Martyrdom day of Maj Sandeep Shankla observed

Chandigarh, Aug 8 (UNI) Commemorating the martyrdom day of Ashoka Chakra awardee martyr Maj Sandeep Shankla, Maj Gen Nirmolok Singh, MG EME, HQ Western Command along with other senior serving and veteran army officers and civil dignitaries paid tributes at a homage ceremony held at Sandeep Shankla War Memorial in Panchkula near here today.

Brig N K Mishra, Station Commander, Chandimandir Military Station also laid a wreath at the memorial along with Lt Col (Retd) JS Kanwar, father of the martyr. The entire ceremony was conducted in a solemn manner despite the fact that it was raining heavily.

The contingent of 18 DOGRA Battalion presented a ceremonial guard of honour and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the martyr. The buglers sounded the last post followed by the rouse.

The Commanding Officer also laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks of 18 DOGRA.

On this day in 1991, in a counter terrorist operation at village Zafarkhani in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, Maj Sandeep Shankla made his supreme sacrifice while leading an operation against the terrorists which resulted in elimination of nine terrorists and apprehension of 22 terrorists.

For his dare devil action, most conspicuous courage, devotion to duty and valour, Maj Sandeep Shankla was posthumously awarded the highest peace time gallantry award the Ashoka Chakra.

Sepoy Swaran Singh was posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra, second highest gallantry award and Capt BJS Sandhu was awarded Shaurya Chakra, third highest gallantry award for display of courage, valour and chivalry in the operation.

In addition the battalion earned five Sena Medal , two COAS Commendation Card and one GOC-in-C Commendation Card in the same operation against the terrorists.

UNI PS VN1431