Vir Chakra (VrC)

On the night of 15 June 1948, a column left Poonch to link up with another column coming from Rajouri. The linkup was to take place at Samhot. Major Jawahar Singh Mahar was given the command of advance guard, which consisted of a company of 1 (Para) Kumaon Regiment. Major Mahar advanced boldly and on contacting enemy patrol pretended to be Pakistan troops. By this stratagem he took his company to 20 yards of the enemy position, when a local civilian, who was acting as guide, gave the show away. He immediately ordered a bayonet charge and led it himself. The enemy was routed and fled leaving26 dead, eight rifles and a large quantity of arms. Later, while reorganising his position, this officer was unluckily killed by enemy sniping.

In this operation, this officer showed admirable courage and presence of mind. It was due to his excellent leadership that the enemy was routed from a well-dug position and the whole operation was successful.