Vir Chakra (VrC)

A post which forms part of the Bilafondla Complex overlooking the Saltore Pass at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet in the Siachen Glacier area is held by a section strength of the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Towards the South of this feature, there was an adversary's post from where they launched attacks on 23 September 1987, accompanied by heavy artillery firing. Naib Subedar Lekh Raj, the post commander, sited his weapons in such a manner so as to prevent any penetration into the forward defences. The adversary started attacking the post at 0800 hours and continued relentless attacks, which were beaten back under his courageous and able leadership. When the adversary was trying hard to gain foothold on the North Western Ridge, he along with two jawans went forward to dislodge them. He himself manned the medium machine gun and caused heavy casualties on the adversary's troops preventing them from gaining any foothold. During this fierce fighting Naib Subedar Lekh Raj was hit by a missile and was badly wounded. Nevertheless, he continued to lead his men till he breathed his last. Naib Subedar Lekh Raj thus displayed conspicuous gallantry and made the supreme sacrifice.