Nagrota Under Siege - by Bhaavna Arora (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"[A] searing, heartfelt account." - SHIV AROOR, journalist and bestselling author

"Impeccable narration and in-depth research are the hallmarks of this book." - MAJOR GAURAV ARYA (RETD), editor-in-chief, Chanakya Forum

"Turning the pages of Nagrota Under Siege is like reporting on the horrors of the Nagrota terror strike all over again. A must-read." - GAURAV C. SAWANT, managing editor and anchor, India Today TV and Aaj Tak

On 29 November 2016, the Nagrota Army Base in Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by a group of terrorists. The highly trained and heavily armed terrorists had infiltrated from across the LoC and gained entry from the forest behind the camp. Firing mercilessly to cause maximum damage, they were on a revenge mission after the Indian Army's successful surgical strikes on terror camps just two months earlier. The Indian Army personnel inside the camp played a crucial role in securing the lives of those present in the family accommodations as well as the camp, and many bravely laid down their lives. NagrotaUnder Siege is the story of grit, courage and unmatched bravery.

Review Quotes

'Nagrota Under Siege is a gripping retelling of a dastardly attack on one of our cantonments in the north-western sectors by well-trained jihadis from across the border. It is one of the most well-researched pieces of writing that I have come across. The author deserves our appreciation both for her painstaking research and her unique writing style. The book reads like a taut screenplay where disparate characters are introduced to us one by one independently, and come together only on the day of reckoning in a hair-raising encounter where brave hearts from our army are locked in battle with the infiltrators. The author has done a great service to our armed forces by documenting an unfortunate event that should never have happened, where our brave officers make the supreme sacrifice fighting for their country. An unmissable and unputdownable book that I would strongly recommend to one and all'--Neeraj Kumar, former commissioner of police, Delhi; former DGP, Goa; former DGP (Prisons), Delhi; former head, Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, Board of Control for Cricket in India; and former joint director, CBI

'Nagrota Under Siege is a hallmark of good writing. It's rare when an in-depth knowledge of military tactics, weaponry, terrorism and the angst of being a soldier's wife and family member is brought together in an authentic presentation. The book is a saga of discipline, brotherhood and patriotism. It is also a story of the coming together of military and civilian agencies directed towards the same goal--payback for a dastardly deed. Combining investigation and literature into a brisk yet emotional read, Bhaavna Arora grabs you by the windpipe and doesn't let go until you experience the soul-shattering conclusion. Kudos to the master of war scribes'--Anand Ranganathan, professor, Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University

'A prolific writer and storyteller, Bhaavna Arora has the knack of weaving her stories in such a way that you get transported to the environment she draws you into and remain transfixed till the very end. Her stories are well researched and detailed, giving glimpses of life in the army. Her ability to humanize each soldier and their family members in her stories touches a chord with anyone who reads her books. In Nagrota Under Siege, Bhaavna has beautifully stitched stories of the warriors and their family members, delving into their personal lives in simple, lucid and free-flowing language, so that anyone who reads the book can easily absorb the essence of army life and will relate to the individuals being described. My compliments and good wishes to Bhaavna Arora for bringing out this inspiring book, as also for her stupendous hard work in painstakingly collecting all the factual data and joining the dots. Her ability and brilliance in bringing out these stories exemplify her commitment to people in uniform and recognize her as being the daughter of an army officer. In her own way, she is paying homage to each of these valiant soldiers and their family members. Kudos to her for that'--Lieutenant General Pattacheruvanda Chengappa Thimayya, PVSM, VSM (retd), twenty first general officer commanding-in-chief, Army Training Command

'Bhaavna has a very visual style of writing and her ability of capturing the smallest detail in her storytelling style makes this book a very compelling read'--Samar Khan, film director, producer and CEO, Juggernaut Productions

'Bhaavna Arora narrates in a suspenseful and nerve-racking manner the ordeal of the soldiers and families who went through the incident (the attack on the officers' mess complex). She has woven and unfolded the entire incident of 29 November 2016 extremely well. Her narration showcases research and a deep understanding of the human side of the people she writes about. The book also reflects her love and adulation for the army and our country. My compliments to Bhaavna, who is an army brat, for having the courage to research and write on the Nagrota fidayeen attack. She has shown deep involvement and passion in writing this book in spite of many hurdles. The book is a masterpiece and I recommend it to all, especially the men in uniform'--Lt Gen. Ajae Kumar Sharma, UYSM, YSM, SM (retd); former corps commander, XVI Corps; and former state information commissioner, Punjab

'Bhaavna Arora's stories and books showcase immense research and the deep human side of her characters and suspense, all woven with some very realistically constructed combat scenes when she writes about the Indian Army. These stories also reflect her own pedigree--a fourth-generation army brat--and her love for the army and the nation. After her last extraordinary life story about the Kashmiri army officer Lt Ummer Fayaz, who was brutally murdered by militants while attending a family wedding, she has authored yet another extraordinary book, Nagrota Under Siege. It is a pity that in less than eight years, our public at large has forgotten about the Nagrota incident, its valorous operation and the sacrifice of seven brave hearts. That happens because, as she writes, 'What good is a sacrifice if not chronicled?' Nagrota Under Siege is a compelling, goosebumpy read, which should make this extraordinary story live through all times to come'--Gen. V.P. Malik (retd), former chief of the army staff during the Kargil War

'Bhaavna, like all times, has surprised me with this one. On reading this masterpiece, it feels as if she was there when all this was happening. Impeccable narration and in-depth research are the hallmarks of this book'--Major Gaurav Arya (retd), editor-in-chief, Chanakya Forum

'In Nagrota Under Siege, Bhaavna Arora brings to the reader the little-known story of the terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed on 29 November 2016. Her extraordinary understanding of the way Pakistani terrorists operate in Jammu and Kashmir and her detailed research unravel in vivid detail what happened on that unfortunate day. She has, with her unerring woman's instinct, homed in on the emotional aspects of the stories of each of the Indian protagonists, bringing all of them to a head at the final showdown, showcasing the part played by each of the seven intrepid warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice. Of special importance is her understanding of the trauma experienced by the families of the heroes, who watched with bated breath as the story unfolded in the media. In this, Maj. Akshay Girish's story assumes special significance because of the heroic manner in which he carried out his death-defying duty right to the very end and the stoic manner in which his parents have accepted his sacrifice on the platform of national honour. A very engaging story that needs to be read by every Indian citizen'--Maj. Gen. Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (retd), war hero and disabled soldier

'It reads like a racy thriller with many characters linked together in a cross-border terror attack. The only difference is it is all fact and no fiction. This book by Bhaavna Arora is her best yet. Feel the emotions and pride in the Indian Army'--Maj. Dr Surendra Poonia, VSM (retd), Limca Book of Records record holder; physician and former Special Forces officer, Indian Army; and founder, Soldierathon marathon and Fit Bharat

'On 29 November 2016, the Nagrota garrison near Jammu was struck by a harrowing terrorist attack. In her riveting account, Bhaavna pulls readers into the heart of this dark day, bringing to life the intense drama and heroism that unfolded. What sets this book apart is its profound exploration of the soldiers' personal lives. Bhaavna goes beyond the battlefield to present these men not just as warriors but as fathers, husbands and sons. Her poignant depiction of their lives and the impact of their loss serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of those who serve. This gripping narrative not only chronicles a moment of extraordinary valour but also humanizes the soldiers behind the uniforms, offering readers a deeply moving tribute to their sacrifice and resilience'----LieutGeneral Deependra Singh Hooda, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM and Bar, ADC (retd), former general officer commanding-in-chief, Northern Command, Indian Army

'Real-life stories of bravery and sacrifice have always motivated me and this book, Nagrota Under Siege, details a deadly fidayeen attack and how it was countered. The strength of the Indian Army and the work they do in order to keep us safe is well known. This book brings alive many real-life soldier heroes and the women they love, who were caught up in a terror attack that could have become a terrible hostage crisis but for our brave hearts doing all they did. I recommend you read it to feel it'--Anupam Kher, actor, director and producer, Padma Shri, Padma Bhusha

'Too little has been said about the valour of those who defended the Nagrota base in 2016. Bhaavna's searing, heartfelt account should give the brave families of Akshay, Kunal and Chittaranjan the beginnings of closure in a story the country sadly missed. It was thanks to the indomitable Meghna Girish and the other two families that a semblance of memory remains aflame. This book immortalizes them and provides telling clues about why India owes answers to every man or woman lost'--Shiv Aroor, journalist and bestselling author

'Turning the pages of Nagrota Under Siege is like reporting on the horrors of the Nagrota terror strike all over again. A must-read'--Gaurav C. Sawant, managing editor and anchor, India Today TV and Aaj Tak

About the Author

Bhaavna Arora is the bestselling author of four books, a teacher, an educationist and a corporate trainer. Bhaavna dons many hats, but at the core of it, she is deeply devoted to the Indian Armed Forces, and equally passionate about penning down their true stories and life-experiences. She is an Indian who is in awe of the bravery and courage shown by the Indian Army in dire times. Writing is akin to breathing for her, and she embraces life afresh with every story. Her works reflect the intensity, depth of research and involvement she pours into every word. In writing this book, she has travelled back in time with those close to Lt. Ummer Fayaz, feeling their pain and loss. This book is an honest attempt to glorify and celebrate the life of this braveheart.