‘I Have No Regrets, In Fact Even If I Become a Human Again I’ll Join The Army’: Shaheed Captain Vijayant Thapar, Kargil War 1999 Hero’s Last Letter

Summer of 1999, when, we Indians were busy watching the Cricket World Cup, some brave men were fighting at mountains of Kargil for protecting territorial integrity of the country. Captain Vijayant Thapar was one of the bravehearts who fought and sacrificed his life for mother India in the Kargil War 1999. In his last letter to his parents, Capt Thapar wrote, “I have no regrets, in fact even if I become a human again I’ll join the army and serve my nation.” It showed his dedication, commitment and love for his country. The brave officer received Vir Chakra (posthumously) for his bravery in the battle field. Time to know our ‘Real STARS’

Captain Vijayant Thapar was born on December 29, 1976 at Nangal in Punjab, His father VN Thapar retired as colonel from the Indian Army. He was named Vijayant after the name of the main battle tank of the army. He was nicknamed as “Robin”. Captain Thapar passed out of the Indian Military Academy in December 1998. He was commissioned into the 12 Rajputana Rifles.

Captain Thapar was involved in many encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district. During his posting in Kupwara, he met a six-year-old  girl named Rukhsana, whose father was killed by terrorists. He used to buy for her candies. In his last letters, he asked his parents to give Rs 50 to Rukhsana every month. On May 25, 1999, his unit received an orders to move to Drass to evict Pakistani Army troops from Tololing, Tiger Hill, and adjoining heights. Kargil War 1999: A Story of Indian Army’s Valour and Pakistan’s Betrayal.

Last Letter of Captain Vijayant Thapar:

Dearest Papa, Mama and Granny,

By the time you get this letter I’ll be observing you all from the sky enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I have no regrets, in fact even I become a human again, I’ll join the Army and fight for my Nation. If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for you tomorrow.

As far as the unit is concerned the new chaps should be told about this sacrifice. I hope my photo will be kept in the ‘A’ Coy Mandir. Whatever organ can be taken should be done. Contribute some money to orphanage and keep on giving Rs 50/ to Ruksana per month and meet Yogi Baba.

Best of luck to Bindia, never forget this sacrifice of men. Papa you should feel proud, Mama so should you meet **** (I loved her).

Mamaji forgive me for everything wrong I did. Ok then its time for me to join my clan of dirty dozen, my assault party has 12 chaps.

Best of Luck to you all,

Live life King Size,

Yours Robin

On June 12, 1999, he led his platoon to capture to capture a Pakistani post called Barbad Bunker.After the victory at Tololing, his battalion was tasked to capture Three Pimples, Knoll in Black Rocks Complex. During this mission he attained martyrdom on May 29. His company commander Major P. Acharya was also martyred in the assault. However, 2 Rajputana Rifles re-captured Knoll. Vishal Batra, Brother of Captain Vikram Batra, Climbs 16,000-Foot-High Peak on 29th Death Anniversary of Kargil War Hero.

The Kargil war was fought from May-July 99. It was generally an untold tradition that the armies of both the sides leave their bunkers at high altitude places move downwards and later during summers they reoccupy their bunkers. But in 1999, Pakistan took undue advantage of India’s trust and when Indian soldiers vacated their bunkers during the winters, mujahideens and Pakistan army soldiers occupied the bunkers.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter)