Showing posts with label Gorkha Rifles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gorkha Rifles. Show all posts

Rifleman Nihal Gurung cremated with full military honours

7:51 PM
Sanjay Pathak Kathua, August 26 Rifleman Nihal Gurung, who was martyred during a landmine blast near the Balbir Post in the Keran sector on Sunday, was cremated with full military honours at Gagrote village in Basohli sub-division of Kathua district.

Rifleman Gurung sustained critical injuries in the blast and was taken to a 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries. Rifleman Gurung, 22, was the only son of his parents. He joined the Army in 2014.
Rifleman Nihal Gurung

He was third generation soldier in his family. His father and grandfather had also served in the armed forces. While his father was with 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and retired in 2004, his grandfather had retired as a subedar in 1983. His uncle Nirpat Gurung retired from the Army this year.

Rifleman Gurung was to get married next year.
Earlier, a pall of gloom descended on the Basohli sub-division as the news of his death spread. Thousands of people from all walks of life took part in Rifleman Gurung’s final journey and bid him a tearful adieu. People converged at his home in large numbers to mourn the loss of the braveheart.

Political leaders also attended the funeral possession, but no senior official of the district administration was present.

Army pays tributes to braveheart
Srinagar: The Army on Sunday paid a befitting tribute to late Rifleman Nehal Gurung who was martyred in the line of duty in the Keran sector of Kupwara district on Sunday. In a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment, Chinar Corps commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt and all ranks paid homage to the soldier on behalf of a proud nation. Rifleman Gurung sustained fatal injuries during counter-infiltration duty in the Keran sector. “He was provided immediate first aid and evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries,” an Army statement said.

Via Tribune

Rifleman Nehal Gurung Martyred in J&K

8:12 PM
Rifleman Nehal Gurung laid down his life in the line of duty in Keran sector, Jammu & Kashmir in an landmine explosion near Line of Control (LOC) on Saturday. In the other explosion, a soldier identified as Abhishek Chetri sustained multiple splinter injuries and has been hospitalised.

On 25th of August 2018, Nehal and his platoon were on a routine patrol, when an IED blast caused him grievous injuries. He was immediately evacuated to Srinagar, but sadly he couldn’t be saved.

According to the official a landmine blast took place near Balbir Post in Keran sector in the early morning today when army men were conducting routine patrol. In the blast, Rifleman Nehal Gurung sustained critical injuries and was evacuated to army hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to injuries.

Army has planted landmines at several places along the LoC to prevent infiltration of militants and Border Action Team (BAT) attacks by Pakistani troops. Meanwhile, a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police posted at Police Station Shopian in south Kashmir fled from the police station along with an AK-47 rifle today.

Shaurya Chakra to Lance Naik Deepak Ale

2:52 PM
GORKHA PRIDE: President presents  Shaurya Chakra to Lance Naik Deepak Ale

Honourable President of India Ram Nath Kovind presents Shaurya Chakra to Lance Naik Deepak Ale, 1st Battalion, 3rd Gorkha Rifles. He displayed courage, selfless devotion and gallantry beyond the call of duty in killing four militants in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir.

Watch the Video here.


Kirti Chakra to Havildar Giris Gurung Gorkha Rifles

9:57 PM
President Ramnath Kovind today presented Kirti Chakra to Havildar Giris Gurung (Posthumous), 4th Battalion, First Gorkha Rifles.
Havildar Gurung displayed exemplary selfless courage under fire and an unmatched spirit in killing two militants in Kupwara, J&K till his martyrdom

During a search operation in Kupwara, though bleeding profusely, he realised the threat to his team and with utter disregard for his personal safety, moved to eliminate the militant.
Though grievously injured, he eliminated another militant before succumbing.

Via TheDC

Gorkha Pride: Major Manoj Pandey and His Gorkha Boys

8:01 AM

Writes: Mr Harpreet

This day 2 years ago: Capt MK Pandey's statue in Lucknow - defaced by his fellow Lucknowites, restored by Gorkhas from his Regiment.

The preferred 'tool' of the Gorkhas? Khukri! These guys are sheer magicians with the Khukri. Can just as easily chop off an enemy's head as they can use the same side arm to delicately remove the offending posters that deface their hero's monument.

Hats off to these simple people from the hills of Nepal / Darjeeling / Sikkim who can put anyone to shame with their single-minded dedication to whatever task they are entrusted with and a cheerful nature that can win over even the most evil of their enemy.

Then there are those that lead them into battle. Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC (P) was a Lucknowite, yet his immortal last words as he fell on the icy slopes of Khalubar were not in his mother tongue but in that of his men.

'Na Chhornu' (Don't spare them) was what he said in 'Gorkhali' as he fell after receiving one final, fatal burst. Even in death, he paved the way for his boys when the grenade in his hand found its mark and took out the Pakis that had fired the last salvo at him.

The enraged Gorkhas of 1/11 GR ensured that their fierce leader's last command was executed with ruthless efficiency. Not a single Paki was taken a prisoner that night at Khalubar. When dawn broke, the battlefield was littered with dead Pakis of the Northern Light Infantry.

A foothold on Khalubar Ridge had been established by the 'Kirantis' of Manoj Kumar Pandey. Restoring our lands till the LoC was but a small formality hereafter.

A huge price had been paid, but willingly. But young Manoj and his 'boys', some of them nearly 2 decades elder to him, knew no other way.

It is these bonds, forged in blood and sacrifice, that ensure that his Gorkhas assume ownership of a memorial in his name, even if in a civilian part of his hometown, and without any second thoughts, let their Khukries flash again to remove the defacement inflicted.

Via TheDC

BATTLE OF NALAPANI:THE ETERNAL REMINDER OF THE BRAVERY OF THE GORKHAS

6:38 PM
The Gorkhas, last year, celebrated  two hundred years of their existence in India. The world- renowned  Gorkha Rifles or Gorkha Regiment  completed 200 years of existence in April 2015. They became the backbone of the British Indian forces  after having joined  British service in 1815.

Dehra  Dun or the Doon valley, as it is popularly known,  has several interesting  landmarks of  the  eventful Anglo-Gorkha Battle(known as the battle of Nalapani or Khalanga)  of  1814-15.The Khalanga Memorial   was built by the British on the banks of the Rispana river,which flows below the Khalanga Hill,  to  commemorate their  brave soldiers as well as the Gorkha gallants whom they defeated.The fort was made of wood, red sand and stones. The new memorial there commemorates the inspiring and indomitable courage of Balbhadra and his men.

The Khalanga Memorial, a nationally protected monument looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India, is located on the road which takes tourists to the Sulphur Springs of  Sahastradhara. It was in this Khalanga-Nalapani area of the valley that a fierce battle  between the British and the Gorkhas was fought as both of  them were  eager to expand their territories.
BATTLE OF NALAPANI:THE ETERNAL REMINDER OF THE BRAVERY OF THE GORKHAS
BATTLE OF NALAPANI
In 1804 the Doon valley came under the control of the Gorkhas.Raja Pradyuman Shah of Tehri was killed by them in the battle of Khurbura in Dehra Dun. Till the battle of Nalapani took place, the valley was under Gorkha rule. After the battle, the  British Government reinstated Sudarshan Shah on the throne of a truncated part of Garhwal.

On October 31, 1814  the third infantry division under Major General, Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie, with a large force, attacked the Khalanga –Nalapani fort defended by Balbhadra Singh Thapa and his soldiers barely 600 in number.The gallant General,who is said to have been among the bravest soldiers of the British army, fell to the bullets of the defenders.

Colonel Mawby succeeded to the command  and the attack was resumed on November 25 and the fort was shelled on November 27.The British also cut off the water supply to the fort. All this forced Balbhadra Singh to decide that the fort could no longer be held. On November30, he, along with 70 of his men, evacuated Khalanga. They  opened the gate, came out of the fort and ran towards a stream nearby. The British troop was surprised to see this. After they had quenched their thirst, the brave Balbhadra said to the Britishers: "Go and occupy the fort. We have deserted it". When the British troops entered the fort they found  nothing but corpses, some dying men and children crying out “Pani,Pani” in their thirst. The Nepalese troops went away, but did not surrender before the British troops.

A Mela is held in the last week of November every year in the area to commemorate the sacrifice made by the Gorkhas during the battle. Balbhadra Singh Thapa was killed by Afghan troops when he was later in the army of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

 The foundation of the fort, which was razed to the ground by the British, can be seen under the thick carpet of grass on the hill and also some huge black  boulders which were once part of the fort’s walls. The incredible silence tells the story of the exceptional courage of the Gorkha men ,women and children who refused to bow down before the massive British army.

 Downhill, the original memorial of the war which was built by the British is now an enclosed space with some signages put  up by the ASI. There are   twin obelisks which stand there - one is in memory of Major General Gillispie and his officers and men , and the  other, probably the only one of its kind in the world, was dedicated by the     British to the memory of the very men they defeated- Balbhadra and his Gorkhas.

People the world over would also like to know more about the  brave Gorkhas ,who with their Khukris  and their  battle cry of “Ayo Gorkhali”, faced the huge British force at Khalanga  with exceptional valour. Developing a  Gorkha Tourist Circuit in the Doon valley would indeed be a great idea to boost historical and cultural tourism.

Via dailypioneer

Gorkha Regiment : The legendary badass warriors

6:45 PM
Writes Naba Raj Chetri

“Better to die than to be a coward" is the motto of the world famous Gorkha army, whose might and valour has transcended boundaries, but what do we really know about the gorkhas, lets try to find out.

Origins
Historically the term ‘Gorkha and Gorkhali” is derived from the hill town and district of Gorkha from where the “Kingdom of Gorkhasthan” expanded. The Gurkhas introduction to the British Army begins in 1814 during the Anglo-Nepalese war.Though the British were militarily successful, attempts to annex Nepal failed and the hostilities ended with the signing of the Sugauli Treaty. The British were so impressed with the Gurkhas fighting abilities, their loyalty and ferocity that they later encouraged them to volunteer. Gurkha troops then fought for the East India Company in its wars in the subcontinent.  The Gorkhas became an integral part of pre-independence British army. From then on, Gorkhas have been a part of Afghan Wars, Indian Rebellion of 1857, both world wars (More than 200,000 fought in both world wars, 43,000 of which lost their lives) and other United Nations peace keeping missions in Lebanon and Sierra Leone too.
British Gurkhas
The very first Gorkha regiments were raised by British to serve in British Indian army. After India’s Independence, six regiments, the 1 GR, 3 GR, 4 GR, 5 GR, 8 GR and 9 GR were retained in the Indian Army, while 2nd, 6th, 7th and 10th joined the Brigade of Gorkhas in the British Army. Another regiment was raised by the Indian Army, the 11 Gorkha, to accommodate the soldiers who refused to be transferred to the British Army.

Currently, the Indian army is indebted to the service of 40,000 brave Gorkha soldiers in 42 different battalions of 7 regiments. One of the most famous platoon of Gorkhas, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles is one of the most decorated with 11 vir Chakras, 2 Maha Vir Chakras, 3 Ashok Chakras and 1 Param Vir Chakra. The stories of its Param Vir Chakra winner Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey are a case study in their glorious history of courageous war footings.​

Another famous battalion of Gorkhas is the third battalion of the 4 Gorkha Rifles which was instrumental in Operation Meghdoot in Siachen. The 8 Gorkha Rifles are also have a glorious past as they produced one of the only two Field Marshals for India – Sam Manekshaw. India’s current chief of army staff, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, is also from the Gorkha Regiment which is a testament of the most incredible services of Gorkhas.

