Assam Mourns Brave Martyr Jintu Gogoi on 20th Death Anniversary

Jintu Gogoi

Guwahati, June 30, 2019:

'Captain Jintu Gogoi' is not just a name; it is an emotion and matter of great pride for the people of Assam, and the great martyr has still not been forgotten.

The brave soldier was born in Khumtai, a small town in Golaghat district of Assam. He was commissioned into 17 Garhwal of the Garhwal Rifles, one of the most decorated regiments of Indian Army.

He was martyred in the biggest battle of India and Pakistan, the “Kargil War”.

And today is the day when we celebrate 20th Death Anniversary of the great martyr Jintu Gogoi.

During 1999, his unit was deployed in Jammu and Kashmir area, when the Kargil war broke out. On the night of 29th June, Capt Gogoi and his troops were given a mission- “Op Vijay, Batalik Sector: 30 Jun 1999” 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.

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Captain Gogoi took charge of the mission and set course towards the objective that entailed an arduous climb. L/NK Madan Singh, Rfn Jaideep Singh, Rfn Varinder Lal (17 Garhwal), Sep Rajvir Singh, Sep Dharambir Singh, Sep Vinod Kumar, Sub Harphul Singh, Sep Gazpal Singh and Sep Krishan Kumar (17 JAT) also accompanied him.

Captain 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 charged at the enemy troops living up to the motto of his Regiment, “Yudhaya Krit Nischya (Fight With Determination)”, with his Regimental war cry, “Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai (Victory to the Sons of Lord Badri Nath)”.

He received a full burst from a machine gun in his solar plexus but he continued firing till he collapsed, said reports. He later succumbed to injuries and his body was found barely 150 yards from the picket on Jubar Top.

Gogoi who was on leave was recalled just after 12 days of his engagement returned home in a tri-colour draped coffin. The day was mourned by each and every person of Khumtai.

His fiancé, Anjuna, who believed him to be alive left the word that “there is no hope now”, as reported in the print.

Khumtai has become a pilgrimage site after Capt Jintu’s “sacrifice” and people from far off places in the state visit the small house of the Gogois to pay their respects to the brave son of the soil.

Nation's third highest wartime gallantry award “VIR CHAKRA” was awarded to Captain Jintu Gogoi on 15th August 1999.

Captain Gogoi is an inspiration to the entire state, especially the younger generation.

The state of Assam was going through turbulent times during the Kargil war as the ULFA had given an open call to the people of the state to back the Kargil intruder. The presence of Jintu and his inspirational words made the people of Assam back him and India.

Even now, all the generations know him well as he is regarded to be the pride that every citizen of the state continues to speak about.