Khukuri: Weapon of choice for most soldiers
By Shyam Bhatta
DEHARADUN, Feb 12 : Khukuri, the weapon, which sends shivers down the spine of any challenger, is no longer popular among Gurkha soldiers alone. In fact more and more soldiers in the Indian armed forces are wielding this weapon.
The growing popularity is being attributed to the weapons usefulness in dealing with internal disturbances, terrorism and in close combat. This comes from Indian army sources, who have conceded that "it comes handy indeed."
The popularity of khukuri is not restricted to the Indian sub-continent. It has impressed concerned people in the United Kingdom as well. A telling example of the fact that khukuri comes handy in ground war, was amply demonstrated during the Falkland War which the UK fought against Argentina.
Claims emanating from defence analysts suggest that if there was anything which did the trick for the British forces, it was the khukuri wielded by the British Gurkhas. Apart from the Gurkha soldiers in the Indian army, khukuri is increasingly becoming popular among Indian soldiers hailing from Kumaun and Assam Rifles. An increasing number of these soldiers carry the khukuri, along with their modern weapons. It can be seen tucked away in the belt.
Raj Bahadur Gurung, who was decorated with Bir Chakra proudly said, "I beheaded nearly 21 Pakistani soldiers with it during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. I had launched an attack on a large group on my own."
Pradip Thapa, who saw action during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Parakram in Kashmir and Operation Vijay in Kargil said, "Enemies dreaded khukuri more than they dreaded a rifle. Even captured Kashmiri militants used to open their mouths, only after they were threatened with a khukuri".
Not only this. The state government came under intense pressure to include khukuri dance as part of the Indias Republic Day celebrations on January 26. It was the children of the Gurkha soldiers attending local schools, who volunteered for the purpose. Expectedly enough, the dance was highly appreciated by one and all for its show of valour.
However, the show would not have been possible had not Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Chief Minister of Uttaranchal intervened. Although the administrative machinery had rejected the idea of allowing the dance, it was Tiwari who gave the go ahead saying "it is a part of the local tradition and should be allowed." Local newspaper Amar Ujala had highlighted the news.
"Prior to this, khukuri dance was restricted to cultural functions, organised by Gurkha Rifles. However, it is also true that miniature khukuris used to be handed out as mementos and tokens of appreciation during functions in the city," C B Thapa, Chairman of Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha said.
Meanwhile, the weapon is being taken as a sensitive item, since it is associated with the Gurkhas. Any act of insult perpetrated against it, is viewed as an insult on the members of the Gurkha community.
Deharadun is considered as a khukuri town. There are more than half-a-dozen khukuri making units spread around Akele, Dakara and Gadi Cant. Pati Prasad, who is involved in turning out khukuris since the last 47 years says, "There was a time when only members of the Gurkha regiment came around for them. But times have changed and now even soldiers from other regiments go for it." The outcome is a massive rise in sales.
The word is soldiers stationed in Kashmir and eastern states of India prefer the weapon when it comes to taking part in commando operations. They have appreciated the weapon for its efficacy in close encounters. However, it has been found most suitable in conditions where the temperature is freezing and the barrel of the gun refuses to work. In fact, khukuri was found extremely useful in Siachen sector.
barf: ) in a cave. Obviously the fact that they each have one leg makes no difference.....
