Col Alok Mathur, SM (Veteran)
25 Years ago , the Fifth round which was being fought in high altitude area of western Ladakh Ranges ,between India and Pakistan, came to an end as then Indian Prime minister declared an unilateral cease fire on 26 July 1999, after 83 days of intense fighting in Himalayas. Indian then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee admiring the valour, restraint and determination of Indian Armed forces, declared Operation Vijay a glorious Victory, as Line of Control (LOC) had been restored in Kargil heights. Operation Al Badr was a naked betrayal by Pakistan as two PMs were involved in Peace Talks in Lahore, Pak Army Northern Light Infantry and Special service group troops were making deep intrusions across Line of Control inside Indian territory unnoticed by Indian Intelligence agencies.
The British had ensured in vengeance, by drawing Radcliffe line in western/eastern India, while lowering Union Jack on Red fort and declaring Pakistan as separate nation out of India in 1947, that Indian subcontinent remains a conflict zone for ever. The first round started in September 1947 ,when Razakars in massive strength, supported and headed by Pak military officers, in rogue convoys advanced on Muzfrabad, Baramula,Srinagar axis displaying orgy of violence, rape, loot and murder of locals. The war lasted for full one year and as Indian forces were in process of gradually restoring lost territories, Indian then PM Jawahar lal Nehru in panic rushed to UN and ceasefire was announced .Cease fire Line was drawn under UN observers and India lost 78114 square kilometres (Kms) to newly created Pakistan although Srinagar was saved. The new term of ‘Pak Occupied Kashmir’ (P0K) was coined. The second round was initiated by Pakistan in September 1965 when Lal Bahadur Shastri was the PM. India was in winning position as Indian troops almost reached Lahore. India accepted the USSR mediated ceasefire and had to return almost 1920 sq km including strategic Haji Pir Pass at Tashkent summit .Lal bahadur Shastri died in Tashkent under mysterious circumstances. The third round was a knockout blow to Pakistan in 1971 war. A new nation Bangladesh was born and East Pakistan ceased to exist and 93000 Pak troops surrendered. The fourth round was fought in the highest battlefield of the world in 1984 called Operation Meghdoot, when Indian troops pre-empted Pak intentions and occupied 5000 sq kms of entire Siachen Glacier and Soltoro ridge. Pak troops suffered heavy casualties .Kargil War, the fifth round, was conceived by Pak Army Chief General Parvez Musharaf to take revenge of Siachen debacle during which his SSG troops were massacred. The peace process was initiated in Feb 1999 by Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and positively responded by Pak PM Nawaz Sharif. Vajpayee had travelled by Sadbhavna Bus to Lahore on 19 feb 1999 along with celebrated civil delegation including Devanand , Satish Gujral, Javed Akhtar, Kuldeep Nayar, Kapil Dev, Shatrughan Sinha. General Parvej Musharaf did not attend the important function as Pak troops were in the process of intrusion in Kargil heights defying orders of his own Prime minister as Indian brigade in Kargil Dras defended sector,had gone into winter mode in Dec 1998 vacating avalanche prone snow bound dominating heights.
Operation Al Badr( meaning Full moon in Arabic) also, the brain child of General Parvez Musharaf, was already underway when Lahore declaration was being signed between two Prime ministers on 21 Feb 1999 . It was based on “Koh Paima” a warfare strategy of Napolean Bonapart, who adopted it in many wars meaning infiltrate fast from narrow points and spread fast in the rear of frontline enemy troops. The top secret plan was known to Lieutenant general (Lt Gen) Aziz Khan, Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mahmud Ahmed (10 Corps commander) and Major Gen Javed Hasan who was the force commander Northern Area FCNA (Division level force comprising of four brigades) .The force had ten Northern Light battalions (NLI) composed of local mountain tribes, Azad Kashmir battalions and Special Service Group .Three intrusion task forces were formed to covertly cross LOC and occupy strategic heights in Western Ladakh range .The first Task force composed of (TF 1) was to be intruded in to Dras / Mushkoh sub sector composed of 6 NLI,12 NLI and 3 companies of Special Service Group .The second group (TF 2) was earmarked for Kaksar subsector ,consisted of 4, 13 NLI and affiliated troops. Task force 3 (TF 3) was to intrude in to Batalik/Yaldor sub sector including chorbat la.TF 3 was composed of 3 ,5 and 8 NLI battalions .These task forces were air maintained initially and later well stocked and had logistics bases at Marpo La and Sanguti .All Pakistani troops were in traditional Salwar kameez civil dress acting as Mujhadeens/ terrorists. Surprisingly, these Pak troops remained in inclement weather, dizzy heights, deadly blizzards, deep inside LOC for three months undetected until few Bakarwal Goatherds informed the commanders in end April, the presence of unknown troops above Kargil and Dras towns.