The Gorkha Brigade
Facts:
i) Gorkhas has been instrumental in all Indian victories in every battle since 1948 till now.The character played by Ajay Devgan in the film LOC Kargil  (Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC awardee) was a gorkhali of 1/11 regiment.

ii) Officers in the Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army have to learn the Gorkhali language to be able to interact with their men in their native tongue.

iii) Recently a battalion comprising entirely of Indian Gorkhas was set up, this is the 1st time a new gorkha battalion have come up in 50 years. The Sixth Battalion of the First Gorkha Rifles (6/1GR), christened  "Kanchi Paltan" has been raised at Sabathu in the Shivalik foothills near Shimla, that houses the 14 Gorkha Training Centre.

iv) “If a man says he‘s not afraid of dying, he’s either lying or he’s a Gorkha.”This quote by Sam Manekshaw, Indian Army’s first Field Marshal, aptly describes what it means to be a Gorkha.

v) The queen has two personal Gorkha officers who directly attend official state and key events with the queen. They’ve been present in all state affairs since the Gorkha’s introduction during queen Victoria’s reign.

vi) Dalbeer Singh Suhag the current chief of army staff is also from the Gorkha regiment, he was comissoned in 4/5GR in 1974, and according to the traditions of the 5th GR wears his head gear with the strap below the lower lip. Other regiments wear chin straps below the jaw.
An interesting account need to be told here about the chin strip---
When the Gorkhas joined the British army they proved to be slight primitive in war, they always screamed and then charged at the enemies, which was harmful for launching surprise attacks. So the commander of a gorkha regiment asked his men to wear the chin strips under the lips, So that they would be reminded not to scream when they get into attack mode. The 5th Gorkha Rifles still maintains it.

The Khukri 
The Gurkha’s traditional weapon and all-around utility tool, is the powerful Khukri, an inwardly bent cross between a machete and a knife, measuring 18 inches and able to split a man’s head down the middle midway to the chest in one blow. Ghastly indeed. According to tradition, once drawn, the kukri demands blood, if not the enemy’s, then the owner’s will suffice. The regimental insignia of the gorkha regiment also consists of paired crossed Khukri.

The Khukri
Decorations
Gorkha Regiments are one of the most decorated regiments of Indian Army.They are considered finest soldiers worldwide..

Three Gorkhas has been awarded the highest military decoration "Param Veer Chakra" Which are most by any regiment of Indian army.In addition to this, various Gorkha Regiments have been awarded 33 Maha Vir Chakras, and 84 Vir Chakras besides 26 victoria cross. the British military’s highest distinction for valor,while 2,700 were awarded other medals in World War II alone. More recently, a Gurkha sergeant was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for single-handedly fighting off a Taliban attack to his base in Afghanistan.


Recruitment
More than 28,000 Nepalese from the hills strive to become a Gurkha every year to fill just 200 places. The selection process is said to be the toughest in the world and the competition is stiff. The ranks have always been dominated by four ethnic groups: the Gurungs and Magars from central Nepal; and the Rais and Limbus from the east, who live in impoverished hill villages.


Training
As part of their training, recruits are expected to pass several educational, language and fitness tests, among them running a 3-mile uphill course carrying 70 lbs. on their backs and doing 70 sit-ups in 2 minutes. After meeting the initial age, height, weight and schooling requirements, recruits go on to the second stage for English language training, maths, fitness and an initiative test. The third stage includes: 3-month language training, military skills, Western culture and customs, general weapons training and, of course, several fitness tests.


Stories
Stories of the Gurkhas bravery and skill abound have been well documented, such is the reputation of these hardy nepali hillsmen that stories of enemy fleeing their position upon hearing rumours of their advances abound.


During the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, in the thick of World War I, the Gurkhas gained immortal fame by capturing a heavily-guarded Turkish-held position with relatively few casualties. On the Western front, a Gurkha battalion fought until the last minute and to the last man at the Battle of Loos.

Recently in India, a retired Gurkha officer travelling on a train in India found himself in the midst of a massive robbery by a band of 40 bandits. When they tried to rape a young girl, the retired Gurkha unsheathed his kukri, killed 3 bandits, injured another 8 and sent the rest fleeing.

In Afghanistan, A Gurkha on a mission to kill a “high-value target” needed proof of his mission’s success in the form of DNA, swiftly decapitated the target and brought his head in as proof instead.

Diprasad Pun  a sergenant of the Royal Gorkha Rifles single handedly defeated 30Talibans who were storming the complex, he fired 400 rounds of Ammunition, used 17 hand grenadews and a Claymore mine before battering the last fighter with the tripod of his machine gun.

Cardozo's was a major of the the 5th gorkha rifles, his remarkable military career saw him losing a leg when he stepped on a landmine in the 1971 war. He cut off his mangled leg with his own khukri and told his Gurkha man: "Now go and bury it." Determined not to let the disability affect his career as a soldier, he later became the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to command an infantry brigade. The regiment which then had 750 personels then made 7326 Pakistanis surrender.

These brave soldiers are an asset to all the nations they serve, In India every year there is a tussle in the IMA as the top cadets try to get into this regiment of the braves. Courage on war front and innumerable gallantry awards notwithstanding, the aura of Gorkhas on the field demands immense respect and makes the enemy tremble with fear.


How 750 Indian Gorkha Soldiers made 7326 Pakistani Soldiers surrender in 1971 WAR

6:30 PM
July 27, 2016 Major Gen (retired) Ian Cardozo, a hero of the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, paid tribute to BBC’s coverage of the hostilities on Monday but recalled its one mistake that benefited India in taking on numerically superior Pakistani forces.

At the time, Cardozo was a major in a 5 Gorkha Rifles battalion, comprising about 750 soldiers, that was tasked with capturing Atgram near Sylhet.

