THE MAHAVIR Chakra awardee and the former Governor of Goa, Lt. General Ranjit Singh Dayal passed away on 29 January, 2012 in Chandigarh silently, just one day before the martyrdom anniversary of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Hero of Haji Pir Pass in the Indo-Pak war left the world with a trail of heroism and patriotism for the posterity for the army and the civilian population of the country. Before shifting to Chandigarh due to deteriorating health and old age, he stayed in the rural ambience in a small village near Tinkar in Kurukshetra. He also kept changing his location because of threats from ultras.

 

The Army recorded his achievements during the Indo-Pak war and aftermath and he was awarded Mahavir Chakra for his bravery, brilliance and leadership. The Citation of the Mahavir Chakra award presented to him after the success read as:

 

" On the night of 25 August, 1965, Major R.S.Dayal led an assault on Sank in J&K. It was stalled by heavy Pakistani fire. Acting with cool courage, Major Dayal managed to extricate his company intact and on the following night he again led an assault and captured Sank. He pursued the enemy relentlessly and fighting with great zeal captured Ledwali Gali by 1100 hours on 27 August. Thereafter, marching by night through very difficult terrain, he took the enemy by surprise and at 1100 hours on 28 August, captured Haji Pir Pass. In this action, a Pakistani officer and 11 Pakistani other ranks were taken prisoners. On the following morning, Major Dayal deployed a platoon to capture another feature. Seeing that our patrol had come under heavy enemy fire, he led his two platoons in a lightning attack as a result of which the enemy fled in confusion. Throughout this operation, Major R.S.Dayal displayed outstanding leadership and courage of a very high order in the best traditions of the Indian Army."

 

Dr. Atul Yadav, a historian having authored many books on Indian Army and World War has described his success in no usual words and with a sense of pride. He wrote, the Haji Pir Pass, which stood at 8,652 feet in the Pir Panjal Range and was the highest point on the old caravan route linking Uri and Poonch, saw an operation to knock the logistical bottom out of the infiltration campaign. Its aim was also to plug the entry routes of the raiders across the borders. The first attack having proved abortive, it was agreed that a second attempt should be made. As the defenders of Sank had been clearly warned, the CO determined to make full use of the artillery support available to him. Consequently, 164 Field Regiment saturated Sank by their 25 pounders throughout the rest of the day and the night until the assault went on. The enemy was taken completely unawares and fled in panic, leaving behind two medium machine guns and three light machine guns.  

 

 Yet again, the enemy platoon manning the defences had departed. By 1030 hrs, the Pass was secured and the codeword ‘Chamak Ghara’ flashed back to Battalion headquarters. The enemy mounted a furious counter attack on 29th August in a desperate bid to recapture this prestige area. The attack was repulsed. To consolidate their position, the battalion captured RING COUNTER NR 0993 on 30th August and point 8786 NR 1191 a day later. Lt. Dayal was appointed Governor of Goa after retirement, but had not completed his tenure.