NEW DELHI: Renowned author Bhaavna Arora has once again brought to light a tale of courage and sacrifice with her latest book, Nagrota Under Siege. The book, which recounts the harrowing 2016 terror attack on the Nagrota Army camp, was officially launched today at the Center for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategic).
The launch drew military personnel, dignitaries, and readers, all eager to honor the memory of the brave martyrs and the resilience of their families.
On the morning of November 29, 2016, militants carried out a brazen attack on the XVI Corps headquarters. After scaling the walls of the 166 Medium Regiment premises, they hurled grenades and fired indiscriminately. The attack escalated into a hostage crisis inside the Officers’ Mess complex, where 12 jawans, two women, and two children were trapped.
The ensuing operation witnessed unparalleled heroism. Seven soldiers, including two officers, made the ultimate sacrifice while neutralizing the attackers and rescuing the hostages. The fallen heroes—Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir, Major Akshay Girish Kumar, Havildar Sukhraj Singh, Lance Naik Kadam Sambhaji Yeshwantro, Grenadier Raghvendra Singh, Rifleman Asim Rai, and Naik Chittranjan Debbarma—etched their names in history as symbols of courage and dedication.
At the launch, Bhaavna Arora described her journey of writing Nagrota Under Siege as one of her most emotionally challenging endeavors. “This story is not just about bravery on the battlefield—it’s about the unyielding spirit of soldiers and the silent strength of their families,” she said while talking to The New Indian.
Arora highlighted the unique nature of the Nagrota attack, which targeted a residential area within the cantonment. “The involvement of women and children adds an extraordinary dimension to the story. While we often celebrate soldiers’ bravery, the sacrifices of their families are equally profound and deserve recognition,” she remarked.
The author, known for her previous works like Undaunted: Lt. Ummer Fayaz of Kashmir, emphasized the emotional toll of chronicling stories of loss and valor. She expressed her deep respect for the martyrs and their families, whose accounts inspired the book’s heartfelt narrative.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma commended Arora’s work for capturing the human stories behind the sacrifices of India’s armed forces.
This book not only honors the memory of the martyrs but also underscores the resilience of their families, making it a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of India’s armed forces.