Kargil District is today part of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh .Kargil heights in 1999 were part of Jammu Kashmir state, located in Ladakh ranges and was responsibility of Chinar corps , which was under jurisdiction of Northern Command of Indian Army .The National Highway ( NH 1) connecting Srinagar to Leh passes through Sonamarg , Baltal, Zojila Pass, Ghumri, Dras , Kargil , Khalsi ,Lochum bridge on Indus, Nimmu in this zone. NH 1 is the Lifeline for Leh garrison and for logistics support of troops deployed in Eastern Ladakh. Dras and Kargil Heights are overlooking the NH 1 and if occupied by enemy Gun Observation posts (Ops), can monitor the movement of convoys and can play havoc by accurate Enemy Artillery shelling.
Detection Phase
121 Infantry brigade was deployed in Kargil and had Area Of Responsibility from Zojila to Chorbat La about 94 kms. The area was vast and difficult with limited troops. During early March 1999, there were inputs from BSF at Chorbat la that there was movement of PAF Puma helicopters carrying under slung loads across the LOC . Tashi Namgyal and Few Goatherds also reported to Unit Posts on that they saw Militants carrying weapons in Kaksar , Jubar and Kalubar area in end April1999. The information was passed on to 121 Brigade. Routine patrols and Aerial Reconnaissance could not confirm . Zo jila pass was opened on 28 April 1999 fortunately . Brig Commander ordered Units to confirm any intrusion 12 JAT patrol was sent on 2 May at Gore base to confirm info regarding Helicopter drop missions and blasts, suffered first casualty of War in Turtuk area under 102 brigade. 3 Punjab sent a patrol under Major Desai to suspected area for search towards Kukarthang Jubar top on 3 June but it lost communication , The intruders fired on the patrol and it suffered few fatal casualties ‘ Again , two more patrols were sent again the intruders opened with Ak 47s and LMGs. .The intrusion was confirmed in Yaldor sector. CO 4 JAT also sent a patrol on 3 May under Capt Saurabh Kalia towards Bajrang Post in Kaksar subsector to reoccupy it as it was vacated in Feb due to heavy snowfall. The patrol could not reach due to adverse conditions. Again, Capt Saurabh Kalia led a patrol on 13 May again towards LOC but lost contact. The Patrol was missing. Another Patrol led by Lt Amit Bhardwaj proceeded on same route . The Patrol was trapped in an Ambush by Pak Intruders. Lt Amit Bhardwaj and his buddy fired back and he directed all other troops to escape back to Unit and info about Pak intrusions and regarding occupation of Bajrang Post by Unknown troops. The brave officer and his buddy made supreme sacrifice The initial response at all levels was that it was a minor intrusion by small groups of Militants to be cleared at Company level. Defence Minister visited Kargil on 8 June . The Fog of uncertainty and confusion was cleared as the badly mutilated bodies of Capt Saurabh Kalia and his soldiers were handed over by Pakistan on 9 June .The same day Kargil Ammunition Dump was bombarded by Pak Artillery Guns , Lt Gen Krishan Pal , GOC Chinar Corps had already assessed the Critical situation and gave his plan to Northern Army Commander Lt Gen H S Khanna confirming that it was not a militant intrusion but Pak regular Troops consisting of Division Minus with Artillery support had intruded in Ladakh Ranges from Mushkoh , Dras to Yaldor in number of pockets. It was an intelligence blunder as everyone was celebrating Lahore Peace process. Once confirmed , Indian Army carried out the fastest mobilisation. Two divisions were inducted in the War Zone. As the red pins were marked on Northern Army Operation Room , the situation was now clear . Indian Army Chief Gen V P Malik who had gone abroad on 9 May returned home on 19 May . Defence Minister was also abroad. Meanwhile , Six regiments of BOFORS / MBRLS were inducted. Operation Safed Sagar was launched by Indian Air force on 26 May 1999 with 7 Combat Squadrons and One MI 17 Squadron. Indian Navy also initiated Op Talwar. Both Eastern and Western Naval Fleet moved to High Seas and blocked Karachi .Pakistan was shell shocked by Indian Response .
