Kargil Vijay Diwas (Memorial to celebrate recapture of Kargil by India)

On 26th July Indian army took command of Kargil’s high altitude posts. This day is celebrated to remember those heroes who gave their lives and those, who returned home. 🙂

A brief chronology of Kargil War/ Operation Vijay

Source:https://theprint.in/politics/when-vajpayee-took..., Date Feb 19, 1999, Former PM of India Atal Vihar Vajpayee waves his hand from his window on his arrival at Lahore to attend a Summit in Pakistan. He famously said, “Hum jung na hone denge … Teen bar lad chuke ladayi, kitna mehnga sauda… Hum jung na hone denge…” (Translation: We won’t allow war. We have fought war three times, can’t imagine the cost of casualties. We won’t allow war)

Who knew only after 2 months, 3rd May 1999, India and Pakistan will engage in one of the bloodiest battles between two countries, which happened in last decades.

1999, the last year before the millennium, brought one disaster after another to India. First Kargil war came then Super Cyclone followed.

3rd May, 1999
A Pakistani intrusion in the Kargil district is reported by local shepherds.
5th May, 1999
Indian Army patrols are sent out in response to earlier reports;
9th May, 1999
Heavy shelling by the Pakistan Army damages Indian ammunition dumps in Kargil.
10th May, 1999
Multiple infiltrations across the LoC are confirmed in Dras, Kaksar, and Mushkoh sectors.
Mid-May India moves in more soldiers from the Kashmir Valley to Kargil district.
14th May, 1999
5 Indian soldiers Captain Saurabh Kalia, Sepoy Arjun Ram, Sepoy Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Sepoy Bhikaram, Sepoy Moola Ram and Sepoy Naresh Singh are kidnapped.
19th May, 1999

Subedar Lobzang Chhotak, Source: https://twitter.com/CestMoiz/status/11342809084...

Vir Chakra Subedar Lobzang Chhotak(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 3 Ladakh Scouts, P. Number: JC-221082L, Birth: 29 Sep 1958, Died: 19 Jun 1999)
Subedar Lobzang Chhotak of lndus Wing Ladakh Scouts, was patrol leader of a special mission patrol tasked to occupy Point 5283 situated along the Line of Control in ‘Operation Thunderbolt’. On 19 May 1999 at approximately 0330 hrs, Subedar Lobzang Chhotak spotted an enemy bunker near the ridgeline South East of Point 5283. Firing from his weapon and without caring for his personal safety, Subedar Lobzang Chhotak along with Sepoy Tsering Dorje attacked the enemy

In the ensuing firefight, Subedar Lobzang Chhotak was hit in the forehead and face by the enemy bullets. Despite being badly injured he continued to fire his weapon and charged on the enemy, thus enabling other personnel of his patrol to move to a flank. Subedar Lobzang Chhotak succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

In this action, Subedar Lobzang Chhotak displayed highest order of courage and mental strength in the face of enemy He gave the supreme sacrifice of his life in protecting the nation’s frontiers. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...14
26th May, 1999
The Indian Air Force (IAF) begins airstrikes against suspected infiltrator positions.
27th May, 1999
One IAF MiG-21 and one MiG-27 aircraft are shot down by Anza surface-to-air missiles of the Pakistan Army’s Air Defence Corps; Flt. Lt. Kambampati Nachiketa (pilot of the MiG-27) is captured by a Pakistani patrol and given POW status (released on 3 June 1999).

Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja, https://www.oneindia.com/india/cold-blooded-mur...
Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja, Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/cold-blooded-mur...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja(Service: Air Force, Arm: – AF
Unit: Indian Air Force, P. Number: 17864-AF, Birth: 22 May 1963, Died: 28 May 1999)
Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was the Flight Commander of MIG-21 Squadron inducted into Srinagar as part of “Operation Safed Sagar” in Kargil. On 27 May 1999, he was tasked to lead a two aircraft mission for photoreconnaissance of enemy position in the Batalik Sector. As he was getting airborne he was informed that Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa had ejected from his MiG-27 after an engine “flame out” in the vicinity of Muntho Dhalo. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja immediately realized the necessity of locating and recovering the downed pilot. He changed his mission profile and set course towards Muntho Dhalo. Despite being told that surface-to-air missiles were being fired in the area, Squadron Leader Ahuja carried out orbits to try and pinpoint the location of the crashed aircraft and pilot. He sent his No. 2 back to base but himself continued the search, ignoring the threat to his own life.

_By sheer perseverance, he was able to locate the possible crash site and transmitted this information to the rescue helicopters. Unfortunately, at this stage, his own aircraft was hit by “Stinger” surface-to-air missile (SAM). With exemplary presence of mind cool professionalism he attempted to nurse the aircraft towards a safer area. But when the aircraft engine flamed out Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja had no choice but to eject. He ejected safely and had the presence of mind to transmit his last recorded ground position. On 28 May 1999 the body of Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was handed over to Indian authorities. The body bore two bullet injuries. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja displayed exceptional courage in going beyond the call of duty while searching for a drowned brother officer. _ Source: http://twdi.in/nod...12

Remarks: It is widely believed that Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was shot and murdered by the Pakistani Army after he parachuted from his MiG-21 fighter jet. His bullet-ridden body was handed over by Pakistan to the Indian Army in Srinagar. The autopsy has reportedly revealed that he was shot in the brain and heart at point blank range by Pakistani soldiers. India lodged a strong protest over the “cold blooded and cowardly” murder of squadron Leader Ahuja by Pakistan

28th May, 1999
One IAF Mi-17 is shot down by Pakistani forces; four crew members are killed.
29th May, 1999

Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/naikganesh-p...

Vir Chakra Citation For Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry
Unit: 1 Bihar, P. Number: 4268024L, Birth: 19 Feb 1971, Died: 29 Jun 1999)
Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav belonged to Charlie Company which was assigned the task of capturing point 4268, a well-fortified enemy post at an an altitude of 14,000 feet in Batalik sub-sector of Kargil on 28 May 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’. After approach march of four hours, at 0400 hours on 29 May 1999 the assault was launched on the enemy. Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav was in the forefront of the assault under heavy volume of enemy artillery and small arms fire. With his indomitable courage, fighting spirit and determination, he charged at the enemy sangar with utter disregard to his personal safety and killed two foreign mercenaries. Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav was seriously wounded in the hip by volley of bullets. Despite being injured, the brave soldier, unmindful of the danger to his own life continued to fire at the enemy till he succumbed to his injury. Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav displayed most conspicuous act of gallantry in the face of enemy and made the supreme sacrifice. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...74

Wg Cdr Anil Kumar Sinha, Source: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database...74

Vir Chakra Citation For Wg Cdr Anil Kumar Sinha
Wing Commander Anil Kumar Sinha was the Commanding Officer of a MT-17 helicopter unit. On 28 May 1999 he was tasked to lead a four aircraft formation to fly a live air-to-ground rocket attack, on feature 5140 located on the Tololing ridge. The enemy, located on this ridge, was bringing down accurate fire on the highway linking Srinagar with Leh. The enemy was armed with shoulder fired Stinger surface-to-air missiles and were firing these missiles at the formation. Two of the missiles missed Wing Commander Sinha’s helicopter and was seen in a video recording. It was during this attack that the number three aircraft of the formation was shot down, killing all four crew members. The rocket attack was successful and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. The leadership and sense of commitment, displayed by Wing Commander Anil Kumar Sinha in the face of danger to himself and his aircraft was in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...12

30th May, 1999

Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-rajesh...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 19 Grenadiers, P. Number: IC-52574F, Birth: 25 Dec 1970, Death: 30 May 1999)
On 30 May 1999, as a part of battalion operation to capture the Tololing feature, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari was tasked to secure the initial foothold by capturing its forward spur where the enemy held a strong position. The enemy position was located in a treacherous mountainous terrain covered with snow at a height of about 15,000 feet. While Major Adhikari was leading his company towards the objective, he was fired at from two mutually supporting enemy positions with Universal machine guns. The officer immediately directed the rocket launcher detachment to engage the enemy position and killed two enemy soldiers in close quarter combat. Thereafter, the officer, displaying presence of mind under heavy fire, ordered his medium machine gun detachment to take position behind a rocky feature and engage the enemy. The assault party continued to inch their way up. While so advancing forward, Major Adhikari suffered grievous bullet injuries, yet he continued to direct his sub-unit. Refusing to be evacuated, then he charged at the second enemy position and killed one more occupant, thus capturing the second position at Tololing which later facilitated capture of Point 4590. However later he succumbed to his injuries.

Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari displayed exceptional valour, outstanding leadership in the presence of the enemy and laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army Source: http://twdi.in/nod...80

Havildar Tswwang Rigzin, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...11

Vir Chakra Citation For Havildar Tswwang Rigzin(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: Ladakh Scouts, P. Number: 9923125N, Birth: 20 Mar 1966, Died: 30 May 1999)
During ‘Operation Vijay’ on 30 May 1999, Havildar Tsewang Rigzin was tasked to move up on the ridge line on the Line of Control in the glaciated area at 5,500 meter, to pre-empt enemy occupation and infiltration. While negotiating an ice wall of 80 degree gradient, his Section came under effective fire of an enemy ambush. In the ensuing hand-to-hand fight and at a grave risk to his life, Havildar Tsewang Rigzin exposed himself and charged on to the enemy. He was suddenly hit by the enemy fire from the vantage point. Despite being badly injured he was able to kill two enemy soldiers and in the process laid down his life.

On an earlier occasion, on 12 December 1998, Havildar Tsewang Rigzin was responsible for the success of surveillance patrol at point 5608 on which many previous attempts had failed. He toiled for more than six hours to climb the sheer cliff enabling other members of the patrol to reach the top.

Havildar Tsewang Rigzin has displayed unflinching devotion to duty and played a pivotal role in pre-empting the enemy occupation and subsequent infiltration across the Line of control with utter disregard to his personal safety.

Major Sonam Wangchuk, Source: https://www.rediff.com/news/special/kargil-how-...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Major Sonam Wangchuk
On 30 May 1999, Major Sonam Wangchuk was leading a column of The Indus Wing, Ladakh Scouts as a part of ongoing operations in Op VIJAY in the Batalik Sector. The column was tasked to occupy Ridge Line on the Line of Control in a glaciated area at a height of about 5,500 metres. This was essential so as to pre-empt its occupation by the enemy and any subsequent infiltration.

While moving towards the Line of Control, the enemy ambushed the column by firing from a vantage position. In the process, one NCO⁵ of The Ladakh Scouts was killed. Major Sonam Wangchuk held his column together and in a daring counter ambush, led a raid on the enemy position from a flank, killing two enemy soldiers. The officer also recovered one heavy machine gun and one Universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores and three dead bodies of the enemy personnel.

Thereafter, the officer took stock of all forces along the Chorbatla axis in the Batalik Sector and cleared the axis up to the Line of Control of all enemy intrusions at great risk to his life.

Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme climatic conditions in the glaciated area. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...89

Sub Chhering Stobdan ,Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...74

Vir Chakra Citation For Subedar Chhering Stobdan(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 3 Ladakh Scouts, P. Number: JC-183573, Birth: 26 Jun 1954)
On 30 May 1999, Subedar Chhering Stobdan was inducted as part of a team of eight men into an extremely inhospitable and high altitude terrain with heights ranging from 16,000 to 18,000 feet to evict armed Pakistani intruders in Batalik sub-sector during “Operation Vijay”. While moving towards the enemy position, Subedar Stobdan observed enemy troops climbing up an ice wall to occupy a dominating feature from where heavy casualties could have been caused to own troops. Unmindful of his personal safety and exhibiting gallantry beyond the call of duty, Subedar Stobdan charged at the enemy and personally shot down two enemy personnel who were later identified as regular soldiers of the Pakistan army. This brave act of Subedar Stobdan ensured that the enemy was prevented from occupying the important dominating height on the Indian soil. Subedar Chhering Stobdan displayed exceptional courage and outstanding leadership under most adverse conditions in the face of the enemy. Source:https://twdi.in/nod...31
1st June, 1999
The Pakistan Army begins shelling operations on India’s National Highway 1 in Kashmir and Ladakh.
3rd June, 1999

Subedar Randhir Singh, Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/harya...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Subedar Randhir Singh (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Grenadiers, P. Number: JC-448357, Birth: 15 Jul 1955)
On 03 June 1999, Subedar Randhir Singh was tasked to lead his platoon for assault on the tactically important Tololing ridge in the Drass sector during ‘Operations Vijay’. The well-stocked and fortified post of the enemy-backed infiltrators was in a treacherous mountainous terrain covered with snow at height of over 15,000 feet. The advance of the platoon, led by Subedar Randhir Singh, was impeded due to heavy machine gun fire from one of the sangar of the intruders. He immediately deployed his platoon and with a small team crawled ahead to the sangar and neutralized the machine gun in close combat killing two intruders. In the process Subedar Randhir Singh sustained grievous injury but pressed ahead directing, motivating and leading his platoon from the front and refusing to be evacuated or abandoning the mission. On encountering a second enemy sangar, though badly injured and bleeding, he charged onto the enemy killing one intruder in a hand-to hand combat. His dare devil act inspired and motivated his men to charge onto the enemy thus gaining vital ground on Tololing ridge which facilitated the capture of Point 4599.

Subedar Randhir Singh later succumbed to his injuries making the supreme sacrifice for the nation but not before leading and accomplishing a difficult mission. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...23

Lance Havildar Ram Kumar, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2713...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late L/H Ram Kumar
On 03 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, a battalion assault was launched by 18 Grenadiers on Tololing in the Drass sector, to evict the Pakistan backed infiltrators located in a well-stocked and fortified post at over 15,000 feet. Lance Havildar Ram Kumar was also in the assault group. When the assault group was close to the objective, the enemy opened fire. With utter disregard to his personal safety, Lance Havildar Ram Kumar crawled close to the enemy sangar from which Universal machine gun fire was being directed. When he was close to the objective, he received a gunshot wound on the shoulder and waist.

Unmindful of his injuries, Lance Havildar Ram Kumar inched close to the sangar and lobbed a hand grenade killing one of the occupants and injuring the other two. In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed the other two occupants also, but thereafter succumbed to his injuries.

Lance Havildar Ram Kumar made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Army and valiantly fought with the enemy during assault on Tololing. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...96
5th June, 1999
India releases documents recovered from three Pakistani soldiers that officially indicate Pakistan’s involvement in the conflict.
6th June, 1999
The Indian Army begins a major offensive in Kargil.

Capt Haneef Uddin, Source: https://www.rediff.com/news/special/the-courage...

Vir Chakra Citation For Capt Haneef Uddin(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry
Unit: 11 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-57260K, Birth: 23 Aug 1974, Died: 07 Jun 1999)
_On 06 June 1999, a company was deployed in “Operation Thunderbolt” to occupy a position, occupation of which would have facilitated better observation spectrum of enemy movement and dispositions in the area. Captain Haneef Uddin volunteered to lead the special mission patrol consisting of one junior commissioned officer and three other ranks. The party made valiant endeavours to occupy the position on the night of 4"’ and 5th June 1999. On 06 June 1999 the party tried approaching the position from an adjacent position occupied the previous night by Captain Haneef Uddin at height of 18,500 feet. Advancing in sub-zero temperature along the razor sharp edge from the southwesterly direction, the party came as close as 200 metres of the position when it was fired upon. Captain Haneef Uddin and two other ranks received the brunt of fire. _

Inspite of the grave injury, Captain Haneef Uddin, without caring for his personal safety, took position and started firing to pin down the enemy and to extricate his team members. In the ensuing firing from both sides, Captain Haneef Uddin was further hit by enemy artillery and small arms fire. However, he kept on engaging the enemy till his men could reach a safe location. Captain Haneef Uddin however, succumbed to his injuries. Captain Haneef Uddin displayed bravery and concern for his team of the highest order and with utter disregard to his own safety made the supreme sacrifice. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...25

Naib Subedar Mangej Singh, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2688...

Vir Chakra Citation For Naib Subedar Mangej Singh (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 11 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: JC-468659F, Birth: 03 Oct 1958, Died: 06 Jun 1999)
_On 06 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, Naib Subedar Mangej Singh was part of a patrol tasked to establish a foothold and set up own post at Point 5590 in the Turtuk sector. Naib Subedar Mangej Singh volunteered for the patrol and was assigned the command of medium machine gun detachment in the fire support role. Naib Subedar Mangej Singh tactically employed the automatic as the patrol moved forward using fire and move tactics. When the patrol was 50 metres short of the target, the enemy opened heavy automatic fire on our troops. _

Naib Subedar Mangej Singh personally took charge of the medium machine gun and engaged the enemy. The medium machine gun was deployed in the open terrain without any cover. In the firefight, he received gunshot wounds in his chest. Undeterred by his injuries and showing utter disregard to personal safety, Naib Subedar Mangej Singh continued firing on the enemy till the patrol could extricate itself from the enemy fire. In the bargain, he received more bullets in his abdomen and laid down his life fighting the enemy. Naib Subedar Mangej Singh displayed exemplary courage and mental robustness in the face of enemy with total disregard to his personal safety and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation Source: http://twdi.in/nod...56
7th June, 1999

Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...26

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 12 JAK Light Infantry, P. Number: 9094874X, Birth: 01 Feb 1973, Death: 07 Jun 1999)
_On 07 June 1999, Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan of 12 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry was Rocket Launcher Number 1 of Alfa Company which was tasked to capture Point 5203 in the Kargil Sector, a feature strongly held by the enemy during "Operation Vijay ". _

Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan infiltrated with the column during the night after a treacherous climb lasting nine-hour and occupied a position behind the enemy retaining complete surprise. The column was waiting to assault the enemy at 0430 hours when Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan spotted approximately twenty enemy soldiers advancing towards his team. Without wasting any time he warned his comrades and fired his rocket launcher killing three enemy soldiers.

While Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan was in the process of reloading the rocket launcher, the enemy brought intense automatic fire killing eight of his comrades, Undeterred Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan continued to fire at the enemy till he also sustained multiple bullet injures. He succumbed to his injuries later.

Lance Naik Ghulam Mohd Khan displayed exceptional valour and gallantry in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...01

8th June, 1999

Captain Amol kalia, Source: https://defencelover.in/not-let-fight-family-ki...

Vir Chakra Citation For Captain Amol Kalia (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 12 JAK Light Infantry, P. Number: IC-54065F, Birth: 26 Feb 1974, Died: 08 Jun 1999)
On 08 June 1999, during “Operation Vijay” Captain Amol Kalia along with his men were tasked to capture an enemy post at Point 5203 in the Batlik-Yaldor Sector at a height of 17,000 feet Leading from the front, Captain Kalia selected the least likely approach, which was tough and difficult He assaulted the enemy position with a handful of men and managed to capture the height against heavy volume of enemy artillery and small arms fire Soon the enemy launched counter-attack supported with heavy volume of fire of artillery, Universal machine guns and rocket propelled guns form two different directions, Captain Kalia led his men from the front and held on to the position

In a hand to hand fight, which followed, his light machine gun crew was killed. Captain Kalia took over the light machine gun himself and killed three enemy personnel and injured three others. In the action he was hit by a burst of bullets and breathed his last on 09 June 1999, but not before the enemy was repulsed and the post reinforced by own troops.

Captain Amol Kalia thus showed raw courage, dynamic leadership and devotion to duty with utter disregard to his own safety in the face of the enemy and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...98
9th June, 1999
Indian troops re-capture two key positions in the Batalik sector. Pakistan killed previously captured 5 Indian soldiers Captain Saurabh Kalia, Sepoy Arjun Ram Baswana, Sepoy Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Sepoy Bhikaram Moondh, Sepoy Moola Ram Bidiyasar and Sepoy Naresh Singh Sinsinwar

Captain Saurabh Kalia, Sepoy Moola Ram Bidiyasar, Sepoy Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Sepoy Naresh Singh Sinsinwar, Sepoy Bhikaram Moondh and Sepoy Arjun Ram Baswana (from Left to Right), Source: https://twitter.com/FlagsOfHonour/status/126122...
11th June, 1999
India releases intercepts of conversations between Pakistani COAS Gen. Pervez Musharraf (on a visit to China) and CGS Lt. Gen. Aziz Khan (in Rawalpindi) as proof of the Pakistan Army’s involvement in the infiltrations.

Subedar Bahadur Singh, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/subedar-baha...

Vir Chakra Citation For Subedar Bahadur Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 12 JAK Light Infantry, P. Number: JC-203851F, Birth: 10 Jan 1953, Died: 11 Jun 1999)
On 11 June 1999, Subedar Bahadur Singh was tasked to neutralise one of the enemy positions at an altitude of approximately 17,400 feet in Jammu and Kashmir during ‘Operation Rakshak’ in the Kargil Sector. Subedar Bahadur Singh accompanied by two other ranks advancing in a terrain totally devoid of any natural cover stealthily outflanked the enemy from the North and gained proximity to the enemy The move was ultimately detected by the enemy and heavy automatic fire was directed at Subedar Bahadur Singh’s party. Although the enemy was well entrenched in a dominating position, Subedar Bahadur Singh fearlessly fired back, killing two enemy soldiers on the spot.

Fierce firefight ensued and Subedar Bahadur Singh sustained a bullet injury. He refused to be evacuated and continued to fire back at the enemy till he succumbed to a bullet injury on his head.

Despite extremely hostile terrain, heavy enemy automatic fire and extreme cold climatic conditions, Subedar Bahadur Singh displayed exemplary determination by climbing the rugged top unnoticed and killing two enemy soldiers and made the supreme sacrifice for the Nation. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...42
12th June, 1999

Havildar Sultan Singh Nanvaria, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/hav-sultan-s...

Vir Chakra Citation For Havildar Sultan Singh Nanvaria (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: 2874737, Birth: 19 Jun 1960, Died: 13 Jun 1999)
On 12th/3th June 1999, Havildar Sultan Singh Nanvaria was the section commander of Number One Section, which was tasked to capture area Rock of Point 4590 in the Drass sector during ‘Operation Vijay’. The success of the company attack hinged on his ability to capture area Rock and establish a foothold on the feature. After having deployed the fire support base, Havildar Nanvaria attempted to approach area Rock from a flank. The enemy holding area Rock in strength readjusted itself to bring down effective fire on him and his section

Despite heavy odds of attacking up hill at 15,000 feet, against accurate enemy small arms fire, Havildar Nanvaria fearlessly pressed on. At this stage, he ordered his section to assault area Rock and he himself rushed towards the enemy medium machine gun, blazing away his weapon. When his ammunition ran out, he charged on to the medium machine gun taking the complete fire on to himself and neutralized the medium machine gun before succumbing to his injuries. Inspired by his gallant action and supreme sacrifice the section assaulted area Rock and captured it.

Havildar Sultan Singh Nanvaria displayed gallantry of the highest order and made the supreme sacrifice.

Sub Bhanwar Lal, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/subedar-bhan...

Vir Chakra Citation For Sub Bhanwar Lal(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: JC-468356A, Birth: 25 Dec 1956, Died: 13 Jun 1999)
_On night 12/13 June 1999 during “Operation Vijay”, Subedar Bhawar Lal was leading his platoon to capture Tololing Top in the Drass Sector. As they closed in with the objective, the enemy brought down heavy fire on them. The leading section of his platoon suffered three casualties and the attack was stalled temporarily. _

At this juncture, Subedar Bhawar Lal took the lead and kept extracting his section to move ahead. 50 metres of the enemy positions, he got a burst of light machine gun fire. Unmindful of his injuries, he moved ahead with his men and continued to do so till he succumbed to his injuries at the base of the enemy position. The enthused section could destroy the enemy position only due to the excellent leadership of Subedar Bhawar Lal who displayed inspiring leadership and bravery and made the supreme sacrifice for capturing Tololing Top. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...83

13th June, 1999
Indian forces secure Tololing in Dras after a fierce battle with militias backed by Pakistani troops.

Maj Vivek Gupta, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-vivek-...

Mahavir Chakra Citation for Maj Vivek Gupta(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-51152K, Birth: 02 Jan 1970, Death 13 Jun 1999)
Major Vivek Gupta was in command ofthe leading Charlie Company, when 2 Rajputana Rifles launched a battalion attack on Tololing Top, in Drass sector on 13 June 1999. Inspite of heavy artillery and automatic fire, the company under the inspiring leadership of Major Vivek Gupta was able to close in with the enemy. As soon as the Company emerged in the open, they came under multidirectional intense fire. Three personnel of the leading section of the Company were hit and the attack was temporarily stalled. Knowing fully well that staying any longer in the open under the murderous enemy fire would lead to more losses, Major Vivek Gupta reacted immediately and fired a rocket launcher at the enemy position. Before the shocked enemy could recover, Major Vivek Gupta charged on to the enemy position. While so charging, he was hit by two bullets, despite which, he kept moving towards the position. On reaching the position, he engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat and managed to kill three enemy soldiers despite his own injuries
Taking inspiration form the gallant deed of their officer, the rest of the company charged onto the enemy position and captured it. However, in the ensuing combat, Major Vivek Gupta received another direct from enemy bullets and finally succumbed to his injuries. Major Vivek Gupta displayed conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership in the face of the enemy, which, ultimately led to the capture of Tololing Top. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...74

Naik Digendra Kumar, Source: http://www.riseforindia.com/kargill-hero-cobra-...

Mahavir Chakra Citation for Nk Digendra Kumar, MVC
Naik Digendra Kumar was commander of the light machine gun group during his company’s assault on Tololing feature in the Drass sector. The objective was to capture a well-fortified enemy position.

On 13 June 1999, when the assault group was nearing its objective, it came under effective enemy fire of well concealed universal machine gun, heavy machine gun and other small arms leading to heavy casualties in the assault group. Naik Digendra Kumar was hit by a bullet in his left arm. Undaunted and unmindful of his own injury, he kept firing with one hand and brought down effective and accurate light machine gun fire on the enemy. His accurate fire kept the enemy’s head down while his own men advanced towards the objective. Finally, under his effective covering fire, own troops physically assaulted the enemy position and cleared it after a fierce hand-to-hand fight. Despite being seriously wounded, it was due to his courageous action that the assault group could finally capture the objective.

