Army background as his father was also in the Army.Very sincere and upright offr who was quite strict. Later he raised 15 ASSAM at Shillong and after retirement he settled down at Jullundhar Cantt. Col Gurdeep is proud of maintaining Army Tradition in the Family. His father was in the Army. His son Brig Charandeep Singh (third generation offr) also joined the Assam Regt who is presently serving at Assam Regtl Centre as Centre Comdt and the Regt is really proud of this Family.
5. Capt Deonath Singh- He was awarded Sena Medal for exhibiting exemplary courage in evacuating injured in thick of the battle.
6. Capt M Pradhan ,Capt LM Saha and Capt S Ramalingam- They joined the Bn after War.
7. I was posted back to 1 ASSAM in the last week of May 1972.
TAGRA RAHO
Col RK Jadhav (Retd)
28 Nov 2019
TENURE WITH 7 ASSAM DURING RAISING AT TAMULPUR(ASSAM)
1. Under the Commanding Officer, Col P Shivpuri , 7ASSAM was raised at Tamulpur (ASSAM) on 01 Jan 1076. It was Historic moment for the Regt as New Raising took place after the gap of decade since raising of 6 ASSAM.
2. Col P Shivpuri – I had the privilege to serve under him as the First Adjt and learnt a lot during raising.The CO was was calm, cool, unperturbed and professionally very competent. Fortunately the TEAM of Offrs posted to new raising Bn was excellent which made the task of CO easy. He used to hold daily morning conference of Offrs to ascertain progress and plan activities.He used to give directions to very able 2IC , Maj V Ramanan who coordinated and ensured implementation. During raising a few unfortunate incidents took place but Col Shivpuri never lost his cool. He used to read News Paper Daily during Office Timings giving the impression that there was NOT much work but after giving directions, he gave a free hand to offrs in their implementation. He was very strict in use of Transport and the MTO Capt Gahatraj had a tough time to coordinate.
3. Maj V Ramanan , Second in Comd. Both CO and 2IC came from 4 ASSAM, and knowing each other well, it was easy for Maj Ramanan to perform the duties of 2IC. He was hard task master and ensured implementation of instructions as directed by the CO. He spared none if any one perform his duties as per laid down instructions. Maj Ramanan was very meticulous in maintenance of Accts.
4. Maj Prahlad Ao- OC A Coy. A soft spoken, meticulous , dedicated and professionally competent offr. He was forthright to put across his point of view.
5. Maj AB Sharma -OC B Coy. Very smart, humorous and well disciplined officer. He kept every one amused during Mess events and Party.
6. Maj JS Rishi – OC Coy. Very sincere , hardworking and spirited Offr. He got along with all very well. An excellent Regtl offr.He had tremendous zeal and enthusiasm.
7. Maj BP Barthwal – Very sincere, cheerful, soft spoken and hard working offr. He was very good sportsman.
8. Maj Rattanjit Singh – OC SP Coy. Very sincere, smart, intelligent, jovial and forthright offr. He got along with all very well.
9. Capt MK Gahatraj – A very hard working, sincere , meticulous and cheerful offr. He always looked forward to shoulder additional responsibility willingly. He carried out the duties of MTO very efficiently and never gave any chance to raise a finger on any account. A spirited Regtl offr.
10. Capt Rai Singh – A tall , well built , sincere, hard working and cheerful offr. An excellent Basket Ball player who represented the Bn in Sports competition. Alas ! during induction of Adv Party Convoy for Jt Trg with Bhutan Army (Yongphula) in Jul 1976,. he died in MT accident ( Unfortunately, I was the OC Convoy).It was tragic incident.
11. Capt Kannan – SL QM. Very sincere and devoted offr who carried out his very efficiently. He was an asset to the Bn during raising.
11A. Capt PC Mohanty, RMO. He was a very good RMO . Beside attending MI Room, he used to go around the Coys and give a talk to JCOs and OR as to how they should take care of their health. Even at odd hour, he used to attend the patients on getting call. Capt Mohanty was awarded SM for his self devotion and dedication in organizing evacuation of injured OR during Excercise thus saving life. This was the First Award for Bn after Raising.
12 Capt BS Shekhawat- A very tall, smart , intelligent and hard working offr
13. Capt AG Datar – A tall, sincere, hard working and jovial offr who carried out his duties with zeal.He commanded the Bn.
