Havildar P. K. Maharana of the Army Service Corps made the supreme sacrifice on 3 November 1999 during a Fidayeen attack on the Defence Public Relations Office at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.
The terrorists launched the attack in the evening, targeting the office where Major Pramod Purushottam was present with five soldiers. Three journalists were also inside the premises for a meeting.
When the firing began, Major Purushottam directed the journalists to take cover. The soldiers confronted the attackers in a close-quarter fight, attempting to prevent them from reaching those sheltering inside the office.
Havildar Maharana was among the personnel who stood against the attackers. He made the supreme sacrifice alongside Major Purushottam and the other soldiers during the encounter.
The actions of the six personnel helped save the lives of the journalists present inside the office. Their resistance during the attack has continued to be remembered by the Indian Army at Badami Bagh Cantonment.
Havildar P. K. Maharana's contribution forms part of the collective courage displayed by the personnel who defended the office and protected others at a moment of extreme danger.
On his martyrdom anniversary, The Honour Post pays tribute to Havildar P. K. Maharana of the Army Service Corps.