Naik Digendra Kumar displayed conspicuous gallantry, courage and grit in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...35
15th June, 1999
United States President Bill Clinton forces then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif to immediately pull all Pakistani troops and irregulars out from Kargil.
17th June, 1999

Col S Vijay Bhaskar, Source: https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1147775125661....

Vir Chakra Citation For Col S Vijay Bhaskar(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK Rifles, P. Number: IC-43258F, Birth: 03 Dec 1964)
S. Vijay Bhaskar was Alfa Company Commander, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, tasked to capture Point 5140 in the Drass Sector during “Operation Vijay”. Despite difficulties of movement under intense fire and treacherous rocky and rugged terrain, he volunteered to launch a daylight attack on Point 5140 on 17 June 1999.

Displaying unadulterated courage, nerves of steel and firm resolve, he assaulted the well-sited sangars with utter disregard to his personal safety. Leading from the front in the finest traditions of the Indian Army, he motivated his men for a close gun battle in which six intruders were killed and the position was captured, making the capture of Point 5140 easy.

In another operation in the Mushkoh Valley he was tasked to capture Point 4875 on 7 July 1999. Notwithstanding the inhospitable terrain and rarefied atmosphere, he achieved complete surprise to reach 150 metres short of the objective, when he came under heavy shelling and automatic fire. Showing exceptional presence of mind, he reorganised his company for a daylight attack and personally killed two enemy intruders in a close combat. In all, four intruders were eliminated,

Major S. Vijay Bhaskar displayed sheer grit, professional acumen, raw courage and exemplary command and control in the presence of enemy leading to the capture of point 4875. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...87

20th June, 1999

Captain Vikram Batra, Source:https://www.thebetterindia.com/120590/vikram-ba...

Param Vir Chakra Citation for Late Capt Vikram Batra, PVC: (IC-57556) , 13 JAK RIF (‘Sher Shah’, ‘Tiger of Drass’, the ‘Lion of Kargil’, the ‘Kargil Hero’)

During “Operation Vijay”, on 20 June 1999, Captain Vikram Batra Commander Delta Company was tasked to attack point 5140. he skirted around the feature from the East with his company and maintaining surprise reached within the assaulting distance of the enemy. Reorganising his column, he motivated his men to physically assault the enemy positions. Leading from the front in a daredevil assault, he pounced on the enemy and killed four of them in a hand-to-hand fight. On 7 July 1999, in another operation in the area of Point 4875, his company was tasked to clear a narrow feature with sharp cutting on either side and heavily fortified enemy defences that covered the only approach to it. In a speedy operation, Captain Batra assaulted the enemy positions along narrow ridge and engaged the enemy in a fierce hand-t-hand fight and killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range. Despite sustaining grave injuries, he crawled towards the enemy and hurled grenades clearing the position. With utter disregard to his personal safety leading from the front he rallied his men and pressed on the attack the helped achieve a near impossible military task in the face of heavy enemy fire. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries. Inspired by his daredevil act, his troops fell upon the enemy with vengeance, annihilated them and captured Point 4875

Captain Vikram Batra, thus, displayed the most conspicuous bravery and leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the India Army

Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi, Source:https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/pun...

Vir Chakra Citation For Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK Rifles, P. Number: IC-40500, Birth: 05 Jan 1962)
Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi, 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, was tasked to capture the strategically vital Point 5140 in Drass Sector during “Operation Vijay”. Lieutenant Colonel Joshi conceived a brilliant plan catering for coordinated action to achieve total surprise and psychological dominance over the tactically better positioned enemy. He also personally supervised all preliminary actions before the attack. During the attack on 20 June 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Joshi kept motivating his company commanders and kept staging himself forward with utter disregard to his personal safety. Displaying exceptional presence of mind, he responded to changing battle situations in a most competent manner, his leading from the front and being well forward in battle acted as a morale booster to the attaching troops. Drawing inspiration from him, the attacking companies surmounted the heavy odds, rugged in-hospitable terrain and enemy fire to close in and capture the objective, important peak of Point 5140.

Lieutenant Colonel Yogesh Kumar Joshi displayed exemplary leadership, outstanding command and control and valour beyond the call of duty, leading to killing of six enemy intruders and recapturing of the strategically vital Point 5140 in Drass Sector.

Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal, Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himac...

Vir Chakra Citation For Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal
As part of "Operation Vijay” on 20 June 1999 at 0415 hours, Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal was tasked to recapture point 5140 in the Drass Sector, an important feature dominating the Srinagar-Leh road which had been forcibly taken over and held by enemy intruders. The young officer approached the feature from the west along with his column and reached within assaulting distance of the enemy defence, maintaining total surprise. After reorganizing the entire company and visualizing no other option he motivated his men to attack the feature

Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal, leading from the front along with his buddy, physically assaulted the first enemy sangar. This took the enemy by total surprise and forced them into a hand-to-hand fight, resulting panic amongst them. After successfully clearing the first sangar, Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal further attacked the second sangar causing further attrition on the enemy.

In this act of valour Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal along with his column left six enemy dead and led to the recapturing of the important feature. Captain Sanjeev Singh Jamwal exhibited raw courage and true professionalism in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...47

Rifleman Mehar Singh, Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himac...

Vir Chakra Citation For Rifleman Mehar Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK Rifles, P. Number: 13759408, Birth: 01 Jun 1975)
On 20 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, Rifleman Mehar Singh was the Light Machine Gun Number 2 when his company was tasked to attack and dislodge enemy intruders occupying Point 5140, a tactically important peak overlooking the entire Drass sector. He was asked to provide covering fire to the assaulting column. With utter disregard to his personal safety and notwithstanding the almost unscaleable rocky terrain, severe cold, heavy enemy shelling and direct fire, he moved towards the earmarked enemy sangar. Teaming with his Light Machine Gun Number One, he opened accurate covering fire on the enemy causing attrition and panic while his comrades moved in for the decisive hand-to-hand assault.

Seeing no further requirement of covering fire, Rifleman Mehar Singh pounced on the enemy and got embroiled in a hand-to-hand fight which finally led to the capture of the vital post. He displayed selfless courage and aggressive determination in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...76

24th June, 1999

Vir Chakra Citation For Capt Shyam Lal Sinha(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 27 Rajput (On attachment from High Altitude Warfar, P. Number: IC-53264, Death: 05 Oct 2007)
_During “Operation Meghdoot”, 27 Rajput Regiment was tasked to capture a strategic post “Point 5770 Top” occupied by the enemy and overlooking our own defences in the southern Glacier sub-sector. Captain Shyamlal Sinha was attached with 27 Rajput and his team volunteered for opening a route to the Top. The enemy opened devastating artillery and small arms fire at own troops. With total disregard to personnel safety. Captain Shyamlal Sinha assaulted the enemy position firing from the hip and lobbing grenades and cleared the position. _

Totally surprised by the bold and daredevil nature of the assault team, the enemy ran helter skelter towards South Western direction. While running, ten enemy personnel rolled down the steep ledge into a deep nullah towards West. However, four enemy personnel form the leading two sangars engaged the assault team with automatic weapons. With utter disregard to personal safety, Captain Shyamlal Sinha charged towards the sangars and in the ensuing hand-to-hand fight, silenced the enemy resistance with professional acumen and using he Universal machine gun that was captured from the enemy. A large quantity of arms and ammunition were also capture.

Captain Shyamal Sinha displayed professional acumen and conspicuous courage in the face of enemy, in the Southern Glacier sub sector. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...13
28th June, 1999

Captain Neikezhkuo Kenguruse, Source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/62903/kargil-her...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Late Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles (On attachment from ASC), P. Number: IC-58396A, Birth: 15 Jul 1974, Death: 28 Jun 1999)

Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse was the Ghatak platoon commander during the attack on area ‘Black Rock’ in the Drass Sector on the night of 28 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’. He volunteered to undertake a daring commando mission of attacking a well-sited enemy machine gun position, on a cliff face, which was heavily interfering with all the approaches to the main objective of the battalion. As the commando team scaled the cliff face, it came under intense mortar and automatic fire, which caused heavy casualties.

Captain Kenguruse sustained splinter injury in his abdomen. Bleeding profusely yet undeterred, he urged his men to carry on with the assault. On reaching the final cliff face, the commando team was halted by a sheer rock wall that separated them from the enemy machine gun post. Captain Kenguruse took off his shoes to get a good grip and scaled the rock wall carrying with hi111 a rocket launcher, which he fired at the enemy position.

Unmindful of his personal safety, he thereafter charged at the enemy position and personally killed two men with his rifle and another two with his commando knife in a hand-to-hand combat before succumbing to his injury.