14 Capt SI Huda.- A sincere hard working , cheerful and zealous offr. An excellent Foot Ball player who participated in many competitions and brought laurels.
14A Capt Govinder Singh- A smart and very lively offr. Always willing to share additional responsibility. He was released from the Army after 5 yrs service. He had taken up a jobas Field Offr , Punjab Small & Export Corporation, Suranussi, Jullundur. Unfortunately, not been able maintain contact with him.
15. 2/Lt SB Lahiri – A slim, smart, sincere and hard working offr who carried any assigned duties willingly and efficiently.
16. 2/Lt Rudra Singh – A sincre and hard working offr. A good Regtl Offr.
17. 2/Lt Jasbir Singh- A smart, intelligent , cheerful and competent offr. He commanded the Bn, Bde and was Comdt of Assam Regtl Centre. Very Spirited Regtl Offr. Played a major Role in Publication of Regtl History Vol II.
18. 2/Lt RN Singh – He was theFirst offr who joined the Bn after having got commission. An intelligent, very enthusiastic and dedicated offr. He commanded the Bn, Bde , Div and later promoted to the rank of Lt Gen. The Regt is proud to have him as COR.
19. Col KK Sood,VSM took over the command of Bn from Col P Shivpuri in early 1979 who had successfully raised and put the Bn on Strong Foundation. Subsequestly, I proceeded on posting to HQ 11 Corps as GSO (Int).
Col R K Jadhav (Retd),Belgaum
28 Nov 2019
9. Capt BS Shekhawat – Very tall, smart, intelligent and hard working offr.
10. Capt AG Datar- A tall,sincere,hard working and jovial offr. He carried out any assigned task with zeal.
11. Capt SI Huda – Sincere, hardworking, cheerful and zealous offr. An excellent Football player who participated in many competitions and brought laurels. An e
COMD TENURE WITH 7 ASSAM (JHANGAR -J &K- UMROI AND SRI LANKA)
JHANGAR (J & K)
1. I was posted to 7 ASSAM from ASSAM RC to take over the comd. The Bn was deployed along the LC at Jhangar under 80 Inf Bde. At that time Col SS Tomar was commanding the Bn .
2. Col SS Tomar – CO. He took pains to take me around all Coy localities and briefed in detail op task, challenges of LC deployment and adm details. I took over the comd of Bn on 04 Oct 1984 on Dussehra Day and bid adieu to Col Tomar with honour. He was deeply touched. He proceeded on posting as Dy Bde Cdr. Later settled down at Agra.
3. Offrs who were serving during my comd tenure are given in the succeeding paras.(may not be as per Seniority).
5. Maj JS Rishi -He was 2IC. Very sincere, pious and thorough gentleman. Though senior to me he always respected me and never shown any sign of seniority. Being new he always rendered valuable advice. After a short duration of our association, he was posted out. After retirement, has settled down at Jullundur.
6. Maj RS Ver -After the posting of Maj Rishi, he took over as 2IC. Very smart, handsome, jovial, forthright l and professionally sound offr. He was a good sportsman. He commanded the Bn and took premature retirement and settled down in USA.
7. Maj M Barkakoti- OC Coy. A tall ,upright and sincere offr. He was an excellent sportsman. He served all throughout under my comd. He successfully carried out ops against LTTE and carried any assigned task efficiently. Very good Regtl Offr. After retirement, has settled down at Guwahati.
8.. Maj Shashi Asthana – OC Coy. Very hard working, sincere and meticulous offr who excelled in courses of Instruction and qualified in DSSC Entrance Exam. He served through out my comd tenure .During his service in Sri Lanka, he Commanded D Coy and played an important role in carrying out ops against LTTE. Had a flair for writing. Later he commanded the Bn, Bde and Div. After retirement , has settled down at Delhi.
9. Maj Ranbir Singh- OC Coy. A smart, upright, sincere, hard working offr. He was zealous and did well on professional courses and Staff College. He was with the Bn till Umroi Tenure. Has commanded a Bn.
10. Maj TAS Raj- OC Coy. He was very popular among Young Offrs. He brought the Adv Party to Umroi and served till Umroi tenure. Thereafter, proceeded on posting as OC MC/MF Det at Chennai.Even before retirement, he passed away which was unfortunate.
