Jhanak Bahadur Rai

Biography

Havaldar Jhanak Bahadur Rai hailed from Sobna Talkharka village in Diktel 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 gallant soldiers. Over his service career he served in various operational areas under challenging conditions, and by 1999 had risen to the rank of Havaldar. During June–July 1999, his unit was deployed in the Batalik sector of Ladakh as part of Operation Vijay under the 70 Infantry Brigade. The 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, along with 22 Grenadiers, was tasked to capture the formidable Khalubar–Padma Go Ridgeline held by Pakistani intruders. Havaldar Rai was part of Platoon No. 5 of 'B' Company under Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. On the night of 2/3 July 1999, the assault team advanced towards Khalubar under heavy fire from all surrounding heights. After a gruelling seven-hour climb, the troops came under intense fire from enemy bunkers. In the fierce firefight that followed, Havaldar Rai and his comrades gained control over six enemy bunkers, but he was grievously wounded. He succumbed to his injuries on 04 July 1999, laying down his life in the line of duty.