By his dare devil act, Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse single handedly neutralized the enemy position, which had held up the battalion’s progress. He displayed conspicuous gallantry indomitable resolve, grit and determination beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the face oft he enemy, in true traditions of the Indian Army. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...01

Major Padmapani Acharya, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/major-padmap...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Major Padmapani Acharya(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-35072K, Born:21 June 1969, Death: 28 June 1999)
On 28 June 1999, Major Padmapani Acharya as a Company Commander, was assigned the formidable task of capturing an enemy position which was heavily fortified, strongly held and covered with mines and sweeping machine gun and artillery fire. Success of the battalion and brigade operation hinged on the early capture of this position. However the company attack almost faltered at the very beginning when the enemy’s artillery fire came down squarely on the leading platoon, inflicting large numbers of casualties. With utter disregard to his personal safely, Major Acharya took the reserve platoon of his company and led it through raining artillery shells. Even as his men were falling to the murderous enemy fire, he continued to encourage his men and charged at the enemy up the steep rock face with his reserve platoon.

Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy’s position, Major Acharya crawled up to the enemy position and lobbed grenades. In this daring assault, he was seriously injured. Despite heavy injuries and unable to move, he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fire at the enemy. The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was captured. He, however, succumbed to his injuries after completion of the mission.

Major Padmapani Acharya displayed exceptional courage, leadership and spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...01

Col Magod Basappa Ravindranath, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/col-magod-ba...

Vir Chakra Citation For Colonel Magod Basappa Ravindranath(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-38662, Birth: 15 May 1959, Death: 08 Apr 2018)
_During “Operation Vijay”, Colonel Magod Bassappa Ravindranath, Commanding Officer, 2 Rajputana Rifles, was tasked to capture the strategic heights of Tololing Point 4590 and area Rock in the Drass sector, which dominated the Srinagar-Leh Road. Colonel Ravindranath went about the task in meticulous manner in which he personally led the reconnaissance teams of his battalion under enemy artillery and small arms fire. During the assault on 12 June 1999 at Tololing, the company was under constant enemy artillery shelling and heavy automatic fire. Realising the gravity of the situation, Colonel Ravindranath reached the spot and quickly restored the situation by his personal influence, which ultimately led to beating back the enemy counterattacks and consolidating hold on Tololing and Point 4590. In continuation of the Tololing operation, the battalion was again tasked to capture area Black Rock on the night of 28 June 1999. _

_During the attack on Black Rock, the assaulting company lost both its officers, Realising the gravity of the situation, Colonel Ravindranath personally led the assault once again and was instrumental in capturing area Black Rock. _

Colonel Magod Bassappa Ravindranath displayed exemplary gallantry and led from the front in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...42

Maj Mohit Saxena, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...50

Vir Chakra Citation For Maj Mohit Saxena(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-53595, Birth: 12 Dec 1972)
On 28 June 1999, during "Operation Vijay”, Major Mohit Saxena was the Delta Company Commander which was tasked to capture Lone Hill in the Drass sector. Lone Hill was very imposing feature with sheer cliff faces covered by enemy medium machine guns. The moonlight made his task further difficult.

Major Saxena, who had earlier displayed outstanding courage in the capture of Point 4590 at Tololing on 12 June 1999 by launching a frontal assault, once again led the company column through a treacherous route with utmost speed and secrecy and assaulted the enemy position from the Southern side. The route was a sheer rock face. He personally led the assault and climbed up the sheer rock face of 200 feet length, inch-by-inch.

_Inspired by his boldness, the platoon followed him. As he reached the top, enemy brought down heavy automatic fire accompanied by grenades and even stones. Realising that the whole platoon would be wiped out and displaying total disregard for his own personal safety, Major Saxena reached the top and charged towards the enemy firing from his weapon. Seeing his bold action, the section followed suit. His subsequent daring leadership led to the final capture of Lone Hill, fall of which totally unnerved enemy forcing them to flee. _

Major Mohit Saxena displayed consistent gallantry in the face of the enemy during capture of feature. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...40

Captain Vijayant Thapar, https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/captain-vija...

Vir Chakra Citation For Captain Vijayant Thapar(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: IC-58278M, Born 26 Dec 1976, Died: 28 Jun 1999)
On 28 June 1999 Captain Vijayant Thapar was commanding the leading platoon of Alfa Company which was tasked to assault area Knoll in Drass sector From the North during ‘Operation Vijay’. While advancing, the platoon was hit by accurate enemy artillery barrage and it suffered heavy causalities. Displaying remarkable cool and courage, Captain Thapar organized evacuation of the causalities and quickly rallied his shell-shocked platoon for the attack. Personally leading the attack from the Northern face against enemy’s medium machine gun fire which was holding up to company’s assault he fearlessly charged at the enemy position firing from the hip and throwing grenades and shouting the war cry of the battalion

During this act he was grievously injured in the hand and stomach but continued to advance ordering his men to follow him. Roused by the action of their young platoon commander, barely out of the Academy, the platoon charged up the hill against the dominating enemy position. This audacious action unnerved the enemy and that forced him to abandon a tactically superior position. He however succumbed to his injuries. Captain Vijayant Thapar displayed exemplary valour in the presence of enemy and made the supreme sacrifice for capture of area Knoll. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...10

Nk Jai Ram Singh, Source: https://www.patrika.com/sikar-news/gallantry-aw...

Vir Chakra Citation For Nk Jai Ram Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Rajputana Rifles, P. Number: 2892944M, Birth: 01 Mar 1978)
On 28 June 1999 during “Operation Vijay”, Rifleman Jai Ram Singh was part of the assault platoon ordered to capture area Lone Hill in the Drass Sector. He enthusiastically and voluntarily led the attack along with his company commander. The enemy machine gun fire sweeping the approach hit him and he sustained multiple bullet injuries in the thigh. His company commander asked him to get back and seek medical attention to which he replied, “My leg is not broken. I can walk so I will come with you”.

Saying so, he quickly took out the field dressing and applied it on himself and continued with the attack, though profusely bleeding. Unmindful of his personal safety and injuries he along with his company commander assaulted the enemy sangar atop Lone Hill and cleared it. When the company commander’s radio set was damaged, he displayed courage and commitment to the mission far beyond the call of duly and fetched the spare radio set and reinforcements to his besieged company commander thus re-establishing communication and saving the situation. Rifleman Jai Ram Singh displayed courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...42

Major Rajesh Shah, https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...49

Vir Chakra Citation For Major Rajesh Shah(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Garhwal Rifles, P. Number: IC-52837P, Birth: 25 Feb 1972)
On 28 June 1999, Major Rajesh Sah, Company Commander, 18 Garhwal Rifles, was tasked to capture an adjoining feature of Point 4700 in the Drass sector during ‘Operation Vijay’. The feature was strongly held by the enemy with eight sangars. Major Sah made the treacherous climb through boulders in spite of heavy artillery shelling and automatic fire. With total disregard to his personal safety and displaying courage beyond all bounds, he surged his way to the top with just ten men to find himself in front of a heavily fortified enemy sangar, which was indiscriminately firing automatic weapons. Using his presence of mind, he deployed his men, crawled upto the sangar, lobbed a grenade through the loophole and charged at the sangar. In a fierce hand-tohand fight, he killed four infiltrators and occupied the sangars. The enemy was panic-stricken and was totally taken by surprise. The enemy thereafter fled, leaving behind their dead and huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

Major Rajesh Sah displayed indomitable courage, set a spirited personal example, showed exemplary leadership and dedication beyond all bounds and showed conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...77

Captain Sumeet Roy, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/captain-sume...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Captain Sumeet Roy(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Garhwal Rifles, P. Number: IC-58154X, Birth: 10 Sep 1977, Death 03 Jul 1999)
On 28 June 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, Captain Sumeet Roy was the second-in command of Delta Company which was assigned to capture Point 4700 in the Drass sector. Captain Roy was tasked to capture the observation post of the enemy. He set out with a section and at 2330 hours, following a covered approach, reached just below the observation post. He kept observing the movement of the enemy in the observation post till 0200 hours on 29 June 1999. In a daredevil move and with total disregard to his personal safety, he climbed up the cliff and reached the observation post and totally surprised the enemy. In a fierce hand-to-hand fight he killed both the enemy sentries. There was panic in the enemy ranks and the enemy fled leaving behind huge quantity of arms and ammunition. However, he later succumbed to injuries sustained due to the enemy artillery firing on 03 July 1999.

Captain Sumeet Roy displayed exemplary leadership, indomitable spirit, extraordinary courage and valour in the face of the enemy contributing immensely towards the capture of point 4700. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...67

Rfn Anusuya Prasad, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/sepoy-anusuy...

