The residents of Manoj Vihar in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad and adjoining areas gathered in large numbers to pay homage and tribute to Kargil martyr, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey.
Pandey of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles received Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery in leading his platoon on a narrow treacherous ridge under the heavy firing by Pakistan troops on the night of 2/3 July, 1999. He died on the battlefield during the capture of Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector, that day. Leading his men, he destroyed four bunkers and killed four enemy soldiers. He was just 24 years old.
Among those who attended this event were Lt. Gen. (Retd) Sanjay Kulkarni, Brig (Retd) Dwivedi, and Asha Sharma, Ghaziabad Mayor.
Paying tributes to Pandey, the Mayor announced that the link road connecting National Highways 9 and 58 has been named as Shaheed Captain Manoj Pandey Marg
Speaking to the media, Kulkarni praised the patriotism, passion and determination of Pandey. “He had this attitude of do-or-die and when asked in the Services Selection Board why he wanted to join the Army, he replied, to win Param Vir Chakra. This truly reflects his love for the country and his commitment to safeguard India against all enemies.”
Kulkarni went on to add that the manner in which Pandey commanded his men was exemplary. “On this day when we are paying homage to him, his life should inspire many more young men to join the Armed Forces.”
