He wanted to live for the country and subsequently die for the country!

By M S Nazki

Hanste, Hanstae Kat Jaye Raste, Zindagi Yun Hi Kati Rahe!

Book Review: The Extraordinary Life of Rifleman Aurangzeb: Author: Damini Punia!

-The man was a genius who believed only in one thing! And that was bravery!

-He wanted to live for the country and subsequently die for the country!

-He knew he was a marked man and ultimately had to give up his life as the cowards took upn on him!

-But one thing was uppermost in his mind? He lived with a larger than life image and died a death without giving up!

• Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan-O-Tan Saathiyon, Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon, Saans Thamti Gayi, Nabz Jamti Gayi, Phir Bhi Badhte Kadam Ko Na Rukne Diya!’……… This was what Aurangzeb was all about!

-Back Ground:

Rifleman Aurangzeb hailed from Poonch in Rajauri district of J & K. He was recruited into 4 JAK Li of the famed Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a regiment known for its intrepid soldiers and various battle honours. After serving for some time with his unit he was deputed to serve with 44 RR battalion, deployed for counterinsurgency operations in J & K.

-Abduction Incident: 14 June 2018

During 2018, Rifleman Aurangzeb was serving with 44 Rashtriya Rifles battalion with its base camp located at Shadimarg in Shopian district of J & K. The unit was engaged in counter-insurgency operations and faced challenging situations on a regular basis. The unit had undertaken a number of successful operations against the militants since the beginning of 2018. Rifleman Aurangzeb was also part of some of these operations and was on the hit list of the militants. In one of the major operations by the unit, Rifleman Aurangzeb was part of Major Rohit Shukla’s team that eliminated top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger. This incident had angered the militants of the dreaded group and they were hatching plans to avenge the death of their top leader.

-On 14 June 2018, Rifleman Aurangzeb had boarded a private vehicle to reach Shopian, from where he was supposed to go to his home in Rajouri district for Eid celebrations. The terrorists intercepted the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted him. Later Rifleman Aurangzeb’s bullet-ridden body was found by a team of police and Army personnel at Gussu village, about 10 km away from Kalampora, in Pulwama district. He was shot in his head and neck, and his body had marks that indicated torture. The body of Rifleman Aurangzeb was later flown from 92 Base Hospital located at the 15 Corps at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to his native place for last rites. Rifleman Aurangzeb was a gallant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation.

-Brothers Of Aurangzeb, Soldier Killed By Terrorists In J&K, To Join Army

-Thirteen months after the abduction and killing of rifleman Aurangzeb by terrorists in South Kashmir’s Shopian district, his two brothers have joined the Army to serve the nation and “avenge his death”.

-Mohmmad Tariq and Mohmmad Shabir joined the 156 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army at a passing out parade at headquarters of the counter insurgency force “Romeo” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district

The duo aspires to join “operation all out” against terrorists in Kashmir and fight against the enemies of the nation.

Their father Mohammad Hanif, who also served in Indian Army, is proud of his sons joining the Army “to serve the nation to stamp out terrorism” in Kashmir and “avenge the killing of their brother”.

“I have sent my sons to serve Indian Army and ensure stamping out of terrorism in a bid to avenge the killing of their brother Aurangzeb by terrorists in Kashmir,” Hanif said.

“Their fight against terrorism will be tribute and homage to my martyr son”, he said.

“We have joined the Army. Our mission is to avenge the killing of our brother. This is our father’s resolve and directive to us. We will abide by it,” Shabir said.

The duo, who were selected among 101 new recruits from over 11,000 participants in a recruitment rally in Surankote belt of Poonch district on March 7, will get training in the Punjab regiment, the defence spokesman said.

-Haling from Salani hamlet of Mendhar in Poonch border district, their elder brother Mohmmad Qasim also has joined Army 12 years ago and younger brothers Aasim and Sohial are studying. They also aspire to follow their brothers.

-Their father Hanif said they were inspired by the courage and bravery of Aurangzeb. “Aurangzeb was killed by terrorists by deceit. Had he died in an encounter, I would have no pain in my heart but he was killed by cowards by fraud,” he said.

-The enrolment parade of the young recruits, a unique initiative, was conducted by 156 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army (Home and Hearth) Punjab, the spokesman said.

-He said the recruits, most of whom have come from humble background and included six graduates, have been enrolled in Territorial Army (Home & Hearth) after a stringent recruitment process.

Extracts from the book by Daini Punia:

-Book launch brings alive the Hero of 44 RR #RashtriyaRifles who was abducted by militants & sacrificed his life in line of duty

-What was so unusual about a young boy from Salani, Poonch deciding to join the Indian Armed Forces? It was that when Rifleman Aurangzeb enlisted, militancy was at its peak. While his district was the breeding ground for infiltrators and locals were scared of even associating with India, here was a man who openly declared that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and don the olive green.

-Aurangzeb had witnessed multiple encounters as a young boy where Lashkar militants would barge into their homes and threaten to kill his father because of his solidarity with India. Yet, he stood his ground and joined the forces.

-Aurangzeb was amongst the many who wore the uniform and yet, he was different! Never hesitating to voice his opinion on the functioning of the administration in his district, he was a fearless man who always followed his heart. That heart also led him to a beautiful woman he had promised to marry, a promise that remained unfulfilled.

-This is the story of a man who was ready to fight his people for his country.

-It is the story of a man who is the reason behind there being at least one person in the forces in every home in Salani.

-A braveheart who was kidnapped by the Lashkar, Aurangzeb was tortured, recorded and brutally murdered―the militants still lost because there was no fear in his eyes and he died with his head held high.

-He captured the Nation’s heart and mind with his #courage in the face of certain death..

-Remembering Rifleman Mohammad Aurangzeb Khan, SC of 4 JAK LI | 44 Rashtriya Rifles who while travelling home on leave for Eid was abducted, brutally tortured and killed by terrorists. He had been part of the covert operation in which Sameer Tiger, top Hizbul Commander was killed. His courage under fire and stoicism as he faced his murderers knowing that his end is near, shook the nation.

The coward terrorists may have killed him but not his spirit.. He lives on forever in our hearts.

In conclusion a few words for the man who had a mission in hand:

-Ruk Jana Nahin Tu Kahin Haar Ke, Kaanton Pe Chalke, Milenge Saaye Bahaar Ke. Ruk Jana Nahin Tu Kahin Haar Ke! Aurangzeb left this lesson for us!