Prabhu Ram Chotiya

Biography

Naik Prabhu Ram Chotiya served with the 18 Grenadiers. In June 1999, during Operation Vijay, his unit was deployed under the 56 Mountain Brigade in the Drass sector for the recapture of the Tololing heights, which dominated the vital Srinagar-Leh highway. Naik Chotiya was part of a light machine gun commando team tasked with retaking the Pakistani bunkers on the Tololing peak. On the night of 12/13 June 1999, as the team closed in on its objective, the enemy opened heavy fire and three men of the leading platoon fell, briefly halting the attack. Facing direct machine gun fire and disregarding his own wounds, Naik Prabhu Ram Chotiya pressed forward with his comrades until he fell close to the enemy position. He displayed exceptional bravery and resolve in the highest traditions of the Indian Army, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.