21 years on, Kargil veteran recalls Tiger Hill’s capture

Deepinder Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 3

The memories of the Kargil War are still fresh for Brig Kushal Thakur (retd), who commanded the 18 Grenadiers — the battalion that had captured Tiger Hill and Tololing — during the war. He is filled with nostalgia as well as pride whenever he recalls the event. The retired Brigadier is currently the CMD of the HP Ex-Servicemen Corporation.

Talking to The Tribune, he said, “As I sit and recollect those memories, I am filled with nostalgia and pride to think of all courageous men who fought with the utmost sincerity and patriotism to bring glory not only to themselves, but also to their platoons.”

“As the Commanding Officer of 18 Grenadiers, I had seen the professionalism of my men in counter insurgency operations from where we were ordered to move to the heights of Kargil almost overnight. Every unit trains its men for conventional operations and yet when one encounters it, one can never be too prepared,” he added.

“Other than the fact that we were transported in a matter of a couple of days, we faced other logistic challenges such as lack of equipment, high-altitude warfare preparations, acclimatisation and what turned out to be one of the most significant factors, artillery support,” he said.

He recalled, “What looked like infiltration on papers turned out to be preparation of a full-scale war from the enemy’s side. 18 Grenadiers and 2 Raj Rif were assigned to capture Tololing. Despite strategic and logistic challenges, the men regardless of their own safety and well-being roared and marched ahead like lions taking control of it on June 12/13, 1999.”

“This fierce battle, like any other, took its toll. I lost two of my brave officers — Lt Col R Vishwanathan, who was also my second in command and Maj Rajesh Adhikari, besides 2 JCOs and 21 other ranks,” the ex-serviceman said.

He said seeing the strength of 18 Grenadiers, Gen Mohinder Puri, the then GOC of 8 Mountain Division, ordered to take control of Tiger Hill.

Capt Sachin Nimbalkar led his company from the front. Lt Balwan Singh’s Ghatak( commando) platoon, comprising Havaldar Madan and Grenadier Yogender Yadav, carried out a surprise assault on the enemy.

“The unit was ably supported by brave turbaned soldiers of 8 Sikh. On July 4, 1999, the Tricolour flew atop Tiger Hill. The victory of Tiger Hill infused a new josh throughout the ranks of the Army. For their tenacity and unparalleled valour in the battlefield, 18 Grenadiers was honoured with 52 awards, including Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakra, six Vir Chakra and 16 Sena Medal (Gallantry), besides many other honours,” recalled the retired Army officer.

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