Kargil Vijay Divas | We Salute You - Soldiers

Just came across few memories. Thought to share………

कैप्टन विक्रम बत्रा, जिन्होंने कहा था कि आखिरी चोटी पर तिरंगा फहराकर आऊंगा या फिर तिरंगे में लिपटकर घर जाऊंगा. ………………………………………………………….. उन्हें कारगिल का शेर कहा जाता है.
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HOW, WHEN AND WHERE

• The war took place between May and July of 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district.
• The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
• It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists into Indian territory.
• The infiltrators positioned themselves in key locations that gave them a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict.
• Based on information from local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launch “Operation Vijay”.
  VIJAY DIWAS
  The Army declared the mission successful on July 26, 1999; since then the day has been celebrated annually as Vijay Diwas.

CASUALTIES
The victory came at a high price. The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453.

THE WAR

• Because the Pakistani soldiers and terrorists had positioned themselves at higher altitudes, it gave them an advantage in combat, as they could fire down at advancing Indian troops.
• Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets while another fighter jet crashed during the operation.
• Pakistan asked the US to intervene, but then President Bill Clinton declined to do so until Pakistani troops were withdrawn from the Line of Control.
• As Pakistani troops withdrew, the Indian armed forces attacked the rest of the outposts, managing to get back the last of them by July 26.
  AFTER THE WAR
• Pakistan initially denied any role in the conflict, saying India was facing off with “Kashmiri freedom fighters.” However, it later awarded its soldiers medals for the conflict, removing any doubt of its involvement.
• India increased its defence spending in the budget presented the year after the Kargil war, but it also resulted in procurement irregularities, like the one in the purchase of coffins for the soldiers who died in combat.

GALLANTRY AWARDS

• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers, Param Vir Chakra
• Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous
• Captain Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rifles, Param Vir Chakra, Posthumous
• Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles, Param Vir Chakra
• Captain Anuj Nayyar, 17 JAT Regiment, Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous
• Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, 18 Grenadiers, Maha Vir Chakra, Posthumous

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kargil...

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14 Heroes Of Kargil War We Simply Can’t Forget

While wars are never welcome, some wars are inevitable. The Kargil war along the borders of India and Pakistan was one such. It was also one that showed the valour and spirit of Indian soldiers in vivid colours-brightening the saffron, white and green of the tri-colour. On the occasion of India’s 69th Independence, let’s salute those heroes of the Kargil war who helped ensure that freedom remained the right to all the people.

1. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey- Sportsman turned legendary soldier

Captain-Manoj-Kumar-Pandey-_-Source: bharatdiscrovery.org

Source: bharatdiscrovery.org

Manoj Kumar Pandey used to be an avid sports-person since he was young. But it was in the defence forces that he made his greatest contributions to the nation. The Captain who participated in multiple attacks during the Kargil war has one particularly bright feather in his cap- clearing Jubar Top. Jubar Top was a strategically important point for India during the war. The Captain, who showed exceptional courage and inspired his troops, however succumbed to wounds incurred. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

2. Naib Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav- At 16,500 feet, he found glory

Naib-Subedar-Yogendra-Singh-Yadav-_-Source: topyaps.comSource: topyaps.com

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Yogendra Singh Yadav was instrumental in capturing three bunkers on Tiger Hill. It was Yadav who took on the task of fixing the rope for soldiers to reach the top of the cliff, situated at a height of 16,500 feet. Even though he was repeatedly fired upon by machine guns and sustained wounds, he kept on and arrived at the top to kill four Pakistani soldiers and neutralize fire. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery.

3. Captain Vijyant Thapar- Young, valiant, unforgettable

Captain-Vijyant-Thapar-_-Source: v2thetrendsetters.inSource: v2thetrendsetters.in

The 22 year old Captain Vijant Thapar lost his life while leading an attack of his infantry regiment, 2 Rajputana Rifles on 29 June, 1999. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra by the President of India.

4. Major Padmapani Acharya- His motto: Fight unto the end

13major4Source: rediff.com

Only a week after his birthday, on the 28th of June 1999, Major Padmapani Acharya’s 2nd Rajoutana Rifles was assigned the task of capturing the enemy bunker at the Tololing Top.
One of the most crucial operations during the war, many soldiers sustained serious injuries during it. However, Major Acharya charged at the enemy even after many numers of his trrop were lost. It was only after a long and gruelling hand-to-hand battle that Tololing Top was captured. And it was only once the capture was made that the Major breathed his last.

5. Capt. N. Kenguruse- Brought the heat of war to the enemy, at -10 degree celsius

Capt.-N.-Kenguruse-_-Source: manipurupdate.comSource: manipurupdate.com

Captain Neikezhakou Kenguruse, who hails from Nagaland was part of ‘Operation Vijay’ during the Kargil war. He volunteered in a commando mission that involves scaling a cliff and attacking the enemy’s machine gun bunkers.
At a height of 16,000 feet his shoes lost grip and he had to ward them off. The fact that it was -10 degree Celsius made things extremely bad. But not enough to mar the Captain’s progress. By the time a bullet hit his body, he has done more than enough to clear the way for his platoon to end what he began.

6. Captain Vikram Bhatra (Sher Shah)- Brave soul in a uniform

Captain-Vikram-Bhatta-_-Source: 9hues.comSource: 9hues.com

Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Vikram Bhatra earned a place in the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 1996. He was first commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles at Sopore but when tension between India and Pakistan evolved in Kargil, he was posted there.
It was the daring capture of the crucial peak pint 5140 during the war that brought Bhatta into the public attention. As the Captain and his Delta Company neared the peak, the enemy started firing from machine guns. However, under the Captain’s command, the troop managed to topple the enemy’s post. Captain Bhatta sustained severe injuries during the attack. The nation honoured him with the Param Vir Chakra.

7. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar- The one who braved a rain of bullets

Rifleman-Sanjay-Kumar-_-Source: bharatmandir.inSource: bharatmandir.in

Rifleman Kumar led a team with the aim of capturing Area Flat Top on the 4th of July, 1999. But once the troop reached on top, the enemy started firing from just 150 meters away. Kumar went ahead on his own and managed to kill three soldiers in hand combat. His platoon, inspired by his act of bravery, captured Area Flat Top.

8. Capt. Anuj Nayyar- Young, but far from silly

Capt.-Anuj-Nayyar-_-Source: newsgram.comSource: newsgram.com

When Capt. Anuj Nayyar died fighting for his nation, he was just 24. He left behind a country that’s proud of him but also his fiancée whom he was in love with for a decade. During the war, it was the Captain’s mission to secure Point 4875, known as Pimple 2.
The platoon sustained major injuries during the initial phase of the attack. In the aftermath, it was split into two, one of which was led by Capt. Anuj Nayyar. He killed 9 Pakistani soldiers and successfully destroyed three medium machine gun bunkers. However, while clearing the fourth bunker, an enemy grenade fell directly on the Captain. But he bravely pushed on, despite the injury, and his life left his body only after clearing the last bunker.

9. Major Ajay Singh Jasrotia- Laying down his life for his fellow soldiers

Major-Ajay-Singh-Jasrotia-_-Source: twitter.comSource: twitter.com

The fact that major Jasrotia was known as “Rambo” in his school days reflects perfectly in his acts of bravery during the Kargil war. He was part of ‘Operation Vijay’ which was aimed at recapturing Point 5140 that dominates the Srinagar-Leh highway. The operation went wrong at first, the enemy’s shells resulting in heavy casualties. But Major Jasrotia took charge of the situation and arranged to evacuate the wounded soldiers to safety.
Even though the Major himself was wounded, he persevered in getting the injured soldiers to safety. Due to his bravery, he managed to save the lives of six Indian soldiers. Unfortunately, the hero died in the event. The nation awarded him the Sena Medal.

10. Capt. Saurabh Kalia- Captured, tortured, justice lacking

Capt.-Saurabh-Kalia-_-Source: indianexpress.comSource: indianexpress.com

Capt. Saurabh Kalia’s fate is one of the most tragic episodes in the story of Kargil war. On may 15, 1999 the Captain and his men we engaged in continual firing with the Pakistan Army across the LoC. However, the Pakistani rangers surrounded them once they ran out of ammunition. They were taken as prisoners and for 22 days were subjected to third degree torture. Their heavily mutilated bodies were sent back to India on June 9, 1999. To this day, justice has not been granted in the case.

11. Capt. Clifford K Norngrum-The first Maha Vir Chakra recipient from Meghalaya

Capt.-Clifford-K-Norngrum-_-Source: ilashininggem.blogspot.comSource: ilashininggem.blogspot.com

Capt. Nongrum made both Meghalaya and the country proud when he and his platoon were assigned the task of capturing Point 4812. The Captain braved the steep vertical climb, inspiring his troop to put up a strong fight against the enemy.

12. Lt. (now Col.) Balwan Singh- A tiger who stormed Tiger Hill Top

Lt.-(now-Col.)-Balwan-Singh-_-Source: newsgram.comSource: newsgram.com

In an act of bravery that’s inspiring as well as unique, Lt. Balwan Singh who was part of the Ghatak Platoon that was assigned the task of capturing ‘Tiger Hill Top’ fought the enemy hard even after being severely injured. The brave soldier was single-handedly responsible for killing four of the enemy soldiers. As an ode to his courage, the remaining enemy soldiers fled from the spot.

13. Capt. Jerry Premraj- From God’s own country, God’s brave soldier

Capt.-Jerry-Premraj-_-Source: newsgram.comSource: newsgram.com

The fact that Capt. Jerry Premraj was only married for about a month and was on his honeymoon when he was called to re-join his unite for ‘Operation Vijay’ only makes the tragedy of his death more nuanced.
The Captain, who hailed from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, was instrumental in identifying enemy positions and directing accurate artillery fire at them. Even though the Captain was severely injured, he pushed on but eventually succumbed to his injuries.

14. Naik Digendra Kumar- Fought for the country, denied by the government

Naik-Digendra-Kumar--Source-dailymail.co.ukSource: newsgram.com

Naik Digendra Kumar is a recipient of Maha Vir Chakra and is considered as one of the best commandos in the Indian Army. Even though he played pivotal roles in many an operation in the Kargil war, he was denied many a deserving benefit: for one, he is entitled to extra-gratia benefits, which are still denied to him. Also, a plot of agricultural land which the Government allotted him since he’s a gallantry award winner was marked almost 500 km away from his home. A disability pension was also denied him-the Indian Army medical board classified him as 80% disable- on the ground that he “retired voluntarily.”

It’s not a matter to debate that for a nation’s freedom to be protected, it needs the services of brave soldiers. And while war remains one of the most horrendous human events, there’s no doubt that there are situations that provoke a nation into war. With soldiers such as these heroes of Kargil war, we can sleep easy in the knowledge that there are defenders of our freedom who rank among the best.

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