Former Brigadier recalls memories of Kargil War

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 25

Recalling the memories of Kargil war, Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retd) today said that Kargil Vijay Divas would be celebrated with fervour in Mandi tomorrow. The former brigadier commanded the 18 Grenadiers during the war. He said the fight to recapture Tiger Hill and Tololing Peak was fought under the most dangerous circumstances at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Thakur said the 18 Grenadiers was launched into the Battle of Tololing on May 22, 1999 without any proper enemy briefing, acclimatisation, protective snow clothing, preparation and effective artillery support.

“Despite the shortcomings, the soldiers of the 18 Grenadiers and the 13 Rajputana Rifles fought bravely. The battle was won on June 13, 1999 at a very heavy cost,” he recollected.

As many as 25 brave soldiers of the 18 Grenadiers, including Lt Col R Vishwanathan and Major Rajesh Adhikari, who was the Company Commander, sacrificed their lives in the battlefield.

“Lt Col R Vishwanathan and Major Rajesh Adhikari were awarded Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra, respectively, posthumously. The then Chief of Army Staff Gen VP Malik honoured the 18 Grenadiers with “Unit Citation”.

The 18 Grenadiers under the command of (then Colonel) Brigadier Khushal Thakur recaptured Tiger Hill on July 4, 1999. This proved to be a major turning point in the Kargil War.

Havldaar Yogender Yadav, who survived 18 bullets, was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra and Lt Balwan Singh was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for bravery.

He said the 18 Grenadiers was awarded a total of 52 gallantry awards, including one Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakra, six Vir Chakra and 18 Sena Medals. The unit was also awarded Theatre Honour Kargil, Battle Honours Tololing and Tiger Hill for its gallant performance during the Kargil War.

The 18 Grenadiers won 75 gallantry awards in Operation Kargil, Operation Rakshak and UN peace keeping mission on Seirra Leone, including the famous Operation “Khukri” in July, 2000 wherein 225 UN peacekeepers were rescued.