Homage paid to Late Capt Manoj Pandey

Lucknow, July 3 (UNI) A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was organised here in Lucknow Cantonment early this morning to mark the 8th death anniversary of Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumous awardee Capt Manoj Pandey.

XI Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre's Officiating Commandant Col D S Rupaal and G C Pandey, father of the martyr, paid homage to him by laying a wreath.

Born on June 25, 1975 in Lucknow, Capt Manoj Pandey was commissioned on June 7, 1997 into the XI Gorkha Rifles.

Manoj's finest hour came during the capture of Khalubar on the night of June 2 and 3, 1999 in the rarified heights of the Battalik Sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

The formidable task of clearing the enemy along the treacherous heights of Khalubar was left to Capt Pandey and his gallant men.

During this hazardous mission, he was grievously wounded in his shoulder and leg by a volley of bullets from across the enemy lines.

The brave heart of the Indian Army, unmindful of his wound, led his men from the front to re-capture the Jubar Top.

He succumbed to his wounds on June 3, 1999. For this display of the most conspicuous courage in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the PVC.

UNI