It was short of artillery and food supplies, but ultimately managed the surrender of two Pakistan Army brigades, including three brigadiers, a colonel, 107 officers, 219 JCOs and 7,000 troops in one of the most incredible successes of the war.

Speaking at a book release event here, he said: “Today I would like to use this platform to pay tributes to the BBC. They were the only reliable broadcasting station at that time, giving news as it happened. The Indian Army had nothing to hide, so the British war correspondents were going along with our troops.
How 750 Indian Gorkha Soldiers made 7326 Pakistani Soldiers surrender in 1971 WAR
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“They were reporting minute-to-minute the progress of the battle. But they made a mistake. They announced that a ‘brigade’ of Gurkhas had landed at Sylhet. We heard it, as well as the Pakistanis. So we decided to pretend that we were a brigade.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Taking advantage of the misinformation, Cardozo’s battalion built on small victories and created a situation where the Pakistani troops offered to surrender on December 15, 1971. Until it happened, Cardozo and others believed a Pakistani brigade was in the area, but they were surprised to discover the final number was more than twice the strength of a brigade.

One of the most decorated officers of the Indian Army, Cardozo recalled the vital operation to capture Sylhet during a packed invitation-only event to celebrate the life of Lt Gen FN Bilimoria, former head of the central command and father of Karan Bilimoria, a member of the House of Lords.

Cardozo, a contemporary of Lt Gen Bilimoria, penned the book ”Lieutenant General Bilimoria: His Life and Times”, which was recently presented to Indian Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh in New Delhi.

The book release event here was attended by leading lights of the British Army, including former chief of general staff, Field Marshal John Chapple, and several Bangladesh citizens, who became emotional on meeting the man who played a defining role in their country’s formation.

One Bangladeshi member of the audience thanked Cardozo for the "great job you have done for us". Cardozo is expected to receive an enthusiastic reception at the Bangladesh high commission here on Tuesday.

Answering questions, Cardozo said calmly but firmly: “I do not like to use this platform to denigrate Pakistan. I think everybody knows what they are up to, what they have been up to and what they continue to do. I don’t have to elaborate.
“But India believes in peace, people, progress, development, not in war. But if war is forced upon us, as it was in 1965, in 1971 and in Kargil, we were the victors in every war,” he added to much applause.

Retired British Army officers recalled their interaction with Lt Gen Bilimoria, who was the Indian Army’s liaison officer in the School of Infantry in Warminster in the 1970s. A popular soldier, he saw action in the 1971 war and held several key posts, including GOC of the central command. Karan Bilimoria recalled the values passed on to him by his father, who died at the age of 72 in 2005.

Cardozo's remarkable military career saw him losing a leg when he stepped on a landmine in the 1971 war. He cut off his mangled leg with his own khukri and told his Gurkha batman: "Now go and bury it."

Determined not to let the disability affect his career as a soldier, he later became the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to command an infantry brigade. He has penned books on war heroes and the sinking of INS Khukri in the 1971 war.

Via defencenews
By: Hindustan Times


Legend who saved Kargil, Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana, Military Cross

6:34 PM
July 26th is celebrated across India as the Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the glorious victory of India over the Pakistani forces in 1999.

But what about the forces themselves? What do they celebrate?

When it comes to Kargil there is only One Hero – in fact a LEGEND who stands the tallest. As far as the forces are concerned there is One Giant who along with his brave comrades literally saved Kargil for India, and that did not happen in 1999.

It happened in 1948, during independent India’s first war.

We proud to present the story of a Gorkhali legend who has continued to inspire generations of soldiers serving in for the Indian army in Kashmir.

Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana
Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana
INDEPENDENCE BLUES
Barely few months after independence, Pakistan invaded India via Kashmir with overwhelming number of forces, and such was the disadvantage our troops were in, that India was on the verge of losing entire Kargil region to Pakistan.

The main problem was that our troops could not reach the battlefield due to lack of roads, and they had to reach Leh via Zojila , Drass, and Kargil. Despite poor facilities and equipment, hard work by our Engineers helped in moving the Tanks to reach up to the Zojila pass - in what is called THE BATTLE FOUGHT ON DONKEY TRACKS - But it was still a long way from the actual battle field.

GORKHALIS ON THE MARCH
As in Kargil in 1999 when the 1/11 Gorkhas were the First battalion to be deployed for Kargil, back in 1948 it was the 1/5 Gorkha Rifles under the command of (then) Lt. Col Anant Singh Pathania, who was incidentally the first Indian officer to command the Gorkha Rifles and win a Military Cross, began moving northwards in the direction of Kargil.

During the course of the 1948 war, the most fearful battle was fought for the then Khera bridge which connects Kargil to the rest of India and it was vital to both the sides from strategic, military and geopolitical aspects.

Since the Pakistanis had captured the Kargil area, they were well entrenched in the area with superior firing positions and well supplied armoury. On the other hand the Indian army had been on a move for a while and the supplies were not as regular, also they were in inferior positions which exposed them to firing by Pakistani troops.

THE BATTLE AT KHERA BRIDGE
The 1/5 Gorkha Rifles were engaged by a strong force of Pakistani defenders at Khera bridge over the river Shingo. The battle was so fierce and the Indian troops were so disadvantaged that at one stage of the war the capture of the bridge seemed to be by all means impossible and unlikely. Until one Gorkha soldier decided that loss or withdrawal was simply not an option.

The main problem for the Indian troops was that, the enemy were too well set and they could not keep on fighting the enemy from a distance, they needed to take the fight to the enemy or give up. The battle was fierce and most of the troops guarding the bridge were American trained Pak soldiers with heavy machine guns.

Despite all the odds young Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana and his valiant men of 1/5 GR managed to cross the Shingo river, take the fight to the enemy in the positions where they had felt invincible, and beat them into surrendering or retreating.

