Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

On 2 March 1989, Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi led a company group of 618 Gorkha Rifles on a search-and destroy mission. The company encountered a militants' camp in the area of Nayaroo Lagoon in the Wani Sector (Sri Lanka). This contact, which started as an exchange of fire involving firing by the militants from multiple directions, turned into aprolonged engagement, lasting over twenty-four hours. During the action, Colonel Bakshi personally led his troops and, despite being injured, refused to breakcontactwith the militants and continued to press forward. Through his personal example, Colonel Bakshi ensured continued pressure on the militants, which resulted in inflicting heavy damage and casualties on them. Finally, he received a bullet injury and died. Throughout the operation, Colonel Vijay Kumar Bakshi displayed conspicuous courage, determination and valiant combat leadership.