Featured Captain Sher Khan martyrdom anniversary

[WebMaster]

ACT OF COURAGE

Capt. Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider)


His full name was Capt. Karnal Sher Khan, he was around 27 years of age and emerged as a hero of Kargil conflict fought in 1999. His colleagues remember him as a person who used to laugh easily and a lot. He belonged to Village Nawa Kali, District Swabi. His grandfather had participated in the war of liberation for Kashmir in 1948 (as a civilian like so many in 1948 and since), he had immense respect for army hence he named his grandson "Karnal". Sher was commissioned in the 27 Sind Regiment and was called "Mujahid" by his colleagues.

During the Kargil conflict while serving with 12 NLI Bn, he volunteered for an opportunity to command a post. Along with 21 ORs, he took up position on top of a feature that was around 18,400 feet high.

Starting on the 25th of June 1999, Indian artillery and the Indian Air Force pounded him and his men for 3 days and 3 nights with unrelenting bombardment. None of them probably caught more than a wink of sleep during that time. On the 27th of June 1999, at 2230 hrs, the Indian infantry attacked with around 800 men believing that the necessary softening of the target had been achieved with air strikes. Sher Khan's men repulsed wave after wave of advancing Indian forces during the ensuing combat. But the sheer number of enemy together with mounting casualties started taking their toll and around midnight they lost part of the feature to the enemy.

Sher Khan, instead of retreating with whatever remained of his command, radioed for reinforcements, reorganized his men and launched a counter-attack to retake the fallen ground. After successfully reclaiming the lost ground, he redeployed his remaining men so effectively, that an intercepted Indian Army communication was heard cursing their intelligence for having made them believe that there were only a handful of troops at the top when it seemed there was at least a company deployed.

On the day of his Shahadat, Sher's commanding officer informed him that around sixty to seventy Indian soldiers of the 8 Sikh Regiment are taking position between his post and another post and he had to break the enemy Forming Up Position (FUP). Sher took some of his soldiers and attacked the enemy Forming Up Position like a bolt of lightning. The attack was so powerful that the Indians retreated leaving dozens of dead bodies. Sher followed the retreating enemy soldiers and entered their base camp where he was surrounded by Indian soldiers. One Indian soldier ordered Sher Khan to surrender as he was surrounded. Sher promptly refused and replied that it is against a muslim's honor to surrender, he instantly fired on that soldier and destined him to hell, then he started firing on rest of the soldiers and embraced Shahadat after getting hit by several bullets from all sides.

After the battle ended, the commander of Indian 192 Mountain Brigade ordered his body to be brought back to his Brigade HQ as he wanted to take a look at the soldier who had led a fierce counter-attack, kept motivating his men to press on and pushed back Indian soldiers toward India Gate (Indian feature near Tiger Hill). That was why his mortal remains ended up on Indian side. The Indian Brigadier was so impressed with the valor of Khan that he was inclined to cite to Government of Pakistan that Capt. Sher Khan fought very bravely and must be given his due recognition.



Body of Capt. Sher Khan in Indian hands after martyrdom on 6 July

Capt. Sher Khan's body along with another officer arrive at Karachi Airport


Gen. Musharraf with father and brother of Capt. Sher Khan

Contact Information:
Capt. Sher Khan Shaheed Nishan-e-Hai

 

[BHarwana]

 

[Lord Of Gondor]

Hyderabad: Brigadier M.P.S. Bajwa’s letter helps Pakistan captain win award
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nat...-bajwas-letter-helps-pakistan-captain-wi.html

 

[masterchief_mirza]

Thank you oh brave shaheed. We bow our heads with humility and salute you for your acts of absolute courage.

 

[SSG_Commando]

The brave heart captain Sher Khan. I must admit the professionalism of MPS Bajwa

 

[aziqbal]

The sad part is that Pakistani government at the time deployed its soldiers to Kargil and then backed out and never provided any air cover or back up support to the soldiers

They left them out there to be slaughtered

A single company of SSG commandos were left to handle 2 Indian brigades

 

[BATMAN]

Kargil shows, the only solution to take our territory back is non other than military.
Whoever suggest otherwise is a useful idiots, if not playing on Indian direction.
I wonder, if Pakistan can ever have brave and intelligent general like Musharraf.

 

[ghazi52]

Salute.