Vir Chakra Citation For Rfn Anusuya Prasad(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Garhwal Rifles, P. Number: 4075503L, Birth: 10 Jun 1975, Died: 28 Jun 1999
)

On 28 June 1999, Rifleman Anusuya Prasad was part of Charlie Company, which was tasked to capture an objective at Point 4700 in the Drass Sector during ‘Operation Vijay’. Point 4700 was heavily fortified with eight sangars firing automatic weapons. The advance could not progress despite several attempts due to heavy automatic fire from a sangar in the direction of the assault. Unmindful of his personal safety, he assaulted the sangar. Taking cover of huge boulders against automatic enemy fire and lobbing grenades, he got into the sangar to find three infiltrators. In a fierce hand-to-hand fight, he killed the three infiltrators, slitting the throat of two and charging one with the bayonet. In the encounter, he too received multiple bullet injuries and succumbed to his injuries. Rifleman Anusuya Prasad displayed camaraderie, exceptional bravery, conspicuous gallantry and dogged determination in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...17

29th June, 1999
Under pressure from the federal government, Pakistani forces begin their retreat from Indian-administered Kashmir and the Indian Army advances towards Tiger Hill.

Naik Kashmir Singh, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...21

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Naik Kashmir Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry
Unit: 18 Garhwal Rifles, P. Number: 4067027H, Birth: 02 Oct 1966, Died: 29 Jun 1999)
On 29 June 1999, Naik Kashmir Singh was with a team tasked to attack Point 4700, an objective in the Drass Sector during “Operation Vijay”. The objective was well fortified and heavy automatic fire was being brought down on the advancing troops. A sangar on the Southern slopes was engaging the troops and the advance was held up. Two individuals, including Naik Kashmir Singh, sustained bullet injuries.

Naik Kashmir Singh had got hit in the shoulder and was bleeding profusely. He understood that there was no other way but to physically assault and clear sangar. Bleeding profusely and without caring for his personal safety, he physically charged the sanger and cleared it, killing one infiltrator. In doing so, he got a burst of universal machine gun on his chest and face and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Despite being wounded, Naik Kashmir Singh displayed grit and determination, indomitable sprit and extraordinary courage in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...31

Major Mariappan Saravanan, Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy...

Vir Chakra Citation For Major M Saravanan(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 1 Bihar, P. Number: SS-36288, Birth: 10 Aug 1972, Died: 29 Jun 1999
)
Major M Saravanan was the Company Commander of one of the companies of 1 Bihar launched in the battalion attack on Point 4268 In the Batalik sector during "Operation Vijay” While moving forward to eliminate the last position held by the enemy, Major Saravanan was fired upon by the enemy with a heavy volume of small arms fire. Unmindful of the enemyfire, he crawled forward to destroy the last remaining enemy position and before being fatally hit by an enemy bullet, killed two enemy soldiers.

Major M Saravanan displayed exceptional bravery, valour and exemplary leadership, fighting from front, destroying two enemy sagars and killing few enemy soldiers before laying his life for the motherland and in the process eliminating an important enemy position. Source: http://www.twdi.in/nod...28
30th Jun/ 1st July, 1999

Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrun, Source: https://ssbcrackexams.com/10-inspiring-facts-ab...

Maha Vir Chakra Citation For Late Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrun (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 12 JAK Light Infantry, P. Number: SS-37111P, Birth: 07 Mar 1975, Death 1 July 1990)
On the night of30 June/01 July 1999, in an operation to capture Point 4812 in the Batalik sector, Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum was tasked to assault the feature from the South Eastern direction. He led his column over the near impossible vertical cliff feature. On reaching the top, his column encountered strong enemy opposition. The enemy was well entrenched in interconnected positions carved out ofboulders and remained immune to even artillery fire.

The enemy pinned down the column of Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum with heavy and accurate automatic fire for about two hours. On seeing the futility of own fire against the fortified enemy position, Lieutenant Nongrum, with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged through the fire zone. Closing in with the first position, he threw grenades into it and killed sex enemy soldiers. He then tried to snatch the universal machine gun of the enemy from the second enemy position and received a volley of bullets.

The audacious action of Lieutenant Nongrum not only stunned the enemy but also gave valuable reaction time to his troops to close in and finally clear the position. Though severely wounded, he refused to be evacuated and fought valiantly till he succumbed to his injuries. This act resulted in the ultimate capture of Point 4812.

Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum displayed conspicuous bravery, dogged determination and raw courage in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Col Lalit Rai, Source: https://www.simplylifeindia.com/speakers-col-la...

Vir Chakra Citation For Col Lalit Rai(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, P. Number: IC-37020L, Birth: 24 Jan 1956)
_On 02 July 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, Colonel Lalit Rai was tasked to capture the strategic and formidable heights of Khalubar in the Batalik sub-sector. During the advance, own troops were pinned down by effective and heavy volume of enemy fire. Realising the danger of getting day lighted in this vulnerable position, Colonel Rai ordered the Number 5 platoon to clear the interfering enemy positions while he himself led a handful of troops, available in front, to reach the top. The enemy, sensing the danger, counter-attacked our troops from three sides with 30-40 personnel. During this counter attack, Colonel Rai was injured in the knee. Inspite of the injury, he exhorted and encouraged his troops to fight courageously by setting a very high standard of personal example. He refused to be evacuated till such time the objective was captured. _

This act boosted the morale ofhis troops who regrouped and captured the objective in one charge. This capture turned out to be the
turning point in the battle of the Batalik sub-sector. This operation accounted for killing of 25 enemy soldiers and capture of large amount of arms and ammunition including a Stinger missile, air defence guns and important documents.

Colonel Lalit Rai displayed conspicuous bravery in the face of heavy enemy fire and made a very significant contribution to the success in the Batalik sub-sector. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...74

3rd July, 1999

Maj Balwan Singh, Source:https://www.newsgram.com/lt-balwan-singh-a-man-...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Maj Balwan Singh (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Grenadiers, P. Number: IC-56218Y, Birth: 17 Oct 1973)
_On 03 July 1999 Lieutenant Balwan Singh with his Ghatak platoon was tasked to assault the ‘Tiger Hill Top’ from the North Eastern direction as part of a multi pronged attack. The route to the objective situated at a height of 16,500 feet was snowbound and interspersed with crevasses and sheer falls. The officer, with just three months service, set about his task with single-minded determination. The team led and exhorted by him, moved for over twelve hours along a very difficult and precarious route and under intense artillery shelling to reach the designated spur. _

This move took the enemy by complete surprise as his team used cliff assault mountaineering equipment to reach the top with stealth. On seeing the Ghataks, the enemy panicked and in a desperate firefight attempted to repulse the Ghataks. In the ensuing firefight, Lieutenant Balwan Singh was himself seriously injured. However his resolve to finish the enemy remained unshaken. He refused to be evacuated and unmindful of his injury, moved swiftly to encircle the enemy and engaged them in close combat and single handedly killed four enemy soldiers. The remaining enemy personnel opted to flee rather than face the fury of the fierce officer. His inspirational leadership, conspicuous courage and bravery were instrumental in the capture of Tiger Hill, which was operationally one of the most important objectives in the Drass sector. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...19

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Source:https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kargil-vija...

Param Vir Chakra Citation for Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, P. Number: IC-56959W, Birth: 25 Jun 1975, Died: 3 Jul 1999)
Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks during ‘Operation Vijay’, forcing back the intruders the heavy losses in Batalik including the capture of Jaubar Top. On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions, so as to prevent his battalion from getting daylighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and then destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grevious injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal MMG burst on his forehead. The singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of the Khalubar. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...67

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Source: https://www.patrika.com/ghaziabad-news/param-vi...

Paramvir Chakra Citation For Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Grenadiers, P. Number: 2690572, Birth: 10 May 1980)
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was part of the leading team of Ghatak Platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The approach to the top was steep, snow bound and rocky. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, unmindful of the risk involved, volunteered to be in the lead and fixed rope of his team to climb up. On seeing the team, the enemy opened intense automatic grenade, rocket and artillery fire killing the commander and two of his colleagues and the platoon was stalled. Realising the gravity of the situation, Grenadier Yadav crawled up to the enemy position to silence it and in the process sustained multiple injuries. Unmindful of his injuries and in the hail of enemy bullets, Grenadier Yadav continued climbing towards the enemy positions. Lobbing grenades and continuously firing from his weapon, he killed four enemy soldiers in close combat and silenced the automatic fire. Despite multiple injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued the charge. Inspired by his gallant act, the platoon charged on to the other positions with renewed punch and captured Tiger Hill Top.

