History News Desk !!! Major Manoj Talwar (English: Major Manoj Talwar, Born- 29 August 1969, Muzaffarnagar; Martyrdom- 13 June 1999, Jammu and Kashmir) was one of the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. Such brave sons are rarely born, who sacrifice everything for the country. Major Manoj Talwar of Muzaffarnagar was one such brave son. In June 1999, when the enemies of the country attacked with their nefarious intentions, Manoj Talwar along with his comrades were giving a befitting reply to the enemies. On June 13, after killing the enemies in Kargil, he was martyred after hoisting the tricolor on the hills of Turtak. Major Manoj Talwar was posthumously awarded the ‘Vir Chakra’.
Introduction: Manoj Talwar, son of Army Captain P.L. Talwar, originally from Jalandhar, Punjab and now resident of Mawana Road Defence Colony, was born on August 29, 1969 in Gandhi Colony, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. When Manoj was 10 years old, his father was posted in Kanpur. There was a barbed wire fence in the plot near the house. Army soldiers used to go for parade from there. Manoj used to jump over the barbed wire fence and say hello to the soldiers. Wearing his father’s uniform, he used to enact war scenes like soldiers with his friends. On seeing the soldiers, he used to say, “I will join the army when I grow up.”
Manoj Talwar was selected in NDA. He was commissioned in 1992 and appointed as a lieutenant in the ‘Mahar Regiment’. His first posting was in Jammu and Kashmir. After special training as a commando, he was sent to Assam to eliminate ULFA militants. In February 1999, Major Manoj Talwar’s regiment was posted in Ferozepur, Punjab. But Major Manoj Talwar, who wanted to achieve something, demanded posting in Siachen.
Before going to Siachen, Major Manoj Talwar came home in March. A few days before the end of his leave, his parents, brother and sister asked him to get married. To this he said, “Mother, my devotion has been linked to the country. Right now I am committed to its protection. I don’t know what will happen. I will not ruin any girl’s life.” After this he went to Kargil.
On 12 June 1999, Major Manoj Talwar wrote his last letter. According to his father, Manoj was very fond of cricket. He had written that ‘We have celebrated India’s victory in cricket over Pakistan by firing shells on the enemies. Don’t worry. I am performing my duty in the war.’ After posting this letter, Major Manoj Talwar proceeded with his troop to drive away the intruders from the 19 thousand feet high steep peak of Turtak Center in Kargil in a temperature of 60 degrees below zero.
On the evening of 13 June 1999, Major Manoj Talwar killed the enemies and hoisted the tricolour on a high peak. But in the meantime, he was martyred by enemy artillery shells.
Among those who sacrificed their lives for the country, the names of ten soldiers of 12 Mahar, eight soldiers of 9 Mahar and six soldiers of 19 Mahar have become immortal in the history of the regiment and the army. The military post on Glacier No. 3 in Siachen has been named after martyr Major Manoj Talwar of 9 Mahar, which is a symbol of the bravery of Mahars.