SUPREME SACRIFICE
Sub. Harka Bahadur and many of his friends died in the operation but the Gorkhas marched ahead till they fought up to Kargil. As one of the picture will show, before Sub Harka Bahadur and his friends decided enough was enough, it was Pakistan on the other side of the bridge, now the border is more than 5kms away.

Given that so many of our brave hearts have given their supreme sacrifice for our motherland in Kashmir, nowhere in Ladakh or entire Kashmir will you see a memorial solely dedicated to a single person. The memorial dedicated to Sub Harka Bahadur is an exception.

Sub Harka Bahadur Rana earned that rarest of the rare honour not only due to his valour and dedication for our motherland, but also for that rare indomitable spirit which turned the course of war and helped in conjoining Kashmir with India forever.

WE REMEMBER
Lt. Col. Anant Singh Pathania who commanded the mission was decorated with Mahavir Chakra, and Late Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana won Military Cross for his bravery and exploits. Today a new bridge has been built by Indian Army and is known as Harka Bahdur Rana Bridge.

In Military circles, it is said that the battle waged by Col. Phatania, Sub. Harka Bahadur Rana and their men of 1/5 Gorkha Rifles were one of the hardest battle ever fought.

While others chose to ignore or forget our brave hearts, we refuse to forget the real Legends of Kargil - like Harka Bahadur, without whom there would be no Kargil in India.

Jai Mahakali!! Ayo Gorkhali!!

[This article was published earlier in TheDC, and has been re-posted as ‪#‎KargilVijayDiwas‬ Special]

Via GYASA

Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist infilitrators in J&K

11:23 PM
24th July 2016 J&K Salutes the service and sacrifice of ‪ brave heart Naik Anup Kumar Thapa, 1/3 Gorkha Rifles, who lost his life in action fighting Pakistani terrorist infilitrators at LoC Kupwara, J&K yesterday.

Terrorists attempting to infiltrate (from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) were intercepted by alert troops in the intervening night of July 22-23 which led to exchange of fire and forced the infiltrators to flee. Nk Thapa sustained injuries in the gun battle and unfortunately later succumbed.

Army today paid homage to Naik Anup Kumar Thapa, who was killed in exchange of fire when troops foiled an infiltration bid by militants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the frontier Kashmir district of Kupwara yesterday.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel N N Joshi said Army paid rich tributes to the valour and martyrdom of Naik Thapa here.

Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Satish Dua paid tributes to Naik Anup Kumar Thapa at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar on Sunday.
Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist
Anup Kumar Thapa Martyrd fighting Pakistani terrorist
“The brave soldier was part of his unit’s Specialist Operational Team that intercepted a group of militants, which was attempting to infiltrate from across the Line of Control (LoC),” he said.

Col Joshi said in the ensuing exchange of fire, Naik Thapa sustained a gunshot wound, but unmindful of his injuries, he continued to engage the militants till the time they fled back.

“Naik Thapa was given first aid at the encounter site itself and thereafter evacuated, but unfortunately, the brave heart succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

Son of a priest from Dehradun, Naik Anup was known by his comrades as an extremely dedicated soldier who would not hesitate from taking on one challenging assignment after another.

“The 41-year-old soldier joined the Army at the tender age of 19 and had a lot of experience in counter militant operations, having had a previous tenure in Rashtriya Rifles also,” he said.

We convey our respects and deepest condolences to Nk Thapa's family.


Gorkha‬ Soldier martyred fighting Militants in LoC Kashmir

8:55 PM
A ‪‎Gorkha‬ Soldier from ‪Assam‬ Martyred While Stopping Militants from Crossing LoC in Kashmir Arun Kumar Rai, a 1/3 Gorkha Rifles jawan hailing from Burha Burhi village, ‪Sadiya‬ in ‪‎Tinsukia‬ district of Assam was martyred on Monday along the Line of Control (‪‎LoC‬) in Jammu and Kashmir's ‪‎Kupwara‬ district when the army battled guerrillas who tried to sneak in from ‪Pakistan‬.

Army’s 1/3 GR and 100 battalion of Border Security Forces (BSF), who are manning the fence at 3 BEHAK forest area near Jumgund in Keran sector, intercepted heavily armed group of militants last night at around 12.30 am.


Arun Kumar Rai, a 1/3 Gorkha Rifles martyred fighting Militants in LoC Kashmir
Arun Kumar Rai, a 1/3 Gorkha Rifles martyred fighting Militants in LoC Kashmir 
After being challenged, the group of militants believed to be infiltrators opened fire resulting in an encounter in which an Army jawan identified as Naik Arun Kumar Rai sustained serious bullet injuries. He was immediately evacuated to military hospital in the frontier of district. However, he succumbed to his injuries.

Army said that they have killed two Al- Badar militants in an encounter at Nowgam sector in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

(TNT News)


Indian Gorkha Kumar Thapa the only Indian to scale Mount Everest and reach South Pole

11:45 AM
A Siachen warrior: This is the first Indian man to reach Mt Everest and South Pole

Writes Sushant Singh 

“I want to be the first Indian man to complete The Three Poles Challenge.”

Arjun Kumar Thapa is the only Indian man to have reached the top of Mount Everest and South Pole. But, he has also done what many others who have reached both these places won’t ever be able to do: two stints at the Siachen glacier.

A Havaldar with the Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army, Thapa completed the feat on May 20, when he scaled the Everest as part of a 30-member Indian Army Massive Everest Expedition: 2016. This team will be ceremonially flagged in by the army chief in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Two Indian twins, Tashi and Nungshi Malik, daughters of a retired army officer, had achieved the feat last year when they reached the South Pole.

