HIS LAST STAND AND FINAL BREATH - VALIANT MARTYR SH. SEWA RAM THAKUR OF THAKARIE KISHTWAR

 

HIS LAST STAND AND FINAL BREATH - VALIANT MARTYR SH. SEWA RAM THAKUR OF THAKARIE KISHTWAR

“In a world where courage is often measured by words, one man’s action spoke louder than any speech.”

 

Shaheed Sewa Ram Thakur Ji

 

                     The 1990’s was a challenging decade for kishtwar as terrorism and violence had taken hold, instilling fear and uncertainty in the lives of its habitats. Residents lived in constant dread, unsure of what lay ahead, and were reluctant to leave their homes, fearing for their safety. Simple tasks like going to work or duty or travelling became daunting challenges, as the threat of violence loomed large. The mere thought of steeping out of their homes filled them with dread, as the sound of gunfire and explosions became all too familiar.

                     In an era where terrorism and violence often dominate the headlines, it’s easy to lose sight of the countless acts of bravery and selflessness. One such act of heroism was demonstrated by a man who sacrificed his life to save thirty five others from a terrorist attack. Veer Atambalidani Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur single handedly saved thirty five lives from the jaws of death. Was it just a heat of the moment situation or patriotism in the blood of Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur? To truly comprehend the events of that fateful day, we need to examine the Sh. Sewa Ram Thakurs family background that led to his heroic act.

                     Village Dhara, Panchayat Darbadan Thakarie, is almost 26 KM from the district headquarters of Kishtwar preached between the mountains is this beautiful, miniature village. The family of these valiant soldiers also hails from the same village.  Sh. Tej Ram Thakur father of Lt. Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur was born to Lt. Sh. Bhaga Thakur and Lt. Smt. Bundi Devi in 1913 AD. He joined the Indian British Army in 1935-36 AD and was sent to Singapore with his regiment during the Second World War (1939-1945 AD) to fight against Japanese Army. During the fall of Singapore in February 1942, the British Army surrendered to Japanese forces, resulting in the capture of approximately 40,000 soldiers. Sh. Tej Ram Thakur was one of them, who spent nearly one and half years in Japanese captivity, facing unimaginable hardships. With no news from him for an extended period, his family presumed he had fallen in battle and his family had given up hope and performed his last rites and funeral ceremonies. They believed he had made the ultimate sacrifice in the war. But destiny had different plans. Netaji Subash Chander Bose, after assuming command of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943 AD, forged an alliance with the Japanese army to wage war against the British. He successfully negotiated the release of Indian Prisoners of War (POW) from Japanese captivity and recruited them into the Indian National Army. Sh. Tej Ram Thakur, one of the released prisoners, become an integral part of Netaji Subash Chander Bose’s team under No.: 10074 and later on become Bose’s key driver and play a crucial role in the Indian National Army’s efforts. As prolonged residence in Burma and Japan, he became proficient in their languages. He could speak and understand Japanese and Burmese fluently.  As Japan surrendered on 15^th of August, 1945, the Indian National Army’s strength dwindled substantially. On August 18, 1945, Netaji Subash Chander Bose embarked on a flight from Taiwan to Manchuria, Sh. Tej Ram Thakur was present at airport to bid him farewell, a moment etched in history.

 

Shri Tej Ram Thakur Ji

                     Following India’s independence on 15^th of August, 1947, Sh. Tej Ram Thakur finally returned home in 1950-51. His family was ecstatic to be reunited with him, and soon tied the knot with Lt. Smt. Durga Devi, marking a new chapter in his life. This couple had five issues two daughters and three sons. First son was born in 1955 AD namely Jia Lal Thakur, second son was born in 1957 AD namely Sh. Roshan Lal Thakur and the third son in 1962 AD namely Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur.

