Param Vir Chakra: Rama Raghoba Rane

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by a newly established Pakistan from different directions on 22 October 1947. Unable to defend his state against the marauding tribesmen from the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, led by officers, JCOs and NCOs of Pakistans regular army, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (J and K) appealed to the government of India for help and signed the instrument of accession on 26 October 1947 and J and K became an integral part of the union of India. The Indo-PAK war of 1947-48 was fought across all the three districts of J and K - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The story of Rama Raghoba Rane relates to the fighting in the Jammu district. During December 1947, the enemy kept up the pressure against the Indian garrisons at Uri, Jhangar and Poonch. After fierce battles fought at Naushera and Jhangar, the advance for the capture of Rajauri and the relief of Poonch began on 08 April 1948. It was in this operation, that 2/Lieutenant Raghoba Rane distinguished himself by displaying cool courage for over 96 hours clearing enemy mine fields and dismantling obstacles despite heavy firing by the enemy. It was for this operation that he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, Indias highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. This is his story.