11. Capt KGR Kumar – Very sincere, hard working, forthright and devoted offr who performed the duties of Adjt as well as QM during J & K tenure. Before mov of the Bn he proceeded on posting to new Raising Bn.(14 Assam)
12. Maj MK Gahatraj . OC Coy. He was professionally very sound and posted at the fag end of Bn tenure at Jhangar. Later he has commanded the Bn. Has flair for writing and played an important Role in Writing Assam Regt History Vol II. Has settled down at Siliguri. He is very Adventurous, travels a lot and very fond of Trekking. Recently has written a Book- Wandering in the Mist of the East.
13. Capt PS Bains – Very zealous and enthusiastic offr who served throughout my tenure. His achievements in Sri Lanka ops against LTTE were noteworthy. He was lively and enthusiastic who carried out any assigned task very well.
14. Capt Paul Verghese- Very intelligent, sharp and meticulous offr who performed the duties of Adjt very diligently. He was professionally very sound and excelled in Army Courses incl Staff College. He was commanding the Bn during Silver Jubilee Celebration at Calcutta. Unfortunately he passed away while in service. A great loss to the Regt.
15. Capt Jayadev – A sincere, hard working offr who did very well in professional courses and Staff College. He carried out ops against LTTE very successfully. Later he commanded the Bn.
16. Capt RR Panigrahi – A tall, smart and hard working offr. A good sports man who sustained injury during Hand ball and became LMC. A very good Regtl offr and a thorough gentleman. Before induction of the Bn to Sri Lanka he was posted out.
17. Capt Kailash Bhan- A tall, smart cheerful offr. Performed the duties of MTO. Had the making an excellent offr. During induction in Sri Lanka , due to his sickness, he was hospitalised and became LMC. Unfortunately, he was released from the Army and settled down at Bharuch (Guj)
18. Capt DR Bhotia- Very sincere, hard working and ever cheerful offr. Performed the duties of Adjt very diligently. Very good Regtl Offr. He was posted out before move of the unit to Sri Lanka. After retirement, has settled down at Kalimpong.
19. Capt Kabi . An excellent RMO who really took care of health of all ranks. He was very friendly, cheerful and performed his duties very efficiently. In case of severe illness he always rushed to Posts to attend the patient even at odd time. He was posted out after move of the Unit to Umroi and Capt Sunny Eapen was posted as RMO.
UMROI
20. The Bn moved from Jhangar ( J & K) to Peace Station Umroi Cantt in 1986 under 24 Inf Bde which was commanded by Brig HS Bath.
21. Though Peace Stn, it was most hectic tenure as the unit never stayed more than 3-4 months at a stretch. The Bn got busy in Fmn Exercise, Joint Trg with Bhutan Army and Induction in Op loc Arunachal Pradesh (during Chinese incursion at Wangdung).
Being peace stn, a few offrs were posted to the unit fron other Bns. A large No of families joined the Bn.
22. Maj VS Negi – He was posted from 3 Assam who took over as 2IC. A soft spoken offr, though LMC performed his duties quite well. He served in Sri Lanka for short duration and was posted out.
23 Maj BS Judge- Though he was a frostbite cas (Ankle), performed all duties with zeal incl High Altitude Area Arunachal Pradesh. Never gave any impression that he was handicapped. After posting of Maj VS Negi, he performed the duties of Second -in-Command in Sri Lanka. Later was promoted to the rank of Lt Col and posted out and commanded the Bn which was a great achievement.
24. Capt Arun Sharma, A very hard working, soft spoken and sincere offr. He performed any duties assigned to him very efficiently. He successfully carried out ops against LTTE and was responsible in capture of arms and amn during ops.
25. Capt RK Dutt- Very sincere, bright and zealous offr. During the deployment of Bn in Arunachal Pradesh, he was responsible for construction of approx 4 Kms Jeepable road assisted by Pnr Pl from Sungetsar to T Gompha in a record time. This helped in mov of adm stores and eqpt to fwd Posts. Corps Cdr appreciated the effort of Bn in construction of road.Even during Ops against LTTE, efforts of the offr were really commendable in killing of many militants and capture of arms and amn.
