Dilair Singh Bhau

Biography

Havildar Dilair Singh Bhau was born on 17 January 1963 in Panjtut-Pallanwala village of the Khour block, Akhnoor Sector, in Jammu district of Jammu & Kashmir. After completing his early education, he joined the Indian Army and was enrolled into the 12th battalion of the renowned Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, a regiment celebrated for its brave soldiers and its record in numerous wars and border engagements. During June–July 1999, his unit was deployed in the Batalik Sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay during the Kargil War, operating under 70 Infantry Brigade. On 30 June 1999, the 12 JAK LI was tasked with capturing the strategically vital Point 4812. Havildar Dilair Singh Bhau, along with Captain Nongrum and a small assault party, was assigned to lead the attack. On the night of 30 June / 01 July 1999, they advanced silently up the south-eastern face of the feature and came under heavy automatic fire from well-entrenched enemy positions. In the fierce firefight that followed, Havildar Dilair Singh Bhau was gravely wounded and later succumbed to his injuries. His courageous action helped clear the way for the eventual capture of Point 4812. He made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 36.