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Gazette Notification: 113Pres/98,15-8-99
Operation: Op Savage (Sikkim)
Date of Award: 1999

Citation:

Leader Ajay Ahuja was the Flight Commander of MIG-21 Squadron inducted into Srinagar as part of "Operation Safed Sagar" in Kargil. On 27 May 1999, he was tasked to lead a two aircraft mission for photoreconnaissance of enemy position in the Batalik Sector. As he was getting airborne he was informed that Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa had ejected from his MiG-27 after an engine "flame out" in the vicinity of Muntho Dhalo. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja immediately realized the necessity of locating and recovering the downed pilot. He changed his mission profile and set course towards Muntho Dhalo. Despite being told that surface-to-air missiles were being fired in the area, Squadron Leader Ahuja carried out orbits to try and pinpoint the location of the crashed aircraft and pilot. He sent his No. 2 back to base but himself continued the search, ignoring the threat to his own life.

By sheer perseverance, he was able to locate the possible crash site and transmitted this information to the rescue helicopters. Unfortunately, at this stage, his own aircraft was hit by "Stinger" surface-to-air missile (SAM). With exemplary presence of mind cool professionalism he attempted to nurse the aircraft towards a safer area. But when the aircraft engine flamed out Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja had no choice but to eject. He ejected safely and had the presence of mind to transmit his last recorded ground position. On 28 May 1999 the body of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was handed over to Indian authorities. The body bore two bullet injuries. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja displayed exceptional courage in going beyond the call of duty while searching for a drowned brother officer. 

Remarks: It is widely believed that Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was shot and murdered by the Pakistani Army after he parachuted from his MiG-21 fighter jet. His bullet-ridden body was handed over by Pakistan to the Indian Army in Srinagar. The autopsy has reportedly revealed that he was shot in the brain and heart at point blank range by Pakistani soldiers. India lodged a strong protest over the "cold blooded and cowardly" murder of squadron Leader Ahuja by Pakistan

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