Remembering Kargil heroes: How Pakistani soldier Captain Sher Khan was acknowledged by India too For more videos click here fb/KeralaLifestyle LIKE page Kerala Lifestyle Captain Sher Khan of the Pakistan Army was someone whose bravery was acknowledged by his enemy, the Indian side as well during the Kargil war. 15 years on, Captain Sher Khan remains a hero. His name, his image is everywhere and even his native village in Pakistans tribal Waziristan has been renamed after him. Captain Sher Khan counter-attacked the Indian forces at the Tiger Hill. It was a surprise for the Indian side but one that led to the death of Khan. His valour made the Indian Army recommend his name to the Pakistan government to award him their highest gallantry award. Seikhander Sheikh, the brother of late Captain Sher Khan, said, Its an honour to have fought an opponent like India. The troops displayed great respect by declaring Sher Khan a hero. He brought in troops for a counter attack and it was a very severe counter attack. He gave a very very stiff resistance to us and in process he lost his life. That is something which we acknowledge, the way he read about the operation, said Lt General Mohinder Puri of the Indian Army. Captain Khans grandfather was among the tribesmen who raided Kashmir in 1947. He spoke to CNN-IBN a few years ago, remembering how bravery was a family legacy. I have always believed that if every man has enemies, the enemy must be brave, Seikhander Sheikh said. They say its a code of honour among soldiers, they recognize bravery and valour, no matter which flag they fight for. This is a game where we wait to see when the valour will be recognised and that too by the opponent, Sheikh said. While the Indian Army acknowledged the bravery on the other side, they also ensured Pakistan troops were given a dignified burial when their country refused to acknowledge them. We buried them with full military honours and with full religious ceremonies at heights which were mostly inhospitable. We carried our maulvies by helicopter and we buried the soldiers with full dignity and military honour, said Lt General Puri. The contrast has not always been true. The story of Sourav Kalia and his five men stands out in that regard, but at the war memorial, the Indian Armys grace and dignity, recognising bravery and valour in the enemy camp shines through the picture of a dead Pakistani officer, Captain Sher Khan, killed in action in the Kargil war who was awarded Pakistans highest gallantry award the Nishan-e-Haider on the recommendation of his Indian adversaries.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:30:00 +0000
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