                     On 15 August, 1972 AD, the Government of India introduced the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, a programme aimed at providing financial assistance to freedom fighters who had actively participated in India’s struggle for independence. Deputy Commissioner Udhampur rejected Sh. Tej Ram Thakur’s application for Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, citing that he had no record of being part of the Indian National Army. However, when he met with Deputy Commissioner Udhampur in 1975 AD, he demonstrated his proficiency in Japanese, which left the lasting impression on the officer. The Deputy Commissioner then asked Sh. Tej Ram Thakur to speak in Japanese, and he did so with remarkably ease. This convinced the Officer and his pension was subsequently approved. Sh. Tej Ram Thakur selflessly dedicated himself to the freedom struggle against British rule. His outstanding contribution to the independence movement was formally acknowledged by the Govt. of India. On August 15, 1988 AD, the then Prime Minister Lt. Sh. Rajiv Gandhi honors him with a Tamarpatra, as part of a commemorative scheme lunched by Ex. Prime Minister of India Lt. Smt. Indira Priyadarshani Gandhi, marking the 40^th anniversary of India’s Independence.

 

                     Third son of Sh. Tej Ram Thakur was Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur, born on 20th December, 1962 AD. After pursuing his early education at the local village school, he relocated to Jammu for higher studies, where he earned his graduation degree. As a multifaceted individual, he excelled in academics, sports NCC and extra co-curricular activities. He demonstrated his leadership skills and later became affiliated with the Bhartiya Janta Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh further highlights his multifaceted personality. After returning from Jammu he took on a teaching role at Bharti Vidya Mandir School Kishtwar. Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur was also an active participant in anti-terrorism efforts, collaborating with Indian forces on various operations. His courageous nature was evident from very young age. He received threatening letters and was even confronted by unknown persons warning him to cease his activities and leave the village or face dire consequences in future. However, he stood firm, opting to stay in his village and persists in his service to the community despite the risks.

                      He was married to Smt. Pushpa Thakur and had four issues, two daughters and two sons namely Arti Thakur (M.A. B.Ed.), Kiriti Thakur (is serving as Teacher in Education Department), Vikrant Thakur (is serving as Teacher in Education Department) and Sajan Thakur (M.Sc. , B.Ed., NET, SLET) is a Ph.D. Scholar from Jammu University in Botany. Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur joined the Education Department in 1989 AD and remained a dedicated educator until his demise. He enjoyed a special bond with his students, who held him in high esteem. His last posting was at Govt. High School Filler, which is now upgraded to Higher Secondary School Filler.

 

                     On the evening of that fateful day, September 13, 1994 (Tuesday), after finishing his school duties, he boarded a bus (Bus No.: JK02B-0579) from Thakarie to Kishtwar carrying approximately 35-36 passengers. As the bus approached the Kuriya Bridge near Bhandarkoot, three heavily armed terrorists signaled the driver to stop. The driver, terrifying by the sight of guns, brought the bus to a halt. The terrorists with guns in hand threatened and intimated the passengers, instructing them to remain seated. The driver was the ordered to reroute the bus to Chatroo road, setting the stage for a tragic sequence of events. Preciously, terrorist had orchestrated a similar attack. On August 14, 1993, terrorist commandeered a bus travelling from Kishtwar to Jammu, diverting it to a schedule location on the Sarthal road, where the cold bloodily massacred 16-17 passengers after forcing them to disembark. A similar incident was perhaps being executed here as well. In a climate for fear, the driver complied with the terrorist’s demands and headed the bus towards Chatroo road. Seizing the opportunity, Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur, without worrying about his own life and without thinking about the consequences for his family and young children, overpowered two armed terrorist. The driver, sensing the opportunity, halted the bus, and the passengers scrambled to escape. Regrettably, none of them came to Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur’s aid. As the bus emptied, the third terrorist chased after passengers and fired upon them. Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur had successfully subdued two terrorists and was detaining them within the bus. The third terrorist after returning from chasing abruptly entered the bus through the rear door and repeatedly fired eight bullets at Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur’s back with his firearm. The moment he was struck by bullets, he slumped in the bus, his body battered and burnished, the three terrorist callously abandoned him and fled from the scene, leaving behind a trail of blood and carnage. If someone had been there to assist him in time, perhaps this brave son of soil would be among us, his presence a testament to the indomitable spirit of India. The body of Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur was taken to the hospital in the same bus, where he was pronounced dead by the medical team. The police then filled the First Information Report (F.I.R.) and launched manhunt involved in the incident. A huge crowd witnessed his cremation that took place at Chougan ground Kishtwar.

