Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia: Sacrificed his life while saving others at Kargil

Kargil War Heroes – Part 6

The nation owes much to Army as it safeguards the nation from the enemies, while people sleep inside their homes. Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia was fondly known as “Rambo” during his schooling days in Jammu. Born on April 13, 1971, he sacrificed his life on 15 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’ which involved recapturing of Point 5140, which dominates the Srinagar-Leh highway. At 17,000 ft along the Tuloling Ridge Line, this point was the highest position occupied by the Pakistan Army intruders in the Kargil sector.

In order to capture this point, three battalions were sent out from different directions – Garhwal Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and Naga Regiment. Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia was among the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia was the grandson of Lt. Col. Khajoor Singh and son of DIG BSF Mr. Arjun Singh Jasrotia. Continuing the family tradition, he joined the Indian Army in 1996 after graduating from Commerce College, Jammu. Nationalism and patriotism was in his blood.
Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia moved with the unit for ‘Operation Vijay’ as part of 56 Mountain Brigade on 15 Jun 1999. There was heavy artillery shelling from the enemy’s side. The very first shell injured six soldiers and sent across a wave of shock and panic among other who desperately ran for cover. Major Jasrotia immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. He decided to be brave and took charge of the situation. Subsequently, he ordered all the troops to take cover within the area of the administrative base. He himself attended to the casualties instead of taking cover. Though artillery shelling continued but it didn’t stop him. He then arranged for evacuation of the wounded soldiers to safety. The shelling continued unabated.

Statue of Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia

Amidst the bombardment, he organized troops into suitable groups and together they carried the soldiers on their backs. Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia got seriously injured when during the evacuation of the casualties, a shell landed in his close vicinity. Disregarding his injuries, he continued with his task of evacuating the injured soldiers. His condition got worsened due to steady loss of blood. Despite persistent persuasions by the troops, he refused to leave the battleground as life slowly ebbed out of him. He finally succumbed to his injuries. But before he closed his eyes, he sent six serious casualties to safety, all of whom later survived.

Thus, more than himself he cared about his fellow army soldiers. Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia was awarded with the Sena Medal for his exceptional sacrifice during Kargil War. His contribution cannot be ignored. He was an exemplary soldier who can be a motivational force for others. His family is proud of him. Even after 16 years, he continues to live as heroes like him can never be forgotten.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg