UNSUNG HEROES OF THE INDIAN ARMY: EP #8

UNSUNG HEROES OF THE INDIAN ARMY: EP #8

 LANCE NAIK ALBERT EKKA, PARAM VIR CHAKRA (PVC) - 1971 WAR

Lance Naik Albert Ekka, was born on 27 December 1942 in Gumla district of Bihar (now Jharkhand). He was adventurous by nature and always nursed the idea of joining the Indian Army. His dream turned into reality when he joined the army on 27th Dec 1962 at the age of 20 years. He was recruited into 14th Battalion of Brigade of the GUARDS, a mechanized infantry regiment known for its fearless soldiers and various battle exploits. He was a keen sportsman and excelled in various games, especially hockey.

 Indo Pak War: 03 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak War in 1971, the 14 Guards was dispatched to capture a Pakistani position at Gangasagar about 6 Kms west of Agartala in Brahmanbarhia district of what was then East Pakistan. It was located on a major railway link to Dhaka and owing to its strategic position was well-fortified position and was heavily mined too. But this position was critical to the Indian Army for the capture of Akhaura on the way to Dhaka.

 14 Guards launched an attack on enemy positions at on the night of 03 December 1971. Lance Naik Albert Ekka went with the left forward company of the battalion in the attack. The Indian troops were subjected to intense shelling and small arms fire by the enemy. Lance Naik Ekka spotted an enemy light machine gun firing from a bunker causing heavy casualties. Unmindful of personal safety, he charged at the bunker, bayoneted two soldiers and captured the bunker post. He was seriously injured in the exchange, but that did not stop him. Epitomizing the motto of his regiment, the Brigade of the Guards, “Pahla Hamesha Pahla” meaning,” First Always First”, he continued his advance with his company, securing bunker after bunker.

 Soon, they reached the northern end of their objective. An enemy medium machine gun opened fire on them, inflicting heavy casualties and once again, Lance Naik Ekka rose to the occasion and threw a grenade into the bunker and bayoneted the remaining enemies, and silenced the weapon. Although grievously injured in these close encounters Lance Naik Albert Ekka continued to pursue the objectives of his company relentlessly. His daring action helped his company in successfully driving the enemy away from Gangasagar. The fall of Gangasagar forced the enemy to vacate Akhaura and consequently the Indian troops soon were on their victorious march towards Dhaka.

 Lance Naik Albert Ekka was martyred and his heroic action in the battle of Gangasagar changed the course of the war in India’s favour. Lance Naik Albert Ekka was given the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” for his cold courage, unyielding fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice. 

 SPECIAL MENTION

• Bangladesh Government conferred on him the Friends of Liberation War honour for his outstanding support and sacrifice to the 1971 war as a foreigner.
•  Local villagers had erected and protected a small memorial at Sripalli village in memory of the 11 soldiers who gave their lives in the battle at Gangasagar. Lance Naik Ekka was only 28 years old.
•  The Army Postal Service issued a special cover on 03 Dec 1978 in the honour of Lance Naik Albert Ekka.
•  A commemorative postage stamp was issued in his honour by the Government of India on the occasion of 50th Republic Day in 2000.
•  A major road intersection in Ranchi has been named as Albert Ekka Chowk and his life-size statue also has been erected at that place.

(Please refer to my earlier article episode #1 Lt Gen Sagat Singh)

 L/Naik Albert Ekka – The true Hero of 1962 War, we salute you, we thank you for service and thank you for inspiring thousands of youngsters! Truly an unsung hero.