Years after the 1999 Kargil War, Vishal Batra, twin brother of great captain Vikram Batra recently visited Drass at Point 5140 on Thursday.
During his visit, he was observing the region and shouted that cry, which forever etched in people’s mind-‘Yeh dil maange more.’
These wordings were said by Kargil war hero, who was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously. He uttered these famous words after the capture of Tiger hill.
Remembering this moment, Vikram Batra’s twin brother Vishal wanted to recreate this moment and feel his brother’s spirit, which was present in the wind.
Meanwhile on September 9 this year, the brothers will have their birthday and would have celebrated the 50th birthday together, had the brave captain been alive.
Speaking to TOI he said ‘After 45 days, I will be a 50-year-old with grey hair, but Vikram will remain young at 25. We shared a strong bond, being identical twins and more like friends.’
Taking permission from Chief of Army staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Vishal Batra also visited the remote post. Along with soldiers, who earlier worked with his brother.
Describing his feelings, Vishal Batra revealed that the atmosphere was filled with emotion, as he walked through the area. Each step he took served as a reminder for the sacrifice and valour, Vikram and his displayed at the altitude of 17,000 feet.
In period between June 16 and July 5, 1999, Late captain Vikram Batra wrote four letters to his brother. In first letter, he talked about his mission.
As for the second letter, he revealed that he has been suggested for India’s second highest gallantry award- The Maha Vir Chakra.
But, in the last letter written on July 2, he gave details about his upcoming mission. However, remembering this letter Vishal revealed, that it was received after he attained martyrdom at the battle.
Later, Vishal concluded his visit by giving tribute to his brother by shouting the immortalized line. With this line, he shouted the war cry of J&k Rifles- ‘Durga Mata Ki Jai.’
