Bhukant Mishra | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 June 1941 |
| Died | 6 June 1984 (aged 42) |
Major Bhukant Mishra, AC (15 June 1941 – 6 June 1984) was an officer of the 15th Kumaon Regiment. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest military honour, on 26 January 1985.[1][2]
Operational Blue Star[edit | edit source]
In 1984, terrorism was at its peak in Punjab and terrorists captured the holy Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Government of India decided to launch a military operation to flush out the terrorists from the temple and this operation was code-named Blue Star.
On 7 June 1984, an organization led by Mishra took charge of the temple complex. The complex was heavily fortified and turned into an impregnable base. Attempts on the building at night resulted in very heavy casualties. At 0440 hours, an organization led by Mishra advanced on an armored personnel carrier, which was soon hit by anti-tank gunfire. At the same time the company came under heavy fire and eight men including the JCO of the top platoon were killed.
Realizing the loss of command and control in the leading platoon, Mishra rushed forward regardless of the heavy fire around him and soon established command and control. The next day at 0530 hours two companies were launched. Both the agencies moved forward on schedule but soon came under very heavy fire. Mishra's company again suffered heavy casualties and this company's progress came to a standstill. At this stage Mishra stood in front of the company and asked them to follow him and charged into the beginning of the complex. This courageous act of Mishra inspired the company and they ran after him and walked on one foot.
A light machine gun shooting through a hole in a container at the base was further interference. Mishra, without hesitation for his own safety, now advanced towards the base, lobbing a grenade through the pot hole and destroying the light machine gun and crew. As the light machine gun was destroyed, Mishra fled into the compound. As he was about to enter the complex, a medium machine gun exploded, killing him.
Ashoka Chakra Award Winner[edit | edit source]
Throughout the operation, Mishra displayed courage and outstanding leadership skills. For his bravery and supreme sacrifice, Mishra was posthumously awarded the country's highest gallantry award, Ashoka Chakra.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "profile Web results Major Bhukant Mishra AC". Honourpoint. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020.
- ↑ "bhu... BHUKANT MISRA". Gallantry Awards. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020.