 

[FenrirX]

Do not dishonor Sher's bravery and valorous resolve with apologetic regrets and remorse. These men are at different level of commitment and determination. While you and I just talk sitting on our asses somewhere they walk the Earth with dreams of glorious shahadat. Its not easy to wrap one's head around such idea and psyche but it exists and men like Sher are its proof. Please avoid remorse when remembering his memory, they descend to the battlefield with a dream to persevere before Allah, not you, not me, not some flag. So respect them while remembering them while cutting the crap, thank you.

 

[ghazi52]

July 5th Martyrdom day of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) . Led from the front and displayed courage of the highest order in every field.

He was born on 1 January 1970. He was commissioned in the Army on 14 October 1994. Captain Karnal Sher Khan emerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control. He set personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He defended the five strategic posts, which he established with his jawans at the height of 17,000 feet at Gultary, and repulsed many Indian attacks. After many abortive attempts, the Indians on 5 July 1999 ringed the posts of Captain Karnal Sher Khan with the help of two battalions and unleashed heavy mortar fire and managed to capture some part of one of his posts. Despite facing all odds, he led a counter-attack and re-captured the lost parts of his post. But during the course, he was hit by the machine-gun fire and embraced ‘SHAHADAT’ at the same post.

 

[PanzerKiel]

An Indian brigade level action in which 8 Sikh, 18 Grenadiers and 2 Naga were pitted against a company / company (+) strength of NLI troops along with SSG reinforcements.

Pre attack bombardment with almost 200 artillery guns and MBRL.

To quote an Indian account

After initial setback and repulsed attacks, 8 Sikh were tasked to capture Helmet and India Gate features in order to cut the supply lines of troops holding out at the top.

8 Sikh managed to capture these features and then prepared hasty defences in order to face the inevitable counter attack.

This counter attack, made by a platoon strength of NLI troops, was launched within 40 minutes (as per our theoretical teachings as well) of 8 Sikh's completion of its operation.

This counter attack managed to make some headway since it was a downhill counterattack. It also achieved tactical surprise since it was preceded by sudden fire of several RPGs which managed to destroy several hastily made sanghars of 8 Sikh. However, due to less strength, 8 Sikh managed to beat back this attack.

8 Sikhs then witness the arrival of two Mi-17s, which came from Pakistan's side and landed two heli-loads of SSG troops under Capt Ammar Hussain (SJ, Ammar Shaheed chowk, Chaklala).

The second counter attack, in the words of CO 8 Sikh, was much fierce since it was a mixed attack, downhill, comprising of SSG and NLI troops led by Capt Sher and Capt Ammar, SSG themselves. This attack managed to penetrate the 8 Sikhs' hasty defences. However, since the counter-attacking were exposed running downhill, they kept on suffering casualties.

Capt Sher was the last one seen RUNNING downhill towards 8 Sikh with a MG1A3 in his hand, firing from his hip while running. However, his ammo was exhausted and at this moment he surrounded by around 50 soldiers of 8 Sikh. CO 8 Sikh was also there. He asked to Capt Sher (unidentified at that moment since he was wearing a dark blue track suit) to lay down his weapon and surrender. Capt Sher, instead, grabbed the MG, moved forwards and tried to hit the CO 8 Sikh with it.

At that time, several Indian soldiers fired and hit Capt Sher. He collapsed on his knees. Soldiers noted that he kept on sitting on his knees but was not falling down despite being hit. Couple of Indian soldiers then came forward and kicked him in order to make him fall down. CO 8 Sikh had to intervene to stop his soldiers from doing that. Capt Sher then finally collapsed and attained shahadat.

 

[SQ8]

An Indian brigade level action in which 8 Sikh, 18 Grenadiers and 2 Naga were pitted against a company / company (+) strength of NLI troops along with SSG reinforcements.

Pre attack bombardment with almost 200 artillery guns and MBRL.

To quote an Indian account

After initial setback and repulsed attacks, 8 Sikh were tasked to capture Helmet and India Gate features in order to cut the supply lines of troops holding out at the top.

8 Sikh managed to capture these features and then prepared hasty defences in order to face the inevitable counter attack.

This counter attack, made by a platoon strength of NLI troops, was launched within 40 minutes (as per our theoretical teachings as well) of 8 Sikh's completion of its operation.

This counter attack managed to make some headway since it was a downhill counterattack. It also achieved tactical surprise since it was preceded by sudden fire of several RPGs which managed to destroy several hastily made sanghars of 8 Sikh. However, due to less strength, 8 Sikh managed to beat back this attack.

8 Sikhs then witness the arrival of two Mi-17s, which came from Pakistan's side and landed two heli-loads of SSG troops under Capt Ammar Hussain (SJ, Ammar Shaheed chowk, Chaklala).

