Saquib Salim

The strength of the Indian Army on paper is around 0.1% of the Indian population. While making strategies against India her enemies consider these statistics. This seems logical since India, unlike Israel, has no compulsory military training program for civilians.

However, lack of formal military training is no handicap to those who love their country, and join operations against its enemy. Here are stories of real-life heroes who faced Pakistan with no military training.

This was 23 June 1948. The Pakistani Army held a post atop 15,500 feet in the Zojila sector. Hardial Singh of 15 Patiala was directed to attack this at night. In an unsuccessful attempt, Hardial was hit by a bullet in his lung. Other troops returned while Hardial lay under the enemy post. The enemy took him to be dead.

Hardial's colleagues were keen to rescue him. Mohammad Ismail, a local porter, volunteered to undertake the risky operation. He asked for the company commander's permission to rescue Hardial. The commander was hesitant. How could a man without formal military training climb steep slopes covered by Machine Gun Fire of the enemy? Ismail convinced him that he would save Hardial.

23 जून 1948

ज़ोजिला पास, जम्मू और कश्मीर।

मोहम्मद इस्माइल, 3 जाट के सिविलियन पोर्टर थे। उन्होंने एक हमले के दौरान पहल करते हुए सैनिकों के लिए गाइड का काम किया और कई जख्मी सैनिकों की जान बचाई। अदम्य साहस के लिए समान्नित #महावीरचक्र https://t.co/Txw3thnpjF… pic.twitter.com/NF8fIQTxpl

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 23, 2020

Ismail evaded enemy fire and managed to save injured Hardial. The official record notes, “This civilian labourer displayed outstanding skill in negotiating the almost impassable slopes swept by MMG (Medium Machine Gun) fire. Several times in full view of the piquet he lay motionless for a considerable time and was considered dead. But by superb physical effort, he got to the wounded man, bundled him up in his blanket, and brought him to safety. By this singular act of bravery Ismail became a hero in the eyes of the men.”

On 14 September 1948, Ismail volunteered to guide another company of the Indian Army to capture a Pakistani Army post. He knew that the enemy had “dug themselves in position there” yet he decided to take part in the operation. Ismail cared least for personal safety when it came to the nation's security. During the gun battle, he came very close to an enemy post and was captured as a Prisoner of War.

A grateful nation conferred the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest gallantry award, on him. This was an exceptional case since MVC is only given to army personnel. So far, only two out of 213 Maha Vir Chakra awarded are conferred on the civilians, the other being Dhobi Ram Chander.

On 19 June 1948, Zuma Mohammad, a porter attached with 4 Kumaon, accompanied a Party led by Lt. Col. M. M. Khanna. The enemy ambushed the party and killed most of the Indian soldiers. An injured Khanna took refuge in a broken hut. He kept hiding there till reinforcements could come.

Indian Army's post on Instagram on Zuma Mohammad (Left)

At this time Zuma kept vigil, nursed him, and ensured that the Indian Army was informed in time. The official record states, “As soon as the enemy withdrew having suffered heavy casualties, Zuma Mohammad came into the hut and saw the precarious condition of Lieut-Colonel KHANNA rendered him all possible help. He tried to carry the officer on his back to the HQ, but the seriousness of his wounds prevented him from doing this so he stayed with the officer for several hours, knowing fully well that the enemy troops were likely to return.

"During this period repeated attempts were made by the enemy to regain their lost position, but he remained at the side of the wounded officer at his risk. On regaining consciousness, Lieut-Colonel KHANNA gave him a message to be communicated to one of the reinforcement parties which he carried with great personal risk through the enemy-dominated area.”

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The result was a decisive Indian victory in the sector. Lt. Col. Khanna received Maha Vir Chakra for the war. An indebted nation paid tribute to Zuma’s patriotism by awarding him Vir Chakra, the third highest gallantry award which is rarely awarded to civilians.