Thapa, 34, had reached the South Pole in Antarctica as part of an eight-member army team on January 15, 2011. The team had covered the distance of 1170 km in 50 days of skiing.
Speaking exclusively to The Indian Express, Thapa said that “even though both are glaciers, the two challenges are totally different. The journey to South Pole is on a flatter terrain, with gradual slope and there is no problem of oxygen. The climb to the peak of Everest has more obstacles, particularly the icefalls like the Khumbu icefall.”
Arjun Kumar Thapa is a second generation soldier, whose father had also served in the Gorkha regiment.
Thapa is a second generation soldier, whose father had also served in the Gorkha regiment.
While travelling to South Pole, Thapa said that the challenge is to remain fit for 50 days of skiing, with little time for recovery. He had achieved the feat during the period of six months of continuous daylight at Antarctica, which made rest even more difficult. “For the first week, I couldn’t even sleep in Antarctica. But then you get tired and you start sleeping,” says Thapa, father of a one-year-old son.
On the climb to Everest, he says that there is enough time for recovery but there is always a danger for life and safety. In 2016, so far, six climbers have lost their lives and more than 25 rescued after going down with frostbite and hypothermia.
A Havaldar with the Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army, Thapa completed the feat on May 20, when he scaled the Everest as part of a 30-member Indian Army Massive Everest Expedition: 2016.
His two stints at Siachen, one at the Siachen Battle School from 2013-15 and the other at Southern Glacier with his battalion from 2006-08, were of great help in his climb to South Pole and Mount Everest. In 2012, he was part of the team which opened the route at Siachen Glacier from Bhim to Shiyagra Complex. “You get used to living at a glacier and it also toughens you mentally for any hardship. There can be no better preparation than that,” says Thapa, proudly wearing the Everest badge on the left pocket of his army uniform.

Lt Colonel RS Jamwal, the team leader of the Everest expedition team and a three-time Everest climber says that “the expedition was a particularly successful one, with 14 of our team scaling the peak at Everest, as planned by us. We had no casualties. Five of our boys also successfully participated in the Everest Marathon, the highest marathon event in the world.”
The Everest Marathon is an annual event held on May 29, to commemorate the day
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed the Everest.
The Everest Marathon is an annual event held on May 29, to commemorate the day Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed the Everest. The 42-kilometre race starts from the Base Camp at 17,500 feet and ends at Namcha Bazaar at 12,000 feet. The Indian participants completed the race in a time of 5.30 to 6 hours, Jamwal said.

Having reached South Pole and Mount Everest, what is next challenge for Thapa? “The North Pole”, the soldier replies, “I want to be the first Indian man to complete The Three Poles Challenge.”


Via indianexpress



शहीद अश कुमार गुरुंग पंचतत्त्व में विलीन

10:31 PM
सोलन। पाकिस्तानी आतंकवादियों की घुसपैठ को नाकाम कर प्राणों की आहुति देने वाले शहीद लांस नायक अश कुमार गुरुंग शुक्रवार को पंचतत्त्व में विलीन हो गए। सुबाथू के श्मशानघाट में पूरे सैन्य व राजकीय सम्मान के साथ उनका अंतिम संस्कार किया गया। सामाजिक न्याय एवं अधिकारिता मंत्री कर्नल धनी राम शांडिल ने भी सुबाथू पहुंच कर शहीद को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की।

बता दें कि, चार दिन पहले जम्मू-कश्मीर के तंगधार क्षेत्र में पाकिस्तानी आतंकवादियों ने भारतीय सीमा में घुसने का प्रयास किया था। दूसरी तरफ से जब गोलीबारी आरंभ हुई तो सीमा पर तैनात गोरखा राइफल्स के जवानों ने मोर्चा संभाल लिया और आतंकवादियों का डटकर मुकाबला करते हुए आतंकियों को खदेड़ दिया। लेकिन, इसी बीच गोलीबारी में भारतीय सेना के दो जवान शहीद हो गए थे। इनमें से एक 3/1 जीआर के लांस नायक अश कुमार गुरुंग थे। बुधवार को उनका शव हेलीकॉप्टर से सुबाथू लाया गया था और नेपाल से उनके परिजनों के आने की प्रतीक्षा की जा रही थी। शुक्रवार को परिजनों के सुबाथू पहुंचने के बाद शहीद का अंतिम संस्कार किया गया।
इससे पहले शहीद के शव को तिरंगे में लपेट कर श्मशानघाट तक पहुंचाया गया। इस मौके पर सामाजिक न्याय एवं अधिकारिता मंत्री कर्नल धनी राम शांडिल ने शहीद के शव पर पुष्पचक्र अर्पित कर उन्हें भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की। 14 गोरखा प्रशिक्षण केंद्र के कार्यवाहक कमांडेंट कर्नल एचपी सिंह सहित समस्त सैन्यअधिकारियों व जवानों ने शहीद को सलामी दी।
Shaheed Ash Kumar Gurung  3/1 Gorkha Rifles
Shaheed Ash Kumar Gurung 

Via eenaduindia

A tribute to Gorkha martyr in J&K by comrades and seniors

10:15 AM
Kolkata: Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar lived by the motto 'Kayar Hono Banda Marno Ramro (Better to die than to live the life of a coward)' till he breathed his last while fighting terrorists along the Line of Control (LAC) in Tangdhar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday. On Thursday, he was given a befitting tribute by comrades and seniors at the Badami Bag Cantonment in Srinagar.

Magar, a 'Ghatak' commando of the unit, was part of the team that thwarted an infiltration bid and shot dead four terrorists. In the process, he was martyred. A battle hardened soldier with 18 yrs of distinguished service, Magar had also been actively involved in two previous operations in the same area in which seven terrorists were killed.

The warrior hailed from Sauni village in the Falpa district of Nepal and was a true embodiment of the martial and yet mirthful character that is common to all Gorkhas. It was his ilk that made the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once famously remark, "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he's either lying or he's a Gorkha". The Gorkha Rifles is one of the finest regiments of the Indian Army, many units of which have their recruitment base in Nepal as part of a Britain-India-Nepal tripartite agreement signed at the time of independence in 1947.
Gorkha martyr given tribute by comrades and seniors
Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar a Gorkha martyr given tribute by comrades and seniors
The 37 years old martyr, son of a farmer, is survived by his wife Devi Resmi Magar and two children aged 13 and 10 years. His son is named Dol Bahadur and daughter Yogita. Paying glowing tributes to the hero, Lt Gen Satish Dua, commander, Chinar Corps, said: "The nation shall remain indebted to his sacrifice and the present generation as well as posterity will continue to draw inspiration from him." Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, he reaffirmed the Army's commitment to their well being.


Via TOI


Gorkha soldire martyred and 4 militants killed in a gun fight in J&K Tangdhar

6:05 PM
17th June 2016 J&K : Gorkha Prem Bahadur Reshmi Magar martyred in the gunfight with the militants in the Tangdhar sector in J&K. 4 militants were killed in the encounter.The nation pays tribute to the veer jawan Lance Havaldar Prem Bahadur Reshmi of 1 ‪Gorkha‬ Rifles who laid his life at J&K's Tangdhar in encounter with the terrorists.Two troopers were injured in the encounter in Tangdhar.

"Havaldar Prem Bahadur Reshmi Magar was injured and later succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two children," said Defence Spokesperson N N Joshi, adding that the operation was launched by a team of Gorkha Regiment and Rashtriya Rifles.

The militants' infiltration bid was foiled by security forces when they spotted a group of militants moving from across the border towards the Line of Control at midnight.
Gorkha soldire martyred and 4 militants killed in a gun fight in J&K Tangdhar
Gorkha soldire martyred and 4 militants killed in a gun fight in J&K Tangdhar
The firefight broke when the militants were challenged and opened fire. This is the second infiltration bid in the Kupwara district since Tuesday. The four militants were killed close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Kalban Nar in Tangdhar sector, 185 km from Srinagar. The gunfight erupted early today when the Army noticed movement of a group of heavily armed militants in the sector.

On Wednesday, a signalman of the army succumbed to his injuries and a terrorist was shot dead by the army after militants infiltrated into Kupwara district, near Macchil sector.

Five soldiers were reportedly injured in that operation.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Chinar Corps Commander Lt General Satish Dua led a team of officers and other ranks of the army in paying tributes to the slain signalman by laying a floral wreath on his coffin.

Army sources attributed said the recent spurt in infiltration bids to improvement in weather. So far this year, 54 such attempts have been made and 19 ultras have been killed. Official said over 200 militants are waiting at various launch pads across LoC in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.


Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal

8:18 PM
Proud moment for us, the Indian Gorkha Community,  for the first time in the history of National Defence Academy (NDA), a Gorkha cadet from the North East has won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit and commanded the passing out parade (POP).

It was a proud occasion for Academy Cadet Captain Avinash Chhetry who is from Tezpur, Assam where he has witnessed the Army’s presence and their actions right from his childhood. The son of a paramilitary officer, he dreamt of joining the Indian Army since he was a child. He completed his schooling from the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military School (RIMC), Dehradun before getting into NDA.




 Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal
 Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal
Speaking to Sakal Times, an elated Chhetry, said, “It is a proud moment for me and my parents as I have become the first cadet who has commanded the POP and won the gold medal. Since I have completed my studies in a military school, it was not that difficult for me to adjust to life at the academy.” Chhetry said that he would like to join either the Gorkha Rifles or Special Forces of the Indian Army as he wants to engage himself into combat roles in the future. According to Chhetry, the situation in the North East region has now much improved than it was in the past. Upon being asked whether he would like to lead an Army unit in his home state Assam, Chhetry quipped, “Why not?”



Via GYASA

Ganju Lama VC ADC to the President of India for Life

7:24 PM
Ganju Lama was born in Sangmo, southern Sikkim, India, on 22 July 1924. He enlisted in British Gurkha Army in 1942 at the age of seventeen. His parents were both of Sikkimese Bhutia descent and lived in Sikkim, which made him unusual, as he was neither an ethnic Gurkha nor a Nepalese subject. At that time, however, Gurkha regiments were prepared to accept any recruit who closely resembled the Gurkha and lived near the border of Nepal. Ganju Lama's tribe lived in the kingdom of Sikkim. His name was Gyamtso Shangderpa, but a clerk in the recruiting office wrote it down as Ganju, and the name stuck. After leaving the regimental centre in 1943, he joined the 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles, near Imphal, India.

Ganju Lama was nineteen years old, and a rifleman in the 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles, in the Indian Army during World War II when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross:

On 12 June 1944, near Ningthoukhong, India , 'B' Company was attempting to stem the enemy's advance when it came under heavy machine-gun and tank machine-gun fire. Rifleman Ganju Lama, with complete disregard for his own safety, took his PIAT gun and, crawling forward, succeeded in bringing the gun into action within 30 yards of the enemy tanks, knocking out two of them. Despite a broken wrist and two other serious wounds to his right and left hands he then moved forward and engaged the tank crew who were trying to escape. Not until he had accounted for all of them did he consent to leave to his wounds dressed.
To the left Ganju Lama and to the right Two tanks destroyed by Rifleman Ganju Lama, 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles, Ningthoukong, 12 June 1944.
To the left Ganju Lama and to the right Two tanks destroyed by Rifleman Ganju Lama,
1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles, Ningthoukong, 12 June 1944.
A month earlier, during operations on the Tiddim Road, Ganju Lama's regiment had surprised a party of Japanese and killed several of them. He was awarded the Military Medal for his part in the action. Strangely though, this award was actually announced in the London Gazette after his Victoria Cross, appearing on 3 October 1944, almost a month later.

Subsequently India got independence. The man from 7 GR who opted to stay back, formed part of 11 GR (Kirati Regiment) which was raised on 01 Jan 1948. The legendary Ganju Lama opted to stay back and joined 11 GR. In 11 GR he rose to the highest rank of Sub Major and was given the honorary rank of Capt and was appointed life time aide-de-camp(ADC) to the President of India. In 1972, he hung up his uniform.He was declared a very important person or VIP for life and was allowed to fly a personal flag on his car with the letters "VC".