Stablisation and Restoration of Situation
General Ved Prakash Malik was now crystal clear regarding the Operational situation and also extent of Intrusion . He had Political clearance but with a rider India will still respect the sanctity of LOC and Indian Armed forces will not cross LOC . Northern Army Commander General H S Khanna was now directed by Army Chief to go full steam for restoration of sanctity of Line of Control and mobilise additional troops if required by Chinar Corps. Operation Vijay was officially declared on 1 June 1999.
Chinar Corps was headed by Lt Gen Kishan Pal , an experienced Infantry officer ( Para, NSG) who had his task clear . “ Clear All Intrusion and Reach LOC fastest at any Cost” . Chinar Corps had Trishul Division , 8 Mountain Division ( Ex 3 Corps), Few more infantry Divisions , Rashtriya Rifles Force/ Sector Headquarters and Corps troops but all were deployed either defending LOC or Counter Insurgency operations.
Trishul Division commanded by Maj Gen V S Budhwar was based in Leh and had three brigades but the Area of Responsibility was vast , from Zojila to Demchok including Siachen Glacier. The terrain is the more hostile than the Enemy. 121 Infantry Brigade commanded by Brig Surinder Singh , Mahar Regiment was responsible for Entire Kargil –Dras- Batalik Sector . There were four battalions on the orbat of 121 Inf Brigade covering huge area. 3 Punjab , 1 NAGA, 4 JAT and 8 Sikh .As per threat Analysis in 1998 -99 . it was all quiet on Northern Front. The troops were thin on ground and in winter mode of deployment since Jan 1999. Chinar Corps Commander now ordered 8 Mountain Division to take over responsibility of Kargil Dras sector and New brigades took over the offensive tasks .
Dras Sector
It was initially responsibility of 121 Infantry brigade but as the situation detoriated , 8 Mountain (Mtn) Division under Major General Mohinder Puri took over from 8 June 1999 for area between Zojila and Kargil, including Zulu ,Muskoh, Dras sub sectors. The Brigades allotted were from West to East were 56 Montain brigade ( Mtn bde),192 Mtn bde ,79 Mtn bde and later 50 (I) Para bde. The units were being inducted at rapid pace .Medium Regiments equipped with 155 mm BOFORs were in location. IAF also joined the War on 26 May 1999 .Enemy positions were now engaged by Air and Artillery. Infantry operations also commenced .Pakistan Artillery Observation Posts(Ops) on Kargil heights were directing fire on convoys on highway Srinagar – Leh .
Operation Tololing was the start point of Indian success story .Tololing top ( Pt 4590 ) stands tall on the ridge line is 5 Kms from Dras town and Pak troops had occupied it in strength , National Highway was under observation of intruders. Pak Artillery Ops now could dominate the highway and were constant hazard to Indian troops and vehicular movements winter stocking of entire Trishul division had to be pass through this route. Attack on Tololing was the first priority. 56 Mountain Brigade was given task by Division commander to clear Tololing Ridge line on 20 May 1999. Brig Amar Nath Aul planned the operation .He tasked 8 Sikh and 1 Naga to carry out preliminary actions. 8 Sikh headed for Pariyaon ka Talab under Tiger Hill but could not go further due to heavy fire. I Naga also could achieve limited success towards Tololing but stalled under heavy fire. 18 Grenadiers was tasked to capture Tololing Top. The attack launched on 22 May with support of Arty fire. Initially, it was told that it was held by a 10/15 Mujahedeen but when Grenadier leading company assaulted, it was strongly held supported Company minus with by HMGs, MMGs and AD Arty Guns. It was confirmed that Intruders were not Militants but trained regular troops with Military weapon systems. The attack stalled again. Air strikes were called on Tololing but had little effect. 1 Naga attack on Pt 5140 also could not proceed further due to heavy firing. On 28 May ,An IAF MI 17 Gunship was shot down by a stinger missile .Heavy fighting was in progress The companies of 18 Gren under Major Adhikari ,Captain Nimbalkar ,Lt Balwan Singh launched attack from several directions but stalled with heavy enemy resistance. Lt Col R Vishwanathan led himself to break the deadlock , with a column charged through Southern spur but was killed in action due to heavy MMG fire . 18 Grenadiers managed to isolate the objective. Assessing the critical situation Brig Aul decided to launch 2 Rajputana Rifles led by Lt Col M Rabindernath who assured commander that 2 Raj Rifles will conquer Tololing come what may. The attack was launched on 12 June from two directions. Charlie Company under Major Vivek Gupta advanced from SE approach and Major Mohit Saksena assaulted from SW direction with D Company. He established a foothold on Pt 4590. C company faced heavy firing and resorted to close quarter battle in final stage. Major Vivek was hit by a volley of MMG fire but he led from front and captured Tololing Top and collapsed after directing young FOO to inform CO and deploy to face any enemy counterattack. Capt Mridul Kumar, an Arty officer took command and deployed company on Tololing top to face enemy counterattack. Now, CO Lt Col Rabindernath launched reserve A And B companies to consolidate Tololing ( Pt 4590). On 13 June 1999, 2 Rajputana Rifles hoisted Tricolour once again on Tololing Top and gave success signal to 56 Brigade cdr. Indian troops had achieved the first victory.3 Officers, 4 JCOs and 16 Soldiers made supreme sacrifice and 41 troops were wounded .Enemy suffered 23 killed and 60 wounded .The entire Tololing complex was cleared on 17 June 1999. The victory march had begun.