The second counter attack, in the words of CO 8 Sikh, was much fierce since it was a mixed attack, downhill, comprising of SSG and NLI troops led by Capt Sher and Capt Ammar, SSG themselves. This attack managed to penetrate the 8 Sikhs' hasty defences. However, since the counter-attacking were exposed running downhill, they kept on suffering casualties.

Capt Sher was the last one seen RUNNING downhill towards 8 Sikh with a MG1A3 in his hand, firing from his hip while running. However, his ammo was exhausted and at this moment he surrounded by around 50 soldiers of 8 Sikh. CO 8 Sikh was also there. He asked to Capt Sher (unidentified at that moment since he was wearing a dark blue track suit) to lay down his weapon and surrender. Capt Sher, instead, grabbed the MG, moved forwards and tried to hit the CO 8 Sikh with it.

At that time, several Indian soldiers fired and hit Capt Sher. He collapsed on his knees. Soldiers noted that he kept on sitting on his knees but was not falling down despite being hit. Couple of Indian soldiers then came forwards and kicked him in order to make him fall down. CO 8 Sikh had to intervene to stop his soldiers from doing that. Capt Sher then finally collapsed and attained shahadat.

It seems we have perfected the “charge of the light brigade” tactics.


“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die...”

 

[PanzerKiel]

It seems we have perfected the “charge of the light brigade” tactics.

Exactly. However, it all depends upon the one who is leading. Profession of arms is always like that. With a daring person at the front, troops following behind will follow you to death...and beyond.

 

[Pakistani Fighter]

An Indian brigade level action in which 8 Sikh, 18 Grenadiers and 2 Naga were pitted against a company / company (+) strength of NLI troops along with SSG reinforcements.

Pre attack bombardment with almost 200 artillery guns and MBRL.

To quote an Indian account

After initial setback and repulsed attacks, 8 Sikh were tasked to capture Helmet and India Gate features in order to cut the supply lines of troops holding out at the top.

8 Sikh managed to capture these features and then prepared hasty defences in order to face the inevitable counter attack.

This counter attack, made by a platoon strength of NLI troops, was launched within 40 minutes (as per our theoretical teachings as well) of 8 Sikh's completion of its operation.

This counter attack managed to make some headway since it was a downhill counterattack. It also achieved tactical surprise since it was preceded by sudden fire of several RPGs which managed to destroy several hastily made sanghars of 8 Sikh. However, due to less strength, 8 Sikh managed to beat back this attack.

8 Sikhs then witness the arrival of two Mi-17s, which came from Pakistan's side and landed two heli-loads of SSG troops under Capt Ammar Hussain (SJ, Ammar Shaheed chowk, Chaklala).

The second counter attack, in the words of CO 8 Sikh, was much fierce since it was a mixed attack, downhill, comprising of SSG and NLI troops led by Capt Sher and Capt Ammar, SSG themselves. This attack managed to penetrate the 8 Sikhs' hasty defences. However, since the counter-attacking were exposed running downhill, they kept on suffering casualties.

Capt Sher was the last one seen RUNNING downhill towards 8 Sikh with a MG1A3 in his hand, firing from his hip while running. However, his ammo was exhausted and at this moment he surrounded by around 50 soldiers of 8 Sikh. CO 8 Sikh was also there. He asked to Capt Sher (unidentified at that moment since he was wearing a dark blue track suit) to lay down his weapon and surrender. Capt Sher, instead, grabbed the MG, moved forwards and tried to hit the CO 8 Sikh with it.

At that time, several Indian soldiers fired and hit Capt Sher. He collapsed on his knees. Soldiers noted that he kept on sitting on his knees but was not falling down despite being hit. Couple of Indian soldiers then came forwards and kicked him in order to make him fall down. CO 8 Sikh had to intervene to stop his soldiers from doing that. Capt Sher then finally collapsed and attained shahadat.

Why were we attacking downhill? Were we on Top?

 

[SQ8]

Exactly. However, it all depends upon the one who is leading. Profession of arms is always like that. With a daring person at the front, troops following behind will follow you to death...and beyond.

But should it be that way?
Orders being translated down at company level should have an aspect of situational awareness built into them so to avoid casualties and look at favorable outcomes. Granted, at times it is a Hobson’s choice but it seems many of the operational strategies and tactics throughout Pakistani history were not at all thought out or executed well.
As Nosy Haider puts it , “perfecting the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory”