PAK BORDER ACTION TEAM BEHEADS 2 INDIAN JAWANS ALONG LOC IN MENDHAR
Lance Naik Hemraj & Sudhakar Singh Mutilated by Infiltrating Commandos in Dense Fog
On 8 January 2013, a Pakistan Army Border Action Team (BAT) crossed 600 meters inside Indian territory in the Mendhar sector of Poonch along the LoC under cover of thick fog.
The Pakistani commandos ambushed an Indian Army patrol from 13 Rajputana Rifles, martyring Lance Naik Hemraj and Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh, and barbarically severed and took away Lance Naik Hemraj's head as a trophy.
Despite intense nationwide grief and outrage, the UPA government was severely criticized for its muted diplomatic response, maintaining business as usual and resuming bilateral visa talks with Pakistan weeks later.
📌 Key Figures & Decision Makers
- ▸ A.K. Antony (Defense Minister)
- ▸ Gen Bikram Singh (Army Chief)
- ▸ Manmohan Singh (Prime Minister)
"Pakistan must understand that after this barbaric act, it cannot be business as usual with them."
- • Army Headquarters Operational Report on Mendhar Incident (Ministry of Defense, 2013)