Operation Point 5140 was another important action undertaken by 56 Mtn brigade. This feature is a dominating height 1500 metre North of Tololing. Two units were nominated 13 Jammu Kashmir Rifles and 18 Grenadiers.The operation D day was 15 June.The initial objective was Rocky Knob at the base of Pt 5140. Lt CoI Y K Joshi was appointed as officiating CO on as CO had to be evacuated during Heavy Arty shelling.Major Jasrotia was the first casualty of 13 JAK at base camp only.Rocky Knob was captured by 13 JAK after clearing 4 Sangars and hand to hand fighting after 4 hours of battle. The D day for Pt 5140 was 18 June .It was a three direction brigade attack as Pt 5140 was strongly held. 18 Garhwal was to attack from East .1 Naga was to approach from South West and 13 JAK Rifles were allotted southern approach. Two companies of 13 JAK Rifles managed to surprise and reached very close to objective. Captain Vikram Batra single handedly killed 4 Pak Soldiers and his team cleared 4 Sangars.Capt Jamwal also led his company bravely and cleared rest of Sangers in close fight. Point 5140 was fully cleared by 13 JAK Rifles. 1 Naga occupied Black tooth and Rock area on western slope of Pt 5140 on 22 June and took over Pt 5140 from 13 JAK.There was another feature on Tololing west Pt 4700, which was captured by 18 Garhwal on 28 Jun Pt 5100 and three pimples area were cleared by 2 Raj Rifles by 29 June after fierce fighting suffering casualties. Major P Acharya , Capt Vijyant Thapar and Capt N Kungrese were fatally wounded during the difficult operation. The entire Ridge line in this sector was back in Indian hands.
Tiger Hill (Point 5062) is a majestic triangular snow covered peak which can be viewed on clear day from Dras War Memorial.It is about 10 Kms from Dras Town. It is much closer to LOC and has strategic importance. The task to capture was given to Brig MPS Bajwa, Commander 192 brigade of 8 Mountain Division. The two units detailed were 8 Sikh and 18 Grenadiers. 8 Sikh was already in the vicinity of area since mid May 1999.It had tried an assault but due to heavy enemy strength, the attack was repulsed with heavy casualties. Since then, 8 Sikh had kept Tiger Hill under observation and now were ready for action again. 18 Grenadiers also had fought a tough battle at Tololing and now recouped. The enemy strength assessed was a strong Company of 12 Northern Light Infantry reinforced with Mortars, MMGs and HMGs and AD missiles also. The final plans were made .Fire support for two full days will be given by IAF Fighters, Bofors and MBRLs .TV channels also beamed it live. D day nominated was 3 July 1999 .The attack commenced at 1900 hours on D day.18 Grenadiers D Company under Capt Sachin Nibalkar approached from east silently under darkness and cleared area collar in close quarter battle and gradually reached the top. C company with commando platoon following North Eastern axis also reached just 50 metres under Tiger Hill .The close quarter battle started as enemy woke up. CO Launched immediately reserve companies to strengthen the assault companies which had a tough fight. They reached top by 0400 hours on 4 July .Grenadier Yoginder Singh Yadav who was part of Commando Platoon, displayed exceptional bravery .He climbed a vertical cliff and lobbed grenades in Sangars delaying advance and inflicting heavy casualties. He cleared 2 Sangars and killed all occupants. He suffered multiple bullet injuries. The entire Commando team was wiped out but he escaped badly wounded and reached Base. Before, evacuation he gave detailed information of deployment and fainted due to heavy loss of blood. 18 Grenadier finally captured Tiger Hill on 4 July 1999, another landmark victory .Captain Karnail Khan the Pak company commander was killed fighting bravely. The western side some sangars were still firing .8 Sikh was assaulting from this side and Features India Gate and Helmets based sangars were giving tough fight. Two companies of 8 Sikh under Major Ravinder Singh and Lt S Sherawat assaulted these features and cleared the western ridge also. The capture of Tiger Hill on 4 July 1999 was conveyed by Army Chief to National Security Adviser .PM personally congratulated Indian Army. World News Channels beamed the battle of Tiger Hill and it became the headlines of Global Press. Tiger Hill still had some pockets held, The operation was concluded on 8 July .18 Grenadiers and 8 Sikh were honoured with battle honour Tiger Hill Indians troops had reached the LOC in Dras Area.Pak troops now gradually abandoning the posts and started withdrawing.
