Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay of the Indian Army's 53 Medium Regiment and 34 Rashtriya Rifles is being remembered on October 2, marking the 19th anniversary of his death during an anti-terrorist operation in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.
Major Vinay made the supreme sacrifice on October 2, 2007, during a prolonged gun battle with terrorists in the Tangmarg area of Baramulla district.
According to accounts of the operation, information about the movement of terrorists was received in the early hours of October 2. Major Vinay, who was leading a team of soldiers, moved towards the area to establish a cordon and prevent the terrorists from escaping.
The ensuing encounter continued for more than 36 hours. During the operation, security forces reportedly foiled three attempts by the terrorists to break the cordon and escape.
The intense fighting resulted in the deaths of nine terrorists. Major Vinay led his men from the front and personally engaged the terrorists, killing two of them during the encounter.
He was subsequently hit by bullets in the head and chest and succumbed to his injuries.
In recognition of his courage, leadership and determination during the operation, Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously, one of India's peacetime gallantry awards.
Born on March 18, 1977, Major Vinay was serving with 53 Medium Regiment/34 Rashtriya Rifles at the time of his death.
Nineteen years after his sacrifice, his name remains associated with an operation in which he led from the front and gave his life while carrying out his duty.
Major Kumandur Prabhakar Vinay
18 March 1977 – 2 October 2007
53 Medium Regiment / 34 Rashtriya Rifles
Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
The Veterans Post remembers Major Vinay and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.