Karna Bahadur Limbu

Biography

Rifleman Karna Bahadur Limbu hailed from Bismure village in the Taplejung district of Nepal. After completing his school education he joined the army and was recruited into the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles, an infantry regiment renowned for its brave soldiers. During June–July 1999, his unit was deployed in the Batalik sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay during the Kargil War. The enemy's main intrusions lay along the Khalubar–Padma Go ridgeline, and 1/11 GR, together with 22 Grenadiers, was tasked to capture the formidable Khalubar and Point 5287 complex. Rfn Karna Bahadur Limbu belonged to 'B' Company, serving in Platoon No. 5 under Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. On the night of 2/3 July 1999, his assault team advanced towards Pahalwan Chowki on the way to Khalubar, coming under heavy fire from surrounding heights and enemy bunkers. After a gruelling seven-hour climb, the troops fought their way forward and gained control of six enemy bunkers. Rfn Karna Bahadur Limbu was grievously injured in the intense exchange of fire and later succumbed to his wounds on the battlefield. He was a determined and courageous soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty.