The correct answer is: D. Somnath Sharma
Somnath Sharma was an Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, for his bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. He was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
Sharma was born in 1923 in the village of Sialkot, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). He joined the Indian Army in 1942 and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, the Kumaon Regiment. He fought in the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery.
In 1947, Sharma was posted to the 4th Battalion, the Kumaon Regiment, which was deployed to the Kashmir Valley to defend it from Pakistani invaders. On 3 November 1947, Sharma’s company was attacked by a large Pakistani force at Badgam, Kupwara district. Sharma led his men in a fierce battle, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. Sharma was killed in action, but his bravery inspired his men to fight on and eventually defeat the Pakistani forces.
Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration. He is remembered as a national hero and a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Sudhir Kumar Walia was a Brigadier in the Indian Army who served in the Kargil War. He was not involved in the ‘Search and Destroy’ mission in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Baba Kanshi Ram was a social activist and politician who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party. He was not involved in the ‘Search and Destroy’ mission in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Bhagmal Sayhta was a politician who served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 1977 to 1982. He was not involved in the ‘Search and Destroy’ mission in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.