Dogra Regiment & Gorkha Rifles: Pillars of Valour in India’s Defence

(Kashmir Rechords Reporter)

Dateline: October 5, 1990

The Indian Army’s esteemed Fourth Dogra Regiment and the 3/9 Gorkha Rifles had marked their Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of valour, sacrifice and service to the Nation, about 34 years ago in 1990. These battalions have earned a prominent place in the history of the Indian Army through their dedication and achievements in war and peace, under challenging conditions.

The 4th Dogra Regiment has consistently lived up to its motto, “Kartavyam Anvatma”, meaning “Duty before Self.” As stated by its  then Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel M.K. Aeri, in October 1990, the battalion had the proud privilege of serving both at home and abroad, in war and peace, across various terrains including deserts, dense jungles, and the icy heights of Siachen. The soldiers of the battalion have repeatedly proven their mettle, with many making the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the honor of their regiment and country.

One of the regiment’s most distinguished moments came in the 1948 J&K operations when it earned the Battle Honour “Barwali” for its heroic role in the Battle of Barwali Ridge in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel I.J.S. Butalia, who fell in this battle, marked a tragic yet inspiring chapter in the regiment’s history. He was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry, and a memorial was erected in his honor near Naushera, J&K, serving as a lasting tribute to the martyrs who saved Jhangar-Naushera.

Sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel I.J.S. Butalia

Born on February 12, 1911, Lieutenant Colonel I.J.S. Butalia was a distinguished officer of the Dogra Regiment, commissioned in 1937. During the 1948 operations in Jammu and Kashmir, he led the 4th Dogra with remarkable courage and tactical acumen, especially in battles like Kalal, Chawa, Jhangar, and Barwali Ridge. His leadership during the Battle of Kalal and later at Barwali Ridge solidified his legacy as a brave and exemplary soldier. He was the Second Commanding Officer of the 4th Dogra to be killed in action within three years, after Lieutenant Colonel R.P. Taylor in 1945. For his supreme sacrifice, Lt Col Butalia was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, and a war memorial stands in his honor at Seri (Naushera), where he fell on February 22, 1948.

The 4th Dogra Regiment’s history is also marked by its valiant efforts during the 1962 Chinese aggression. Despite the heavy losses, the regiment upheld the traditions of the Indian Army, adding to the distinguished history of the Dogra Regiment, one of the most decorated and prestigious units in the Indian Army.

The 3/9 Gorkha Rifles

On the same day in 1990, the 3/9 Gorkha Rifles also celebrated its Golden Jubilee in the Northern Sector. This period was particularly turbulent, with Kashmir experiencing heightened insurgency, militants infiltrating the region, and the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. In the midst of this chaos, the Gorkha Rifles, posted in Northern Sector, maintained their discipline and dedication to duty. The celebrations were graced by the presence of Lieutenant General B.K.N. Chibber, Colonel Commandant of the 9th Gorkha Regiment, who inspected the Guard of Honour, somewhere in Northern Sector on his arrival.

Preserving History: A Tribute to Courage

The Kashmir Rechords (www.kashmir-rechords), an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of Jammu and Kashmir, takes pride in sharing the preserved newspaper cuttings of October 6, 1990, which commemorate the Golden Jubilee of these two illustrious battalions. The celebration of the Fourth Dogra Regiment and the 3/9 Gorkha Rifles is a testament to their enduring legacy, their commitment to duty, and their countless sacrifices for the security and integrity of India.