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav displayed the most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry, grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...78

Maj Sachi Annarao Nimbalkar, Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...54

Vir Chakra Citation For Maj Sachi Annarao Nimbalkar (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 18 Grenadiers, P. Number: IC-57021, Birth: 19 Jan 1976)
During “OperationVijay”, Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar, commanding officer of Delta Company, was tasked to capture Tiger Hill top in the Drass sector from the East in a multi-pronged attack on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The approach was unexplored and the enemy position impregnable. Captain Nimbalkar led his men from the front over inhospitable terrain at a height of 16,500 feet negotiating torrents amidst intense enemy artillery shelling and fire. Undeterred and retaining his nerves he advanced towards the enemy position for over twelve hours through darkness and inclement weather. Once close to the enemy position, he established a firebase and with his men commenced cliff assault using mountaineering equipment. He reached the Top and caught the enemy unaware. He directed his men to encircle the enemy and fixed automatic weapons to cover enemy’s aggression. He started clearing the enemy using combat knives and bayonets. The hand-to-hand scuffle continued till daybreak when the enemy realised what had befallen them and opted to flee. Captain Sachin Nimbalkar had however left no scope for the enemy to flee. Twelve enemy soldiers were killed and a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered in this operation. Captain Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar displayed inspirational leadership, ferocity, unparalleled courage and bravery in the face of the enemy, which led to the capture of Tiger Hill. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...65

4th July, 1999
Three Indian regiments (Sikh, Grenadiers and Naga) engage elements of the remaining Pakistani Northern Light Infantry regiment in the Battle of Tiger Hill. The region is recaptured by Indian forces after more than 12 hours of fighting.

Suvedar Sanjay Kumar, Source: https://www.rediff.com/news/special/how-i-was-a...

Param Vir Chakra Citation for Suvedar Sanjay Kumar(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK Rifles, P. Number: 13760533, Birth: 03 Mar 1976)
Rifleman Sanjay Kumar volunteered to be the leading scout of the attacking column tasked to capture area Flat Top of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley on 4 July 1999. During the attack when enemy automatic fire from one of the sangars posed stiff opposition and stalled the column, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar realizing the gravity of the situation and with utter disregard to his personal safety, charged at the enemy. In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed three of the intruders and was himself seriously injured. Despite his injuries, he charged onto the second sangar. Taken totally by surprise, the enemy left behind a Universal Machine Gun and started running.

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar picked up the UMG and killed the fleeing enemy. Although bleeding profusely, he refused to be evacuated. The brave action on his part motivated his comrades and they took no notice of the treacherous terrain and charged onto the enemy and wrested the area Flat Top from the hands of the enemy.

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar displayed most conspicuous gallantry, cool courage and devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy. Source:http://twdi.in/nod...72

Rifleman Shyam Singh, Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/himac...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Rifleman Shyam Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK RIF, P. Number: 13758323A, Birth: 26 Jan 1974, Died: 4 Jul 1999)
During “Operation Vijay”, Rifleman Shyam Singh volunteered to be part of Charlie company commander’s assault team tasked to capture area Flat Top at Point 4875 in Mushkoh Valley Displaying exemplary field craft and braving rugged and inhospitable terrain, rarified atmosphere and heavy enemy shelling he led the column fearlessly towards the objective. However, owing to treacherous terrain, the assaulting team got day-lighted two hundred metres short of the objective.

Notwithstanding the grave danger to his personal safety and with no other alternative in sight, Rifleman Shyam Singh physically assaulted a heavily fortified and strongly held enemy sangar. In the hand-to hand fight that ensued, he pounced on the enemy killing one intruder with his bayonet and injuring another. During this daredevil act, he too got seriously injured by enemy sniper fire from the adjacent sangar and succumbed to his injuries. However his brave, selfless and super-human act motivated his comrades, which resulted in the capture of the strategically important feature. Rifleman Shyam Singh displayed raw courage in the face of the enemy and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Col Umesh Singh Bawa, Source:https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...12

Vir Chakra Citation For Col Umesh Singh Bawa(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 17 Jat, P. Number: IC-35204L, Birth: 05 Jun 1958)
During “Operation Vijay”, 17 JAT was tasked to capture Pimple complex part of Point 4875, a most dominating feature in the Mushkoh Valley, Colonel Umesh Singh Bawa, the Commanding Officer of the unit, planned a two pronged attack along the least expected and difficult approaches to surprise the enemy. The attack commenced at 2200 hours on 04 July 1999.

Colonel Bawa led the attack from the front and in a rare display of command and leadership qualities, motivated his men to achieve a near impossible military task against heavy odds. Under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arm fire, he took charge of the assaulting columns and personally supervised capture of four enemy positions that led to crumbling of enemy defences. The unit, under his inspiring leadership, also successfully repulsed the enemy counter attacks on Pimple Two.

Colonel Umesh Singh Bawa kept his cool throughout the battle and exercised full control on the assaulting troops and led them to the capture of Pimple One, Pimple Two and another feature named Whale-Back. The unit also recovered thirty-five weapons and twenty-two enemy dead bodies including that of an officer. He displayed exemplary courage while leading form the front in the face of the enemy. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...67

Lt Col Deepak Rampal, Source: https://udaipurtimes.com/junior/decision-determ...

Vir Chakra Citation For Lt Col Deepak Rampal(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 17 Jat, P. Number: IC-44616, Birth: 24 Nov 1965)
_On 04 July 1999 during ‘Operation Vijay’, Delta Company of 17 JAT under Major Deepak Rampal was tasked to capture Whale-Back, part of Point 4875. Whale-Back, a dominating feature, had complete observation over the Mushkoh Valley Drass and Matayan and observed artillery fire was being directed by the enemy. Attack commenced at 2200 hours on 04 July 1999 with Major Rampal leading from the front. Despite accurate enemy artillery, mortars and small arms fire, he motivated his men to advance _

Despite initial causalities of leading platoon commander and five other ranks, Major Rampal quickly reorganised and resumed advance. Three enemy positions were located on the objective. He moved his platoon from sangar to sangar after a fierce close combat on the objective for four hours, killed five enemy soldiers and cleared three enemy medium machine gun sangars.

By this action the objective was captured by 0330 hours on 05 July 1999. Enemy massed 30 to 40 troops opposite Whale-Back and attempted a counter attack. Major Rampal kept his cool, employed artillery, mortars and automatics to repulse the enemy counterattack. Two more attempts were made to counter-attack on the same day, which too were successfully repulsed by him. This led to the final capture of Pimple complex and killing of five Pakistani soldiers and recovery of twenty-eight weapons.

Major Deepak Rampal with exemplary courage, grit and determination and with utter disregard to his personal safety captured the objective and repulsed three enemy counter attacks. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...07

5th July, 1999
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif officially announces the Pakistan Army’s withdrawal from Kargil following a meeting with POTUS Bill Clinton. Indian forces subsequently take control of Dras.

Maj Vikas Vohra, Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/harya...

Vir Chakra Citation For Maj Vikas Vohra (Army, Arm: Infantry,Unit: 13 JAK Rifles,P. Number: IC-47825W, Birth: 04 Jan 1968)
During “Operation Vijay”, Major Vikas Vohra was commanding the Delta Company of 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, tasked to exploit and clear the area Ledge adjoining Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley and thereby maintaining the momentum of assault after the capture of enemy positions. The Ledge was strongly fortified, held in strength and impossible to outflank. Seeing no other option and knowing the inherent difficulties and stiff resistance expected, Major Vohra volunteered to lead a day assault for capturing area Ledge. Braving rugged and inhospitable terrain, steep escarpments, continuous heavy shelling and automatic fire; he led the assault from front thus motivating his men. In a daredevil action beyond the call of duty and showing true professional acumen, cool headedness, sheer grit, determination and raw courage, he assaulted the enemy position killing two intruders in a hand-to-hand combat. His brave action enabled his company to overcome the heavy enemy opposition thereby resulting in quick capture of area Ledge and recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

Major Vikas Vohra acted with exemplary courage, determination, acumen and leadership qualities, leading to capture of an important objective in the Mushkoh Valley. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...60

6th July, 1999

Captain Anuj Nayyar, Source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/152033/kargil-an...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Late Captain Anuj Nayyar(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 17 Jat, P. Number: IC-5711W, Birth: 28 Aug 1975, Death: 6 Jul 1999)
On 06 July 1999, Charlie Company was tasked to capture an objective, which was a part of the Pimple Complex on the Western Slopes of Point 4875, in the Mushkoh Valley. At the beginning of the attack the Company Commander got injured and the command of the company devolved on Captain Anuj Nayyar. Captain Nayyar continued to command his leading platoon into the attack under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. As the platoon advanced, the leading section reported location of 3 to 4 enemy positions. Captain Nayyar moved forward towards the first enemy position and fired rocket launcher and lobbed grenades into it.

Thereafter, the section, along with Captain Nayyar, physically assaulted and cleared the position. The enemy, which was well entrenched, brought a heavy volume of automatic fire. Captain Anuj Nayyar, unmindful of his personal safety, motivated his men and cleared two more enemy positions. While clearing the fourth position an enemy rocket propelled grenade hit the officer killing him on the spot. This action led by Captain Anuj Nayyar resulted in killing nine enemy soldiers and destruction of three medium machine gun positions of the enemy. The success of this operation after a brief setback was largely due to the outstanding personal bravery and exemplary junior leadership of this daring officer. Captain Anuj Nayyar displayed indomitable resolve, grit and determination and motivated his command by personal example acting beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice in true traditions of the Indian Army. Source:http://twdi.in/nod...34

Sepoy Satpal Singh, Source: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-ne...