                     The sole earning member of the family was no more, and there was no young male person left to take on the responsibility. At that time, their eldest daughter Arti Thakur was nine years old, second daughter Kiriti Thakur was  seven years old, son Vikrant Thakur was five years old and their youngest son Sajan Thakur was two and half years old. For nine long years after Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur’s demise, his family struggled to make ends meet, facing physically, mentally and financial agony. It’s distressing to even imagine the hardships they endured. Family applied for SRO-43 in the same year, but it took a relentless nine years that his wife, Smt. Pushpa Thakur, received the benefits of SRO -43.

                     The family’s ordeal didn’t end here. Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur’s brother-in –law, Sh. Rattan Singh Parihar S/o Sh. Duni Chand, R/o Filler Thakarie, Kishtwar retired army personnel, faced a terrorist attack at his residence on 12-08-1995. In the ensuing battle, Sh. Rattan Singh Parihar received bullets while valiantly defending his family. His soul mate displayed remarkable courage, standing by his side and fearlessly countering the terrorists and fatally injured one terrorist with an axe.  Despite managing to defend his family from the clutches of terrorists, he succumbed to the fatal injuries inflicted upon him by the relentless barrage of bullets. We lost another great solider of our country in a brutal terrorist attack. His valiant sacrifice in the face of unrelenting terror will never be forgotten.

                     A father’s anguish is unimaginable, who has performed last rites of his three young sons. His eldest son made ultimate sacrifice in Naga Hills in Nagaland, serving the nation at a remarkably young age. The second son fell prey to illness at the tender age, and the youngest son fueled by his father’s patriotism and blood, valiantly confronted armed terrorists to save the thirty-five innocent lives, and is a testament to his father’s indomitable spirit.  Had fate been kinder and had he received timely help on that fateful day, perhaps great brave patriot son of the soil would be among us today. The father’s grief must have been unfathomable, having lost his young sons to the nation. How did he bear this torment and heartache?  Whenever his grandchildren appeared before him, didn’t he reminisce about his sons?

                                Imagine the anguish of a mother who has to explain to their little children why their father won’t be coming home and imagine the shattered dreams of a young wife, who had once shared laughter and promises with her husband, now left to face the harsh reality of his absence. He had fought valiantly against terrorist, but his ultimate sacrifice has left his family with an unfillable void. With no one win bread for their little children, she’s now shouldering the burden of their survival, her heart heavy with grief, her eyes brimming with tears. The silence of her home once filled with laughter of her children and the warmth of her husband’s love, now echoes with the haunting questions: what’s next? Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur was renowned, an exemplary figure, and was a pillar of strength in social and religious circles, always taking lead in various initiatives. He had constructed a store, Havan Kund, and shed at the Mandir of Vodil Devta, Thakarie. As a tribute to his outstanding contributions, bravery, and patriotism, the local residents have placed his portrait at the shed of Vodil Devta Mandir. The portraits of his parents Lt. Sh. Tej Ram Thakur and Lt. Smt. Durga Devi are also prominently displayed. The loss of this fearless and patriotic hero is a profound blow, one that can never be fully mitigated.

Tamrpatr recieved by Sh Tej Ram Thakur Ji

 

                     Shouldn’t this brave valiant son of the soil deserve a certificate of honor or bravery award from the Govt. of India? His son Sh. Vikrant Thakur wrote a grievance to Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances 23^rd of May, 2022 under Registration No.: MINHA/E/2022/07640. In this grievance, he humbly requested to sanction Gallantry Award for his father for his supreme sacrifice for the safety of other passengers and for MAA BHARTI. However, this grievance is still under process.

                     Veer Atambalidani Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. His bravery has inspired the nation, and his legacy will continue to motivate future generations to stand up against and violence and terror. In a world where heroes are often celebrated in words, this man’s actions have etched his name in the annals of history. He is gone, but his courage will live on, inspiring us all to be better versions of ourselves. To the unforgotten hero who gave his life to save thirty-five others, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sources:

1. Details, data and pictures provided by Sh. Vikrant Thakur, son of Lt. Atambalidani Sh. Sewa Ram Thakur.
2. An article published in a reputed News Paper ‘PUNJAB KASERI’ on 16^th of August, 1994.
3. From the book Rakatranjit Jammu Kashmir by Ravindra Jugran.

Authored by: ANIL KUMAR BHAGAT

Mobile: 7051350159

Email: anilk11111982@gmail.com

 

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