Captain Jintu Gogoi : The Assamese “Kargil” War Hero

Captain Jintu Gogoi was born in Khumtai , a small place in Golaghat district of Assam. Parents name
are Thogiram Gogoi, an IAF vetern Hon’ble Flying Officer and Duluprabha Gogoi. Jintu Gogoi also had
a sister, Luna Gogoi. Capt. Jintu Gogoi was commissioned into 17 Garhwal Rifles Regiment, one of
the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. During 1999, his unit was deployed in J&K and
when the kargil war broke out, he was recalled from leave to join his unit just 12 days after his
engagement.
Operation Vijay, Batalik sector, Kargil war, Kargil, 30th June, 1999:
On the night of 29th June, Capt Jintu Gogoi and his troops were given a mission to clear the enemy
from Kala Pathar in the Jubar heights, a ridge-line overlooking Jubar top, astride the National
Highway connecting Srinagar and Leh. This area was near the LoC in the Batalik region. Capt. Jintu
Gogoi took charge of the mission and set course towards the objective that entailed an arduous
climb.
Capt Jintu Gogoi led his troops to the top of the ridge, however, they were spotted by the enemy and
were surrounded from all directions. On being asked to surrender Capt Gogoi living up to the motto
of his Regiment , “Yudhaya Krit Nischya(Fight With Determination)”, charged at the enemy troops
with his Regimental war cry , “Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai (Victory to the Sons of Lord Badri Nath)”. Capt
Gogoi in a daring action killed two enemy soldiers but also got injured during the exchange of fire. He
received a full burst from a machine gun in his solar plexus but he continued firing till he collapsed.
He later succumbed to injuries and his body was found barely 150 yards from the picket on Jubar Top.
Capt Jintu Gogoi was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” posthumously for his bravery in utter
disregard for his own safety. The battalion was later awarded the Battle Honour ‘Batalik’ for its
exploits in Op Vijay.
Now, Jintu Gogoi’s house become a pilgrimage site after “sacrifice” and people from far off places in
the state visit to pay their respects to the brave son of the soil.
(This is written for the tribute to legend Capt. Jintu Gogoi.