Via GYASA


5 Gorkha Rifles officers out of 14 approved for rank of Lt General

7:30 AM
The Army has de-classified the promotion board results for the rank of Lt General and a major chunk of the vacancies for this particular batch have gone to officers belonging to the Gorkha Rifles.

As per details of the result accessed by The Indian Express, a total of 14 officers of the rank of Major General have been approved in the ‘Command and Staff Stream’ in which they will go on to Command a Corps each and then onwards for appointment as Army Commanders or General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of a command. Five officers out of these 14 belong to the Gorkha Rifles, though from various Gorkha Rifles regiments, and none from the Chief of Army Staff’s own regiment, the 5th Gorkha Rifles.
Gorkha Rifles
Gorkha Rifles 
The selection board for the Major Generals of 1981 batch was held earlier this month. Among the officers who have been approved for the rank of Lt General are Maj Gen SK Saini (Jat Regiment), Maj Gen AS Bedi (Garhwal Rifles), Maj Gen A Chauhan (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen JS Negi (Dogra Regiment), Maj Gen IS Ghuman (Brigade of Guards), Maj Gen PM Bali (Punjab Regt), Maj Gen Vijay Singh (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen SK Upadhya (Garhwal Rifles), Maj Gen Saranjit Singh (Sikh Light Infantry), Maj Gen YVK Mohan (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen AK Bhatt (Gorkha Rifles), Maj Gen Dushyant Singh 9Maratha Light Infantry), Maj Gen RK Jagga (Armoured Corps) and Maj Gen R Gopal (Gorkha Rifles).

The social media was soon abuzz with the list of officers approved and the fact that such a large number of Gorkha Rifles officers had made the grade. However, a senior officer from Gorkha Rifles said that Gorkha Rifles is comprised of seven separate regiments and that all individual regiments are different from each other having separate regimental centres and there being around 45 Gorkha Rifles units.

The selection board has also not thrown up name of any officer approved from the Regiment of Artillery in the general cadre for the command and staff stream. Earlier, officers from the Artillery and even the Corps of Engineers had been doing very well in getting command appointments in higher ranks and the present Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen MMS Rai, is from the Corps of Engineers.



Via indianexpress



First battalion of only Indian Gorkhas is born

8:40 AM
Comprises only Indian domiciles instead of Nepalese troops as in other Gorkha units of Army

Writes Vijay Mohan

Chandigarh, April 2 The Army has turned over a new leaf by raising a new Gorkha battalion comprising entirely of Gorkha troops of Indian domicile. Traditionally, the majority of troops in Gorkha regiments belong to Nepal.

This is the first Gorkha battalion to have come up in 50 years. The new battalion, the Sixth Battalion of the First Gorkha Rifles (6/1GR), christened “Kanchi Paltan”, has been raised at Sabathu in the Shivalik foothills near Shimla, that houses the 14 Gorkha Training Centre.

In 1815, the British had raised the first Gorkha battalion, 1/1 GR, from the remnants of General Amar Singh Thapa’s forces following the Gurkha War fought between the Gorkha kings of Nepal and British East India Company.

Col Avaneesh Chambial is the battalion’s first Commanding Officer. The recruits for the battalion had been undergoing training at the centre for the past nine months and the battalion’s regimental flag was unfurled by the Colonel of the First Gorkha Rifles, Lt Gen Ravi Thogde, at a ceremonial parade on Friday.
Troops of the newly raised 6th Battalion of the First Gorkha Rifles along with senior officers at
the 14 Gorkha Training Centre in Sabathu. A Tribune photograph
The Army has several Gorkha regiments — 1GR, 3GR, 4GR, 5GR, 8GR, 9GR and 11 GR. The stipulated ratio of composition of these regiments between Nepalese and Indian domicile Gorkhas is about 70:30. In some units it is 60:40.

The Army’s plans are that each Gorkha regiment will raise an additional battalion in due course as part of the approved force accretions and the ongoing organisational restructuring.

A senior officer said more Gorkhas of Indian domicile i.e. those settled in the hilly regions of northern India and the North-East and even other parts of the country would be recruited and Gorkha regiments were envisioned to have a pan-India footprint. The minimum educational qualification for Gorkha troops was also being raised from matriculation to Class XII.

Three years ago, the Army had raised the Sikkim Scouts comprising locally recruited youth from the state for deployment in the border regions. The unit has been affiliated with 11 GR.



Tribune News Service

Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR

9:32 PM
CANDIGARH April 1st: The historical First Gorkha regiment of the Indian army has raised a new battalion on Friday at Subathu Cantonment, which is the birth place of the First Gorkha Rifles in Himachal Pradesh. The move is historical as the Gorkha regiment has raised a new battalion after a gap of almost five decades. As of now First Gorkha Regiment has five battalions and the new battalion would be known as 6/1GR (6/1 Gorkha Rifles).

The announcement about the raising of this battalion was made by Lt Gen Ravi Thodge, Master General of Ordinance and Colonel of the Regiment in October 2015 during the grand celebrations of Reunion-cum-Bicentenary of the Regiment.

First Gorkha regiment was raised on April 24, 1815 at Subathu Cantonment. The raising celebrations included wreath laying, special sainik sammelan and prayers at the regimental mandir to invoke the benign blessings of Goddess Durga. Lt Gen Ravi Thodge conveyed his best wishes to all ranks of newly raised battalion and exhorted them to perform at their best and to serve the nation in a manner befitting the magnificent Indian Army.
Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR
Historical First Gorkha Regiment gets new Battalion 6/1GR
He also brought out that a modern and professional Indian army has to always be ready for any challenges that come its way. Colonel Avaneesh Chambial, has been appointed as the first commanding officer of the new battalion.

Via TOI
 
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