Capt Ummed Singh Mahra was one of the courageous heroes of Indian Army. For the intense display of courage, bravery and balanced Leadership, Captain Mahra was awarded with the most prestigious award Ashok Chakra. Let’s know more about his courage and incredible story:-
Captain Ummed Singh Mahra
Service No: IC 17696M
Date of Birth: 21 Jan 1942
Place of Birth : Almora Dist (U'Khand)
Service: Army
Last Rank: Captain
Unit : 19 Raj Rif
Arm/Regt : The Rajputana Rifles
Operation : Op Orchid
Award : AC
Date of Martyrdom : 06 Jul 1971
Ummed Singh Mahra Son of Thakur Kunwar Singh Mahra, was born in Rajput family on 21st January 1942. He basically hailed from Uttar Pradesh (Present Kumaon, Uttrakhand) . He was born in a village of Champawat Tehsil in Almora district. he graduated from the Indian Military Academy on 11 June 1967 at the age of 25 years. He was commissioned into 19 Raj Rif of the Rajputana rifles Regiment, an infantry Regiment with a rich history of gallantry and various battle honours.
Throughout his short military career he served with the same unit and involved in various actions. He was involved in action with his unit in Nagaland in Op Orchid from 4th July to 6th July 1971.
An out of the ordinary tale of Captain Ummed Singh Mahra:-
In July 1971, Captain Ummed Singh Mahra was posted in Nagaland with 19 Rajputana Rifle. During July 1971, Capt Ummed Singh Mahra’s unit was deployed in Nagaland as part of Operation Orchid. As a number of insurgents were active in the AOR(Area of Responsibility) of the unit, the unit troops were regularly engaged in counter insurgency operations. Captain Mahra was tasked for one such operation on 05 July 1971. Based in the information from the local intelligence network about the HQs of a local insurgent group a search and destroy operation was planned.
As per plan Captain Mahra led a raiding party with 60 men against the headquarters of an rebellious group in Nagaland. After walking for 12 hours and crossing difficult mountainous terrain and overflowing nallahs they reached near about 500mts away from the insurgents’ camp.
After studying the terrain near the insurgents’ camp, Capt Mahra decided to launch a multi-directional attack to achieve the element of surprise. He deployed his troops tactically and attacked the camp form two directions. As the troops reached within 30 meters of the camp, the militants panicked and started firing indiscriminately at the troops. Capt Mahra leading from the front charged at the camp with full force.
In the ensuing fight, he shot dead the sentry and some militants but sustained serious injuries in his abdomen and right hand. Despite profusely bleeding, he continued to battle holding his abdomen with right hand and gun in left, encouraging his men to charge at the camp.
Inspired by the brave action of their leader, the platoon gallantly charged from both sides. Surprised by the dual attack and courageous action, the militants fled leaving behind their dead, arms and ammunition. Victorious RAJPUTANA RIFLES boys carried their bleeding and wounded leader, Captain Mahra back to camp who endured the long journey but succumbed to his injuries on reporting back to base with "mission accomplished". For his incredible leadership and bravery, Captain Mahra was awarded posthumously the Ashok Chakra.
Nagaland is with India today because of the gallant action and sacrifices of soldiers like Captain Umeed Mahra who didn't let the rebels, backed by external forces, break India apart.
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