Every year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, marking the nation's victory in the Kargil War of 1999. This year, the country celebrates the silver jubilee of this historic event, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers. Among the heroes of the war were Captain Vikram Batra and Soldier Sanjay Kumar from Himachal Pradesh, who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra for their exceptional courage. Brigadier Khushal Thakur (Retd), a key figure in the battle, recently recounted his experiences and the sacrifices made during the conflict.

The Call to Move

In 1999, Pakistani forces infiltrated strategic locations in Kargil, Dras, and Batalik, leading to a full-scale war. At that time, the 18 Grenadiers, commanded by Brigadier Thakur, were stationed in the Mansbal area of the Kashmir Valley. After several successful anti-terror operations, the unit was ordered to move to Dras to address the situation. The decision marked the beginning of a series of critical operations aimed at repelling the intruders.

Liberating Tololing

In Dras, the enemy had entrenched itself on key positions such as Tololing, Tiger Hill, and the Muskoh Valley, severely disrupting the crucial Leh-Ladakh highway. The 18 Grenadiers were assigned the formidable task of reclaiming these strategic peaks. Despite facing harsh conditions and a lack of precise intelligence and high-altitude warfare equipment, the unit launched a daring attack on May 22. This operation continued until June 14, resulting in significant casualties, including Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, who was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

The Death of a Comrade

During one of the attacks, Lieutenant Colonel R. Vishwanathan, the second-in-command, was fatally wounded and died in Brigadier Thakur's arms. Vishwanathan's bravery earned him the Vir Chakra. On June 12, the unit, in coordination with the 2 Rajputana Rifles, successfully captured Tololing. This achievement was a significant step in the overall mission to reclaim the region.

Tiger Hill Assault

Following the capture of Tololing, the 18 Grenadiers were tasked with capturing Tiger Hill, a critical position. On the night of July 3, Brigadier Thakur led his troops in a multi-pronged attack, catching the enemy by surprise. The battle was fierce and continued through the night. By July 8, the Indian flag was flying atop Tiger Hill. In this battle, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav demonstrated extraordinary valor, earning him the Param Vir Chakra. The unit's bravery came at a heavy cost, with nine soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice. Lieutenant Balwan Singh and Captain Sachin Nimbalkar were awarded the Mahavir Chakra and Vir Chakra, respectively, for their acts of courage.

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Impact on Pakistani Forces

The capture of Tiger Hill had a profound impact on the Pakistani military, causing panic and leading then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to seek a ceasefire through US President Bill Clinton. However, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee asserted that a ceasefire would only be considered after the complete eviction of Pakistani intruders from Indian territory. This firm stance highlighted India’s commitment to securing its borders.

Sacrifices of the Brave

Brigadier Thakur emphasized the immense sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War. 527 soldiers lost their lives, including 52 from Himachal Pradesh. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the front lines, which was aimed at boosting the morale of the troops and meeting the wounded soldiers in the hospital. The visit was a testament to the nation's support for its armed forces.

Message to the Youth

In his reflections, Brigadier Thakur urged the youth to appreciate the value of freedom and contribute to the nation's prosperity by becoming skilled, self-reliant, and dedicated to India's development. The Kargil War remains a powerful testament to India's resolve and the indomitable spirit of its armed forces. As the nation celebrates the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the sacrifices and valor of those who fought continue to inspire and resonate throughout India.

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