Mashkoh Sector
The Mushkoh Valley provided a direct route of infiltration to Doda- Bhadarwah areas of Jammu Region bypassing the valley so the area need to be guarded by Indian forces but region was unmanned before Kargil War. Pak troops under Op Badr occupied few heights in this area and threatened the National Highway near Mughalpura and Zoji La pass . Pt 4875 was the most important feature in this area and strategic Observation point .The enemy Air Defence guns and missiles could engage low flying Helicopters and Aircrafts from Pt 4875. It was earmarked as high priority target. The responsibility of Mushkoh sector was given to Brig Ramesh Kakkar commander 79 Mountain bde. 9 Mahar had been operating in this area earlier and had carried out few operations .It was withdrawn to Kaksar.
Operation Point 4875 – The D day decided was 4 Jul 1999. Heavy Artillery Bombardment was carried out to soften the objective at last light.13 Jak Rifles under Lt Col Y K Joshi was tasked to capture Point 4875. The unit had been moved from 192 bde and now to 79 Bde after capture of Pt 5140. Major Vijay Bhaskar leading A company and moved from eastern slope of southern spur and Major Gurpreet Singh with C company assaulted from western slope. Capt Vikram Batra was the fire base commander .As the leading troops were seen by enemy, heavy and accurate firing from LMGs and MMGs was brought on and pinned down the own troops. FOO s with 13 JAK brought heavy own Arty fire and continued the attack .The area Flat top near Pt 4875 was captured with the help of conspicuous gallantry by Rifle man Sanjay Kumar who charged the Enemy Sangar firing HMG and silenced it killing Pak troops manning it in hand to hand combat. He was severely wounded but refused to be evacuated .Flat top was captured by 1300 hours on 5 July .Pt 4875 was still held in strength and had to be neutralised. Major Vikas Vohra and Captain Vikram Batra also joined up with reinforcement. There were few Sangars in the Northern portion preventing direct assault on Pt 4875. Capt Vikram Batra volunteered and took his team to silence the bunker from flank. He jumped in to Bunker and killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range The MMGs were silenced and but in close battle he was also fatally wounded and sustained many bullet injuries. The other company captured Pt 4875 as the flanking Fire had been silenced. 13 JAK Rifles finally hoisted National Flag on Pt 4875 on early morning of 7 July and brave Capt Vikram Batra succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds . He was awarded Paramvir Chakra posthumously .Pt 4875 was renamed as’ Batra Top’ in his fond memory .Mean while,17 JAT and 2 Naga were dealing with other heights of Mushkoh.The area Pimple and Whale back were cleared by 17 JAT on 5 July and 2 Naga captured Twin Bumps on 6 July. Rifleman Imli akum Ao displayed exemplary gallantry on a daring Raid on Enemy Mortar position on 8 July 1999 .79 Brigade units carried out operations till 12 July and Eastern Mushkoh was cleared . 50 (I) Para brigade was inducted in Muskoh Valley in 20 June and operated in gen area Kaobal gali and Kirdhi heights. Point 4745 was captured by 6 Para and a team of 1 Para (SF) ON 7 July in first operation. The next objective given to 7 Para was to clear Bhakarwal ridge .They captured heavily defended Point 4700 where 4 Sangars were located ,on 11 July 1999. Large amount of weapons and ammunition were recovered with enemy dead. Para brigade operations were suspended due to cease fire. The enemy continued holding Zulu Spur in Muskoh sector till 22 July.192 brigade cdr detailed 3/3 GR to accomplish the final task.Tri Junction post and Zulu base were cleared by 24 July.The area was heavily mined which was cleared by Engineer team under fire from Zulu top. Finally, 9 Para (SF) Team under Major Sudhir Kumar in a daring operation reached Zulu top The last bastion was captured by mid day of 25 July 1999.
