| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri |
| Rank | Naib Subedar |
| Regiment | 2/9 Gorkha Rifles |
| Gallantry Award | Vir Chakra |
| War | Indo-Pak War, 1965 |
| Date of Action | 1 September 1965 |
| Place of Action | Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Role | Platoon Commander |
| Opposition | Pakistani infiltrators |
Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri of 2/9 Gorkha Rifles is remembered for his exceptional courage and determination during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. His actions on 1 September 1965 at Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrated the fearless leadership and fighting spirit for which soldiers of the Gorkha Rifles have earned lasting respect.
On that day, a company of 2/9 Gorkha Rifles was proceeding towards Sonamarg when it was ambushed by Pakistani infiltrators. The sudden attack placed the troops in a difficult situation, but the soldiers responded with determination and continued their mission despite the enemy opposition.
Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri was serving as the leading platoon commander when he was ordered to capture a hill occupied by the enemy. The task required his platoon to assault a position held by infiltrators and secure the important feature.
Khatri led his men forward and, after a determined assault, succeeded in capturing the hill. The enemy infiltrators began withdrawing from the position, but instead of allowing them to escape, he pursued them.
His actions then took an even more courageous turn. During the pursuit, he came upon an enemy light machine-gun position. Fully aware of the danger posed by the weapon, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he closed in on the enemy LMG.
He shot the enemy gunner and recovered the LMG. He then used the captured weapon against the withdrawing infiltrators and killed several of them.
The action displayed extraordinary courage. Khatri had already accomplished the difficult task of capturing the enemy-held hill, yet when the opposing force began withdrawing, he continued the pursuit rather than allowing them to regroup or escape. His decision to close in on the enemy LMG position exposed him to grave danger, but he pressed forward and neutralised the threat.
His conduct during the operation reflected exemplary courage, determination and devotion to duty. As a platoon commander, he led from the front and personally confronted a position that could have caused serious casualties among his men.
The bravery displayed by Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri during the action was recognised with the Vir Chakra. The award stands as a lasting acknowledgement of his gallantry during the 1965 conflict and his fearless conduct in the face of the enemy.
His story is a reminder that battlefield leadership is not simply about giving orders. It is about having the courage to move forward when the situation becomes dangerous and to accept personal risk for the success of the mission and the safety of those under one's command.
At Sonamarg, Khatri demonstrated precisely that quality. He led his platoon in the assault, captured the enemy-held feature, pursued the withdrawing infiltrators and personally neutralised an enemy LMG position before turning the captured weapon against the opposing force.
The action also forms part of the proud military history of 2/9 Gorkha Rifles. The regiment's soldiers have served India across numerous campaigns, and the courage displayed by men such as Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri remains an enduring part of that tradition.
The events of 1 September 1965 were part of a larger conflict that tested the Indian Armed Forces across different theatres. In the mountains and difficult terrain of Jammu & Kashmir, soldiers had to contend not only with an armed enemy but also with the demanding environment in which operations were conducted.
For Khatri, the responsibility was clear. His platoon had been entrusted with capturing an enemy-held position, and he led his men in accomplishing that task. When the enemy withdrew, he continued the action with the same determination, refusing to allow the threat to escape without pursuit.
His courage earned him the Vir Chakra, but beyond the medal remains the story of a soldier and platoon commander who placed the mission before his own safety.
Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri's actions at Sonamarg stand as a powerful example of leadership, courage, initiative and devotion to duty. His name remains associated with one of the many acts of gallantry that marked the service of Indian soldiers during the 1965 war.
The Honour Post remembers Naib Subedar Dambar Bahadur Khatri, Vir Chakra, with the deepest respect and honours his courage, leadership and distinguished service to the nation. 🇮🇳
Lest We Forget.