26. Capt Sunny Eapen RMO. He performed the duties of RMO very efficiently. He was very compassionate and attended the patients even at odd time without hesitation. When the Bn was inducted in Arunachal Pradesh, only few offrs were present and he performed the duties of Adjt as stop gap arrangement.Capt S Eapen most of the time accompanied me during Recce and endured that the hardship in High Altitude. It is rare to find such RMO of his caliber. Even during Sri Lanka , he performed the duties of RMO extremely well. He accompanied me during the visit to Coy Posts which were spread over from Bn HQ.
SRI LANKA (OP PAWAN)
27 After nearly two yrs of tenure at Umroi, in the last week of Dec 1987 the Bn was mobilized at very short notice and moved by rail to Chennai and from there to Trincomalee by AKBAR Ship. From there the Bn moved on foot to Batticolava by following Rd Opening Drill to avoid IED cas during induction.
28. Capt Kailash Bhan – During induction, he fell sick and was evacuated. He became LMC and was released from the Army. Has settled down at Bharuch. Maj Negi was also posted out before move of the Bn to Sri Lanka
28. Later following offrs were posted to the Bn in Sri Lanka:-
(a) Lt Col MML Sharma – Assumed the duties of 2IC. Though transferred from Gorkha Rifles,in short span, he adapted himself very well. A soft spoken, professionally competent offr who remained calm and cool even during trying conditions. Have never seen him losing temper or raising his voice. Carried out the duties of 2IC efficiently and assisted in planning and coordinating ops against LTTE.
(b) Maj Benz Jacob – Very lively, smart, calm and unperturbed offr who carried out the duties of Adjt very efficiently. An excelent Regtl Offr who later commanded the Bn.
(c) 2/ Lt Kaushik Circar – Very intelligent, sharp and hard working YO who carried out any assigned duties efficiently.
2/LT RAJEEV SANDHU
29. A tall, smart and very polite offr who directly joined the Bn after having passed out from OTA Chennai. He was only son born to Shri. Devinder Singh Sandhu and Mrs Jaikanta Sandhu and belonged to Chandigarh. He was an excellent sportsman and had an athletic built. I was very happy to seeing Rajeev very inquisitive, enthusiastic and full of vigor. Initially ,the offr was with Bn HQ at Batticaloa and had an opportunity to lead surveillance patrol, laying ambush, road opening and counter insurgency ops as and when called for under Maj Rawat, Capt RK Dutt ,Capt Arun Sharma and Lt Kaushik Circar. Subsequently, he was posted to C Coy under Maj Mitra which had been placed under the comd of 19 Madras for the ops against LTTE in Madurang Keni Kulam Jungles in Jun 1988. C Coy Post was located approx 8 Kms from 19 Madras.
30.. Encounter with LTTE. On 19 Jul 1988, Rajeev Sandhu took out two vehs convoy of an open RCL jeep and 1 Ton to collect rations from Bn HQ. As the convoy was passing an abandoned building in the jungle, the jeep came under heavy automatic fire and Rocket Launcher. L/Nk Nandeshwar Das and Sep Lalbuanga who were seated in the rear of jeep were killed instantaneously.As the Rocket hit the front of the jeep, the Dvr NK Rajesh Kumar was seriously wounded and thrown out of the jeep. Rajeev seated in the co-dvrs seat was seriously wounded and direct hit of rocket completely mutilated both his legs.Totally crippled and bleeding profusely, Rajeev managed to roll out of the jeep with 9 mm Carbine and crawled to a fire posn. Presuming that every one in the jeep had been killed, one Militant came out of hiding and approached the jeep to pick up weapons and ammunition. Despite the fact that Rajeev’s legs were shattered and his body was perforated with bullets, he lifted his Carbine with blood soaked hands and shot the Militant dead who was identified as Kumaran of LTTE Gp Batticaloa Sector.Though bleeding , Rajeev asked Nk Bhagirath to outflank the militants compelling the LTTE to flee leaving behind the dead body of Kumaran with his AK 47 Rif and ammunition. Meanwhile Kamkholum moved his veh fwd to the jeep and evacuated Rajeev. During evaucation, Rajeev went into coma died during evacuation by Heptr.
31. The bodies were brought back to Bn HQ and as CO, it was really painful to carry out the last rites & cremation of 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu and L/Nk Nandeshwar Das with full mil honors. With heavy heart, the ashes of Rajeev Sandhu were sent to his parents at Chandigarh through Maj BS Judge. The Bn was grieved at the untimely demise of a Brave Heart , the parents were heart broken at the loss of their only child and the country mourned the death of brave soldier. 2/Lt Rajeev went down fighting in the finest tradition of the Indian Amy, true to its valour and glory in a foreign soil.
32. In recognition of supreme sacrifice and valour of 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu was awarded MVC posthumously. He was the Youngest Offr in the Armed Forces to get the MVC and highest gallantry award for the Assam Regt during post independence period. In memory of Brave Heart 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu, MVC 7 Assam observes 19 Jul every year as “Martyrs Day.”
jhadav balanace
2. In recognition of supreme sacrifice and valour of 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu was awarded MVC posthumously. He was the Youngest Offr in the Armed Forces to get the MVC and highest gallantry award for the Assam Regt during post independence period. In memory of Brave Heart 2/Lt Rajeev Sandhu, MVC 7 Assam observes 19 Jul every year as “Martyrs Day.”
ACHIEVEMENTS
26. There were many notable achievements by the Bn during the ops against LTTE due cohesiveness of Offrs TEAM and JOs and OR. The unit performed extremely well during Cordon & Search Ops, Surveillance and Ambush resulting in killing & apprehension of many LTTE as well as capture of Arms and Amn which was appreciated by higher authorities. Through out its tenure in Sri Lanka the unit was able to attain success in Ops with least number of casualties on own tps. It was really a great experience for the Bn to operate in operation in Sri Lanka.
27. CHANGE OF COMD. After my most satisfying Command Tenure of 7 ASSAM, handed over reigns of the comd on 16 Oct 1988 to Lt Col MML Sharma, very able and worthy Offr.
Col RK Jadhav (Retd)
04 Dec 2019
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JULIET
COL JASON PETER VSM
Amazing Days with Mighty Thirty Five
(May 2000 – Aug 2002)
What a privilege it was to Command Mighty Thirty Five!
Area of Responsibility (AOR) was entire Budgam District (less Beerwah Teshil) of J & K.
Focus was twofold : ensure area Terror Free; Win Hearts and Minds ( WHAM) of the people.
Reputation already deadly thanks to the earlier COs, Offrs and Men.
Terror Free
First week together, Col RN Singh (later Lt Gen and COR) planned two operations on successive days in the dense jungles on the slopes of Pir Panjal. Both turned out successful.
My BM’s tenure with Maj Gen RK Kaushal VSM , GOC Victor Force, helped in last minute rerouting of two heptr column drops to suit our plans. GOC landed at the same helipad to meet his erstwhile BM. He was happy that two HM militants were neutralized the previous day. Had come after a long zilch period for the formation. Wished us well for that day too and took off.
Big Bang
Four Coy Columns married up in the higher reaches. After lunch spread out and commenced search down the slopes though the thick jungle. Rhinos of E Coy of Maj Vikas Katoch (ASSAM, later Int Corps) and Maj Umesh (AC) spotted the huge underground well camouflaged hideout right inside the jungles. Meanwhile Maj Niranjan (later CO 10 GUARDs and now a RR Sect Cdr) the Adjt and his heptr column surprised the terrorists who were sunbathing away from the hideout. Startled they ran to their hideout. After a stiff firefight all 6 of them were dead. Top LET leaders who had been controlling the ops in South Kashmir from this hideout for more than a year.
One of the finest operations and Army HQ subsequently wanted me to talk about it at CIJW School Varingte, Mizoram.
The LET kept trying to take revenge and made fidayeen attempts at our HQ . One attempt to reach us, it was learnt later, was diverted by local militants to our neighboring RR Battalion, which lacked good rapport with the villagers, with sadly immense casualties.
An attempt also was made during my leave when Lt Col BK Jha , my trusted and able 2IC
(8 ASAM) was in the chair. It was successfully thwarted at the fencing thanks to early warning of listed post dogs and quick reaction of the sentry. Another attempt close to the Offrs Mess near last light fizzled out when they heard our sentry ready and cocking his weapon.
Few Unique Operations.
Stealth.
One night two Rhinos of D Company Maj Vipin (Arty), Mujpathar went around attired as terrorists and encountered two actual terrorists. Exchange of salutations by first Rhino led to the giveaway and terrorists opened fire only to be silenced with prompt support of buddy. (This operation was specifically appreciated by Lt Gen Nanavati, Northern Army Cdr during his visit).
Prepositioned.
Based on previous day DF, Maj Malhotra ( now Brig) placed his A Coy discreetly in the outskirts of Srinagar. DF coordinate landed exactly where the columns where positioned. Within a matter of mins the cordon was closed. The two terrorists wanting to move away stepped into the ground floor of the same house where Maj Malhotra had his team. It was terrorists on the ground floor and our team on the first floor. Support from other coy teams coordinated by
Maj Shanthakumarn (later CO 42 RR) helped close the operation successfully.
Mosque.
Perhaps as a consequence of two well publicized safe corridors provided earlier, terrorists entered a mosque in our adjacent AOR of BSF.
This time GOC Victor Force decided to break the trend and ensure neutralization. The first day Ikwanis and Police tried entering the mosque but had a casualty. Next day the BSF attempt also had to be stalled due to injury. The same evening Sect Cdr asked me whether we can take over and clear by 12 Noon the next day. If not Special Forces who were on standby in Delhi to move in. We took up the challenge. Four offrs had to fall back to Srinagar the same night for promotion exams which left Maj Joshi (ASC) and Maj Mishra (AD) to face their first operation all 9 yards of it – cordoning, fire support and entry.
Based on the suggestion of Sect Cdr gave a video bite to the Press, which to my surprise was beamed across national TV channels. And that made them leave for us to focus on the ensuing operation.
By 1130 AM Mosque was cleared and I could give the report in person to GOC Victor Force who had reached the site by then.
It was an astounding operation for it sent the message to terrorists that they can no longer use mosque as a safe haven and also that such operations were well within the ambit of a RR unit with hardly any damage to a place of worship.
Covert Teams
Maj Gaurav ( now Brig) and Maj Vipin (Arty) with four handpicked J&K boys operated like terrorists for a few days in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal with close support of Maj Joshi’s ( ASC) team. But for a fatal fall of one of the jawans it could have turned out to be one of the most successful covert operations.
Jungle Bashng
We enjoyed combing the jungles for search operations all across the Pir Panjal ranges well beyond our AOR. And once based on a heptr recce input of Lt Gen J R Mukerjee, 15 Corps Cdr, we searched and silenced a terrorist communication hideout in the higher reaches amidst dense jungles. In addition a bear was mistaken for a terrorist.
ASC Officers were part of Rifle Coys. EME Officers Base Cdrs. Maj Sudharshan and Capt Bansal ensured MT fleet and weapons on road all times (No hassles of Court of Inquiries / inspections unlike in Infantry battalions).
Goal Setting
In the first Sainik Sammelan of 2001, set the goal very high for that year. All looked surprised, for even during the days of rampant militancy our score had never been that high. I explained to them to divide it by 6 ( Rifle Coys) and then by12 (months). The number became small. They accepted it with a pinch of salt. And till Jun there was hardly any success. However towards the later part of the year the success rate was so high that our score till 30th Dec was the highest in the entire Valley (on 31st Dec another unit went ahead by one). We were few short and a Coy Cdr reminded but for two missed encounters our goal would have been met.
By end 2001, LET militants were mortally scared to enter our AOR, the DF pattern affirmed. The offrs, JCOs and Rhino Jawans of Mighty Thirty Five achieved this domination with their focus, dedication and hard work. And I was awarded the VSM for their amazing work .
DSSC
Professional career growth was not sacrificed at the altar of operations. It was heartening to note Maj Virender and Maj Umesh cleared DSSC entrance exam from 35 RR in 2001. This tally was all the more commendable since only 6 officers cleared across all RR units that year.
Maj Malhotra was also to appear in 2001 but seeing above two officers also keen to appear voluntarily stepped down. Next year there was no entrance exam and Army HQ nominated him and Maj Niranjan!
Badgam Karewa.
The Bn HQ was deployed in the same historic Badgam Karewa (elevated tableland ) where a company of 4 Kumaon of 50 jawans under Maj Som Nath Singh on 3rd Nov 1947 held back 500 raiders from Pakistan. History would have been different but for the ‘last man last round’ stand of this valiant force causing 200 casualties thus thwarting the fall of Srinagar Airport.
