Bhukant Misra


Bhukant Mishra, AC was an officer in the 15 Kumaon Regiment who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration on 26 January 1985.

Early life

Bhukant Mishra was born on 15 June 1941 in the village of Nowbasta Talipara in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Shri B L Mishra. Major Bhukant was commissioned into 15th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment on 4 April 1970.

Operation Blue Star

The terrorism was at its peak in Punjab in 1984. The terrorists had captured the sacred Golden Temple in Amritsar. A decision was taken by the Indian Government to launch a military operation to evacuate the sacred temple of Sikh. The code name of the operation was Operation Blue Star. A Company commanded by Major Bhukant Mishra on 6 June 1984 was tasked to clear the temple complex. The Complex was very heavily fortified. It was converted into impregnable bastion. During the night had suffered very heavy casualties.
At 0440 hours one company led by Major Bhukant Mishra advanced behind an Armoured Personnel Carrier, which was soon hit by anti-tank gun fire. At the same time the company came under very heavy fire and suffered eight casualties, including the Junior Commissioned Officer of the leading platoon. Realizing the loss of command and control in the leading platoon, Major Bhukant Mishra rushed forward, of the heavy fire all around and soon established command and control. On the next day two companies were launched at 0530 hours. Both the companies advanced at the given time but soon came under very heavy fire. Major Bhukant Mishra's company once again suffered very heavy casualties. The advance of this company stalled. Major Bhukant Mishra at this stage stood in front of the company and he asked them to follow him and charged at the base of the Complex. This daring act by Major Bhukant Mishra inspired the company and they rushed behind him and gained a foothold.
A light machine gun firing through a pot hole in the base was interfering in the further advance. Major Bhukant Mishra, without bothering for his safety, now crawled towards the base and destroyed the LMG and the crew by lobbing a grenade through the pot hole. Immediately after destroying the light machine gun. Major Bhukant Mishra rushed to the steps leading into the Complex. As he was about to enter the Complex. Then he was hit by a burst of Medium Machine Gun and was martyred.

Ashok Chakra awardee

Major Bhukant Misra was posthumously awarded nation's highest gallantry award during peace time Ashok Chakra.