On Tuesday, India bid farewell to Brigadier AJS Behl (R), a distinguished soldier who succumbed to a prolonged illness at Command Hospital in Chandimandir.
As a brave Artillery officer from the 17 Para Field Regiment, Behl played a vital role in all of India’s wars until 1971, facing the Chinese in 1962 and engaging in conflicts against Pakistan in 1965 and the 1971 war, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.
In the 1962 Namka Chu Battle, Behl, as the Gun Position Officer of ‘E’ Troop, fought valiantly against the Chinese. Despite being taken as a Prisoner of War, he was repatriated the following year and resumed serving with his unit.
The Battle of Namka Chu saw intense fighting, with Behl’s post facing heavy artillery fire. The Chinese encircled them, leading to their surrender and subsequent imprisonment. Three men were lost, and five others were wounded.
Following repatriation facilitated by the Red Cross Society, Behl continued his service, contributing to the 1965 Rann of Kutch Operations and the 1971 War. He commanded the 1890 Light Regiment and retired in April 1995 as the Deputy Director General of NCC, J&K.
The final rites for this exceptional individual are slated to take place on Wednesday in Chandigarh