I was fortunate that the Sect HQ which was colocated in the same Karewa was moved to Srinagar Airfield before my arrival. Heard they moved back after I handed over the reins of Command to Col Anil Kumar!
The DC and SP of Badgam District were also housed in the same Karewa and that helped in building a good rapport. Mr Bashir ,the DC was greeted in one of the District Meetings by the SPL of Badgam Girls HS School (School adopted by us) with ‘Tagra Raho’ instead of their customary greeting. He emulated and greeted Gen Mukerjee in his first meeting with ‘ Tagra Raho’ and proudly announced that he belonged to 35 RR. Such was the rapport. And Mr SAH Bukari, the SP helped the unit in many ways.
WHAM
Right from the early days the reputation and behavior of our troops had ensured good relationship with the civil populace. And we built it further.
No free seva and bricks for creating coy posts. Convinced my superiors not to keep shifting company posts frequently as was the practice. There was creation of just one new post and purchase of bricks/ payment of labour was paid in full.
No more impounding of civil trucks (to avoid LED threat) by Coys to fall back to Bn HQ to collect rations. Fresh and dry was to be handed over by QM at the Coy Location. It was done through night patrols using APCs. (Maj Rajender and his successor Maj Sube Singh, SL QMs did a great job).
All 20 plus pending government compensation cleared for collateral damage of past.
Medical camps were aplenty. ( Both the RMOs Capt Pathak and Capt Chawla were keen members of COs QRT ).
A Computer Centre was established in one of the villages.
Wanted to adopt Badgam Boys HS School. Mr Omar Abdullah came to know of our proposal and immediately adopted it. We instead adopted the Girls HSS. Established a computer center and employed a computer teacher (daughter of a person who was killed by terrorists ). The girls were so fond of our unit and made ‘Tagra Raho’ as their own greeting. A national TV channel once had an interview with the SPL of that school. They asked, “Are you happy (Kush) with the Army?” She replied, “Kush Nai hai (Not happy).” They were taken aback. But after a pause she said, “Bahut Kush hai (Very happy).” We had indeed won their hearts.
Never a jaloos (procession) against our unit as used to happen frequently elsewhere .
Many a time the locals gave us subtle hints when they had seen new faces around our camps and where we needed to increase our domination.
We had indeed WHAMed (Won their Hearts and Mind) them. And their respect never wavered since terrorists feared our men.
Welfare
Morale of our men were always high! And their welfare was high on my agenda!
No AWOL or late arrivals was the barometer of their high morale. If need to extend leave they arrived in time, made their request and their arrival parade became their departure parade.
We got the clerks moved from Coy Posts and created a Centralized Document Cell established in a well furnished barrack at the Bn HQ. Ensured proper publishing of Part II Orders.
Seeing an improvised bench press at a sentry post created a Gym with Multi Station, latest equipments, music and mirrors. Thanks again to Lt Col Jha who got the equipment carted all the way from Jalandhar. And followed up with mini gyms in the coy posts. GOC Victor Force was so impressed that he instructed all units to follow suit and provided some funds for the same,
Additional STD Booths were installed so that men did not have to wait long to make calls home.
The sad practice of jawans having to pay for their farewell mementos – a white metal piece arranged and profited by the bania – was stopped. We bought in bulk the Golden Jubilee decorative plate from Jaipur.
Funds were ever a challenge thanks mainly to the prize money listed terrorists contributed to us. Only challenge was for 2IC (Lt Col BK Jha and later Lt Col MB Pun) and SM to account under various heads. The SM was great as well.
Farewell
Many jawans were not keen to go back to their parent units after their tenure was done. And some volunteered for a second tenure. So would I. Such was the environment!
In one of the Sainik Sammelans towards the end when I motivated them for some more kills as a parting gift, a Jawan gets up and says ‘Sahib aapkeliye tho kya Kill, hamtho apna dil deygha! (For you, what Kills we will give your our hearts)
What a majestic award for commanding Mighty Thirty Five.
I put in verse the Special Order of That Day for my farewell !
Sadly we did lose Capt Javed and some of our men in operations. Salute to those martyrs!
The living and the dead sacrificed to achieve the glories due!
Tagra Raho!
Lt Gen JR Mukherjee, the Corps Cdr made an exception to visit our unit for his farewell.
JASON ADDS ON HIS VISIT TO CHANDIGARH
