'I Will Kill Death': Kargil Martyr Lt Manoj Pandey's Brother Narrates Heroic Tale of His Courage

New Delhi: As India observes 25 years since the 1999 Kargil War, the brother of Kargil martyr Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey, Manmohan Pandey, in an exclusive conversation with the Republic Media Network, asserted that the whole family is proud of him and the sacrifice he made for the country.

"Every year on this day, we remember him and the sacrifices he made that can never be forgotten. He was in the Battali region when this happened. All the sacrifices he made while being brave and thinking about the country's safety are lessons for future generations. This will teach kids who join the army to come with the same enthusiasm."

When asked what inspired him to join the Indian Army, Manmohan said, "He was the first person in our family to join the Indian Army. Since childhood, he always wanted to do something for the country. He always preferred serving in the Indian Army over other professions."

"Manoj always insisted that if he ever got the opportunity to serve the country, he would."

Recalling how his brother was martyred, Manmohan said that Manoj proved what he wrote in his diary: "If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death."

Manmohan described the events of Manoj's final moments: "He was injured at the third bunker, but he kept fighting despite being shot. He lost his life when he was shot in the head at the fourth bunker. His last words were: 'Na chhodunga' (I won’t spare anyone)."

“On July 3, we were informed that Manoj was martyred. We were all in shock but also proud of him.”

'He Was Different From Others'

Manmohan asserted that Manoj was a happy and extraordinary man, determined to fulfil his aspirations.

He further told Republic that Manoj was the only person selected for the Army among 67 candidates from Uttar Pradesh.

Manoj's Last Letter

"He wrote two letters: one for our mother and another for a friend. In the letter to the family, he wrote that we should not worry, as he and his comrades were fighting with courage and would not let the enemy enter our borders. He acknowledged that they might lose their lives but urged us to take care of the family and not worry about him."

He continued, recalling the time when they all sat in front of the television, worried.

‘Ye Dil Mange More’: 4 Letters Vikram Batra Wrote to His Twin Brother from the Kargil War

Recalling memories of the twin brother late Captain Vikram Batra, Vishal Batra in a candid conversation with Repblic Media Network on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, said that his brother's belief that dreams are achievable with determination.

"Everybody should have a dream...nothing is impossible or unachievable. If Vikram could do it at the age of 24, others can do it too," Vishal Batra remarked passionately, urging individuals to contribute to the country's development in their capacities.

Recalling their correspondence during the war, Vishal highlighted the emotional exchange of letters between them. "We communicated through letters, it was never through telephone," he shared. “He wrote me four letters from the Kargil War, each revealing his steadfast commitment and optimism."

Reflecting on Vikram's legacy beyond the 25 years since his heroic deeds, Vishal expressed a deep personal pilgrimage to Drass, where his brother made the ultimate sacrifice. "Not 25 years, for me it is just 25 days back. Drass is a pilgrimage for me," he shared. “Soldiers never die, they still command these mighty peaks, ensuring our safety.”