Kaksar Sector
Kaksar area lies between Dras and Batalik sector .It is almost north of Kargil town . The area remains glaciated and average height was about 15000 feet.The main Ridge line comprised of Point 5608 , Point 5605 , Point 5280 , which on watershed .The area was now responsibility of 121 Infantry brigade .The movement could be observed from dominating heights miles away. 4 JAT was manning few posts along with Bajrang Post which dominating the entire area. The post was vacated due to heavy snowfall on local orders and was occupied by enemy along with Point 5299 spur in April 1999. On 14 May 1999, a five men patrol led by Lt Saurabh Kalia of 4 Jat was ambushed and barbarically killed by Pak troops. Another patrol led by Lt Amit Bhardwaj was also ambushed. He and his buddy were killed. Yet another column led by Major Vikram Singh Shekhawat was launched by 4 JAT. The troops fought bravely but suffered heavy casualties. The new commnader Brig O P Nandrajog was appointed and additional troops were given to 121 brigade.14 JAK and 28 RR were allotted . Operations were planned to clear the watershed on 5 July,but as unofficial cease fire had been announced , operations were stalled. Kakasar sector was first to be vacated by Pak troops by 12 July and own troops occupied by 15 July 1999.
Batalik Sector
Indus River flowing from Leh crosses LOC between Batalik and Marol and goes towards Skardu. Batalik sector extends from Chorbat la in East to towards Shangurti in west . The heights in this region vary from 15000 to 18000 feet with extreme cold conditions. 12 NLI Troops intruded 8-10 kms south of LOC in Jan/Feb 1999 and occupied summer mode defences west of Chorbat la which were vacated during winter months. There were four ridge lines extending from North to south like Fingers from Knuckle .They are named Jubar , Kukarthang , Kalubhar and Churubar .The area was under the operation responsibility of Trishul Division and 70 Infantry brigade commanded by Brigadier Devender Singh was moved in to clear the intrusion in Batalik Yaldor sector. The units allotted were 1 Bihar ,12 JAK and 1/11 GR.The first operation was conducted by 1 Bihar to capture Pt 4268 ,which was retaken by NLI ON 29 May.On 6 June ,12 JAK was detailed to recapture Point 5203. Capt Amol Kalia led his troops to the objective which was captured but Enemy counter attacked and 13 Soldiers were killed in battle.The fierce fight continued for 12 days .Finally ,on 21 June in multidirectional attack 12 JAK, 5 Para and Ladakh Scouts captured the objective. Seven Pak soldiers were killed and large amount of weapons and ammunition were recovered.The next ridgeline was Stangba – Khalubhar which was heavily defended. It had enemy positions at Pt 5229, Padma Go, Pt 5287 ,Pt 4812 were on Kalubhar complex .1/11 GR had de inducted from Siachen and waiting for a Peace tenure.Col Lalit Rai ,Vrc was ordered to move to Kargil and report to 70 Infantry brigade HQ . They were directed to go to Chorten Dah in Yaldor sub sector . Yaldor was on confluence of two Nala Gargo and Junk Lumpa and 6 Km from Dah. On 2 June ,1/11 GR was given task clear to Kukarthang, Jubar and Kalubhar ridge supported by 22 Grenadiers. The battle of Kalubhar complex was the most ferocious . 02 July 1999 was the D day . B and C Company led the assaualt. Lt Manoj Pandey was commanding a Platoon of B company commanded by Major Chiristopher Correya . Lt Pandey took his platoon ahead for identifying the Sangars. It was 0300h on 3 July. He detected 6 Sangars and decided to go himself. He had Hav Bhim bahadur as his buddy. Both of them crawled silently and cleared two sangars each . Now, UMG opened up as surprise was lost .Lt Manoj Pandey was hit with UMG bursts. Hav Bhim bahadhur came to recover him .He was also fatally wounded.Lt Pandey lobbed grenades in other two sangars and cleared them. B company also fetched up and found both braves dead and they cleared the other Sangars. The battle of Kaubhar South was over at 1700 hours on 3 July .C company had tough fight at Kalubhar North and cleared it by 7 July .Kalubhar was handed over to 12 JAK ON 8 July. 1/11 GR two companies launched attack on Kukarthang.. Commando platoon also joined the battle. The objective was cleared at 0400h and handed over to 1 Bihar. Point 5190 and Point 5300 in Kalubhar – Jubhar were cleared on 10 July 1999, Later ,Ladakh scouts and Paras cleared the Ring Contour and Pt 5289 by 26 July . The enemy started withdrawing and sanctity of LOC was restored in Batalik Yaldor sector .70 brigade had completed the task of clearing all four Ridge lines .Lt Manoj Pandey 1/11 GR was awarded Paramvir Chakra posthumously. The cost of victory at Jubar Kalubhar was high.
Sub Sector West
This area was Northern most area of Kargil War where LOC meets AGPL near Southern Glacier.The general are is known as called Sub Sector West, and includes Turtuk and Chalunka hamlets. This is under area of responsibility of 102 Mtn Brigade . There were minor intrusions Brig PC Katoch initiated operations to clear them. The new defences were occupied on Turtuk Lungpa till Chorbat La as preventive measures. 9 Mahar and Ladakh scouts took defences at Turtuk Lunpa, Tyakshi spur and Ramdan Lungpa. Point 5220, a dominating height was captured by Ladakh scouts. 11 Rajputana Rifles was inducted in end May and 5 Vikas was already in location. Point 5590 had to be cleared. Capt Hannef-ud-ddin was tasked with his team to launch an assault. There was heavy volume of fire. He daringly led the troops and after fierce Close quarter combat , he captured the objective . The brave Yong officer was severely wounded with volley of automatic fire and made ultimate sacrifice. The new subsector was named Sub Sector Haneef (SSH) in his memory. On intelligence inputs, Turtuk was raided and heavy amount of Weapons and Ammunition were recovered. The next objective was Chulung La ( Point 5770 ) .Earlier attempts had failed In June 1999 ,it was decided to take over Pt 5770. A specialised team under Major Navdeep Singh Cheema launched an operation on 27 June at 0700 hours. After 7 Hours of almost vertical climb reached the top. The fog covered their move. They were surprised the top already occupied by eleven Pak troops. They were totally unaware that an Indian patrol had stealthily had crept up from unexpected direction. They were erecting a pre fabricated shelter. The team killed all of them in a daring action. There was heavy shelling by Hostile guns but Pt 5770 was safe and secured. This operation was as daring and difficult as was undertaken for capture of Bana Top in Northern Glacier. The bodies of Capt Timur Malik , the post cdr and others were handed over to Pak Army. The operation continued in sub sector Haneef. 13 Kumaon also was inducted and captured Point 5810, Point 5685 and Pt 5990 .The entire sub sector was cleared of all intrusions by 20 July 1999
All Guns fell silent and all operations were ceased as India declared Unilateral Cease fire on 26 July 1999 as Indian PM announced on live broadcast that Our Aim had been achieved and sanctity of LOC has been restored. The Fifth Round of War between two nations had ended with heavy cost to both nations. Himalayas once again witnessed the devotion and valour of Indian soldiers and shed few tears for unsung heroes who made supreme sacrifice for honour of Motherland, Kargil Review committee was appointed after War to study the causes which resulted in Surprise War and remedies. 14 Corps was raised to cover the Ladakh War zone .Chief of Defence staff was appointed. Defence (Integrated) Intelligence Agency. Theatreisation concept has been initiated. Nation has to be vigilant and prepared for two front hybrid War. Entire Nation is indebted to 22 gallant officers, 21 JCOS and 452 brave soldiers of Indian Army who made supreme sacrifices to protect and regain the Kargil heights and restore the sanctity of Line of Control.
“IF DEATH STRIKES BEFORE I PROVE MY BLOOD, I PROMISE I WILL KILL DEATH “ Lieutenant Manoj Pandey , PVC ( Posthumous)