Vir Chakra Citation For Sepoy Satpal Singh(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 8 Sikh, P. Number: 3392872F, Birth: 07 Sep 1973)
Sepoy Satpal Singh along with his section, was deployed in the Drass sector during ‘Operation Vijay’. The section came under heavy enemy fire from Tiger Hill, Rocky Knob, Charlie Feature and Trig Height at 0600 hrs on 6 July 1999.

The enemy launched counter attack with 15 to 16 intruders and intense fire fighting ensued between Sepoy Satpal Singh and the intruders. While repulsing counter attack Sepoy Satpal Singh got seriously wounded. Showing utter disregard to his personal safety he kept firing incessantly, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. He did not allow enemy to come closer and beat back the counter attack. The enemy launched a second counter attack with 40 to 45 intruders. He boldly confronted them again. Though suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, he kept engaging the intruders and killed four of them. Many more intruders were injured and this finally forced the enemy to flee. He held on to his post and kept motivating his comrades to fight till the last.

Displaying extreme bravery and courage, Sepoy Satpal Singh single handedly took on the enemy face to-face at close quarters that motivated the troops around him and subsequently repulsed the fierce counter attack. Source: http://twdi.in/nod...34
7th July, 1999
Indian troops recapture Jubar Heights in Batalik.

Subedar Raghunath Singh, Source:https://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/4...

Vir Chakra Citation For Subedar Raghunath Singh (Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 13 JAK Rifles, P. Number: JC-578216, Birth: 02 Dec 1956)
Subedar Raghunath Singh was the leading platoon commander of Delta Company of 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, tasked to clear area Ledge beyond Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley during "Operation Vijay”. On 7 July 1999, the company was stalled at Point 4875 due to heavy artillery shelling and fire of automatics from well-fortified sangar all along the 700 metre long ledge. The rugged terrain and steep escarpments made any outflanking of the enemy position impossible, seeing the gravity of situation, Subedar Raghunath Singh volunteered to lead his Company in a daring day-light mission. Showing indomitable spirit, raw courage and determination beyond the call of duty, he led the charge of his platoon from the front thereby motivating his men and infusing them with vengeance to overcome the resistance put up by the enemy.

In the ensuing hand-to-hand fight, he killed two intruders and kept firing on the fleeing enemy with utter disregard to his personal safety. His action was instrumental in maintaining the momentum of the assault and forcing the enemy to retreat. Thus, the strategically important area Ledge was captured due to the heroic action of Subedar Raghunath Singh.

Capt R Jery Prem Raj, Source: https://cdn0.desidime.com/attachments/photos/70...

Vir Chkra Citation For R. Jery Prem Raj(Service: Army, Arm: Artillery, Unit: 158 Medium Regiment, P. Number: SS-37033H, Died: 07 Jul 1999)
On the night of 6th/7th July 1999 during “Operation Vijay”, Captain R. Jery Prem Raj was the Forward Observation Post Officer with 2 Naga tasked to launch an assault on Twin Bumps in area Gun Hill in Drass sub-sector. During the assault, Captain R. Jery Prem Raj searched, sought and identified enemy positions and directed accurate artillery fire onto them with devastating effect.

In this endeavor, he was shot by enemy sniper fire. Undeterred, he continued to bring down effective fire on enemy positions. However he was again hit by a volley of enemy machine gun fire. Though severely wounded, he continued to direct accurate fire onto the enemy until he succumbed to his injuries. By then he had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy that not only assisted in the capture of the objectives but also helped in minimizing casualties to own infantry.

Captain R. Jery Prem Raj displayed bravery of a very high order and tremendous professional acumen with total disregard to his safety and made the supreme sacrifice. Source: https://twdi.in/nod...68
8th July, 1999

Subedar Imliakum Ao, Source:https://arisebharat.com/2020/11/21/the-maha-vir...

Mahavir Chakra Citation For Sepoy Imliakum Ao ( Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 2 Naga, 14702937, Born: July 25 1976 )
On 08 July 1999 Sepoy Imliakum volunteered to raid an enemy mortar position at a height of 15000 feet in Mushkoh Valley in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sepoy Imliakum formed part of the Assault Group and was tasked to stealthily silence the enemy sentry who was on duty on the outer perimeter of enemy mortar position. Sepoy Imliakum approached the enemy sentry during broad day light and killed hin. Thereafter, he kept moving forward and killed one more sentry and subsequently stormed the mortar position alongwith the Assault Group.

Sepoy Imliakum showed exemplary courage and determination in personally killing two enemy soldiers. All through, it was his determination, grit, cool confidence and raw courage in the face of enemy which was instrumental in eliminating the enemy from the almost indomitable mortar position.

The elimination of the enemy personnel by Sepoy Imliakum was a big success wherein three 120mm and two 81mm mortars were captured alongwith a huge stockpile of ammunition. The valiant action by Sepoy Imliakum, which was a true demonstration of valour, in the presence of a well entrenched enemy, was the sole factor which paved the way for a successful raid on the enemy mortar position which led to the destruction of the enemy dump.

Sepoy Imliakum, thus, showed, exemplary courage in the face of enemy, sustained and successful performance in storming the enemy mortar position and killing two enemy soldiers Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awarde...09

<img src:“https://www.honourpoint.in/wp-content/uploads/2...”>
Havildar Sis Ram Gill, Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/hav-sis-ram-...

Vir Chakra Citation For Late Havildar Sis Ram Gill(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 8 JAT, P. Number: 3172590X, Birth: 16 Jul 1961, Died: 09 Jul 1999)
_On 8 July 1999 during “Operation Vijay”, Havildar Sis Ram Gill along with his team was tasked to raid the enemy post at “Majnu”, located at over 17,000 feet in high altitude. Havildar Gill led the commando team from the front and using special mountaineering equipment scaled the almost unscalable height through most difficult and rugged terrain. He reached the objective facing intense enemy artillery and mortar fire as well as small arms automatic fire. _

Though he sustained severe injury in the leg due to effective enemy fire, he continued to motivate his team and advance towards the objective. Undaunted by the injury, he himself fired sniper and LMG bursts at every opportunity resulting in killing of one officer, two JCOs and three other ranks of the enemy. He also injured four others. In spite of being grievously injured, he refused to be evacuated knowing fully well that his evacuation will lead to mission failure due to reduction of fighting strength. He continued to fight valiantly showing utmost dedication to duty, self sacrifice and ensured completion of special mission task till he finally succumbed to his injuries at 0300 hours on 9 July 1999. Source: https://www.honourpoint.in/profile/hav-sis-ram-...

11th July, 1999
Pakistani forces disengage from the region; India retakes key peak points in Batalik.
14th July, 1999
Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee declares Operation Vijay a success. The Indian government sets conditions for talks with Pakistan.
23rd July, 1999

Sep K Ashuli ,Source: https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2730...

Vir Chakra Citation For Sep K Ashuli(Service: Army, Arm: Infantry, Unit: 1 Naga, P. Number: 14702837F, Birth: 01 Mar 1976, Died: 15 Aug 1999)
During ‘Operation Vijay’, Sepoy K Ashuli was part of Alfa Company of 1 NAGA attacking ‘Black Tooth’ in the Drass sector, a sheer cliff with well-fortified defences, which dominated the National Highway and was required to be cleared at the earliest. The enemy had occupied well-coordinated defences with concrete bunkers and automatic weapons.

The attack had been temporarily stalled due to the inhospitable terrain. A rope was required to be fixed on the feature. Sepoy K Ashuli volunteered to do the daring task unmindful of personal safety. Braving fearful odds of enemy fire and terrain, Sepoy K Ashuli clung to mere cracks on the cliff and slowly made his way up to the feature. His strength and courage shaped the way for the company to follow. On reaching the top he effectively kept the enemy engaged and along with his comrades assaulted the enemy bunker at ‘Black Tooth’ and captured it. In this brave action, he was grievously injured and later succumbed to his injuries on 23 July 1999. Sepoy K Ashuli displayed nerves of steel, exemplary courage, fearlessness under enemy fire, unparalleled devotion to duty and camaraderie of the highest order in keeping with the finest traditions of the Indian Army Source: http://twdi.in/nod...25
26th July, 1999
Kargil War officially comes to an end. Indian Army announces the complete withdrawal of Pakistani irregular and regular forces.

I only could capture the details of Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra awardees. I might have missed some persons. I took reference from https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/kar...

And there are countless wounded veterans and veterans came to home. We must remember the living too. Without them India won’t be today the way she is now.

Jai Hind