Bhanwar Lal Bhakar, VrC

Biography

Subedar Bhanwar Lal Bhakar served with 2 Rajputana Rifles. During Operation Vijay in the summer of 1999, the 56 Mountain Brigade was tasked with recapturing the dominating heights of Tololing in the Drass sector, which Pakistani intruders had occupied to threaten the vital Srinagar-Leh highway. The plan called for 2 Rajputana Rifles to assault Tololing Top while 18 Grenadiers provided a firm base. When the battalion launched its assault on Tololing Top at 2030 hours on 12 June 1999, the leading 'Charlie' Company was commanded by Major Vivek Gupta. Subedar Bhanwar Lal Bhakar was part of this company. Despite heavy artillery and automatic fire, the men closed in on the enemy across open ground at nearly 15,000 feet. When the leading section of his platoon took three casualties and the attack stalled, Subedar Bhanwar Lal took charge and urged his men forward. About 50 metres from the enemy bunkers he was hit by light machine gun fire; disregarding his wounds, he continued to advance until he succumbed at the base of the enemy position. For his inspiring leadership, bravery and supreme sacrifice in the capture of Tololing Top, he was awarded the Vir Chakra (Posthumous).