Homage paid to martyrs

A memorial service was held here today in homage to Major Sandeep Shankla and Sepoy Swaran Singh, who sacrificed their lives while displaying indomitable courage during a counter terrorist operation in 1991.
The ceremony for late Major Shankla, Ashok Chakra and Sepoy Singh, Kirti Chakra, was conducted at 'Shankla Memorial' here where Major General A R Prasad, Chief Signal Officer Western Command, laid the wreath on behalf of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Headquarters Western Command, a defence spokesman said.
This day of year 1991 is remembered as the 'Golden Day' for the Battalion.
On this day a counter terrorist operation was conducted in Zafarkhani, wherein nine militants were neutralised, 22 were apprehended and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, the spokesman said.

Nine brave hearts of the unit made the supreme sacrifice and attained martyrdom upholding the regimental motto, he said.
During the operation, Maj Sandeep Shankla, displayed indomitable courage of a very high order and sacrificed his life in trying to save one of his soldier. His action energised his column thereby neutralising the infiltrating column.

The act of bravery, courage and sacrifice led to the conferment of three gallantry awards -- Ashok Chakra to Maj Sandeep Shankla (posthumously), Kirti Chakra to Sepoy Swaran Singh (posthumously) and Shaurya Chakra to Capt BJS Sandhu.
Besides, the Battalion earned five Sena medals, two Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and One GOC-in-C Commendation Card, the spokesman said.

A number of serving officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and veterans of the Dogra Regiment also laid wreaths on the occasion, the spokesman said.
Parents of the departed officer along-with close family members were also present on the occasion.