Paratrooper
(Ptr) Sanjog Chhetri was born on 26 Jan 1982 in Bomtaal village in Southern
Sikkim. At a very young age, he lost his father and he and his sister
Sangeeta grew up nurtured by his Aunt (Mother’s Sister) and her husband, his
uncle and received their school education in Namchi. Ptr Chhetri was said
to be daring since his childhood and always
wanted to serve in the Armed Forces. He joined the Army on 31 March 2001 at the
age of 19 years and was recruited into the Parachute Regiment, the elite
Regiment known for its outstanding troopers and equally outstanding successes
in all operations. Later, Sanjog, after completion of training, was selected
for the Special Forces and joined 9 Para (SF), known as the “Bravest of the
Brave” within the Indian Army.
"Operation -
SARP VINAAS": 22 April 2003
During
2003, Ptr Sanjog Chhetri’s unit was deployed in J & K (Poonch Area)
and he was involved in anti terrorist counter insurgency operations on a
regular basis. On 22nd April 2003, information was received from the
intelligence sources about the activities and location of some hard core
terrorists in Hill Kaka Area – 9 PARA (SF) were ordered to eliminate the terrorists. A team comprising 20 commandos was
selected for the Operation which was code named “Op - SARP VINAASH”. Ptr Sanjog
Chhetri was one of commandos selected for the critical operation.
The assault
team commenced the search and destroy operation as planned; the Commandos
commenced the operation and as they approached the terrorists hideout, they
were fired upon. A fierce gun battle started thereafter with heavy exchange of
fire by automatic weapons. The heavily armed terrorists were firing from safe
places and posed a serious threat to the troops out in the open. At one point,
Ptr Sanjog Chhetri, when his assault group was pinned down, realized that his
comrades were in direct line of fire and were in danger. He, in a rare display
of raw courage and great initiative, crawled a distance of nearly 100 yards and
attacked the terrorists by firing from close range and killed one terrorist.
During this
exchange of fire, Ptr Sanjog Chhetri got wounded and started bleeding
profusely. However, he did not deviate from his chosen task and eliminated one
more terrorist. By this time he had been shot at multiple times and was
seriously injured. He had practically taken charge of the Commandos as his
Leader had also susteained serious injuries. Despite his own
injuries, he did not lose courage and took out his commando knife and engaged
another terrorist in a hand to hand combat, killing him too. However, Ptr
Sanjog Chhetri succumbed to his injuries. Ptr Sanjog Chhetri’s
courage and sacrifice motivated his fellow commandos immensely; they eventually
eliminated all the terrorists. The Country recognized Ptr Sanjog Chhetri’s
outstanding courage and bravery - he was given the nation’s highest peace time
gallantry award, “Ashok Chakra” for his conspicuous courage, indomitable spirit
and supreme sacrifice.
Paratrooper
Sanjog Chhetri is survived by his sister Sangeeta.
Aftermath
Unfortunately,
Sanjog’s bravery went unacknowledged by his home State, Sikkim, for an
unreasonable and a rather illogical reason - his late Mother had later
remarried a Shillong based Indian Citizen of Nepalese origin after her first
husband’s death when the two children were very small.
Normally
Sikkim has been very generous. Late Ganju Lama , a VC winner (VC is
equivalent to Param Vir Chakra in war and Ashok Chakra in peace time as acts of
outstanding bravery), was a very highly respected Indian (Sikkimese) Citizen.
Sikkimese largesse to other Indian citizens is quite well known. Examples are
awards of Sikkim Ratna to Mr Muchkund Dubey, former Foreign Secretary and Ms
Mala Sinha, an actress, and a few others. Sikkim, very generously, rewarded the
Asiad bronze medal winning Indians non Sikkimese of Nepalese ancestry with
substantial amounts of money. Beneficiaries also include non Sikkimese deceased
Indian soldiers dusring Galwan and Uri clashes. One wonders why the
honours due to our very own Sanjog, the recipient of the Country’s highest
award for gallantry, have not been forthcoming.
I strongly
believe that an appropriate statue of Sanjog in Gangtok at a suitable prominent
site as well in his School in Namchi will serve as great inspiration to all
Sikkimese youth. Admission of due financial rewards to his next of kin will be a well deserved
recognition.
Fortunately,
at Saramsa Veterans’ Rally sometime ago when I discussed the issue with of the
Hon,ble Chief Minister, Shri Prem Nath Tamang (Golay), his response had been
very positive. He had, very kindly, asked to see me in his office – relevant
details have since been provided to the CM’s office through Shri Dhakal, the
Principal Secretary and I am confident that this brave young man’s sacrifice
will receive due recognition.
