Vir Chakra (VrC)

On 02 July 1999 during 'Operation Vijay', Colonel Lalit Rai was tasked to capture the strategic and formidable heights of Khalubar in the Batalik sub-sector. During the advance, own troops were pinned down by effective and heavy volume of enemy fire. Realising the danger of getting day lighted in this vulnerable position, Colonel Rai ordered the Number 5 platoon to clear the interfering enemy positions while he himself led a handful of troops, available in front, to reach the top. The enemy, sensing the danger, counter-attacked our troops from three sides with 30-40 personnel. During this counter attack, Colonel Rai was injured in the knee. Inspite of the injury, he exhorted and encouraged his troops to fight courageously by setting a very high standard of personal example. He refused to be evacuated till such time the objective was captured. 

This act boosted the morale ofhis troops who regrouped and captured the objective in one charge. This capture turned out to be the

turning point in the battle of the Batalik sub-sector. This operation accounted for killing of 25 enemy soldiers and capture of large amount of arms and ammunition including a Stinger missile, air defence guns and important documents.

Colonel Lalit Rai displayed conspicuous bravery in the face of heavy enemy fire and made a very significant contribution to the success in the Batalik sub-sector.