SRINAGAR: The year 2019, marks the 20th anniversary of the victory in ‘OP VIJAY’ popularly known as the Kargil War. The Kargil War is known for the determination, bravery, courage and daring mettle of the Indian Army troops who took to task the enemy intruders occupying strategic heights in Indian Territory. As a part of celebrating 20 years of Kargil Victory commemorative treks were organized by 13 JAK RIF (‘Bravest of the Brave’) and 18 GRENADIERS to Batra Top and TIGER HILL today.
Many battles define the Kargil War and one such battle which stands out is the battle of Pt 4875. The recapture of Pt 4875 was pivotal during OP VIJAY and 13 JAK RIF (‘Bravest of the Brave’) had achieved the impossible during this battle. No one can forget Capt Vikram Batra who had decimated the enemy through his heroic acts and the famous “Dil Maange More” which had the entire nation fall in admiration of this war icon.
To commemorate this victory as part of the 20th anniversary of OP VIJAY, a trekking expedition to Batra Top was undertaken by 13 JAKRIF. The objective of the trek was to celebrate the triumph of the Battalion over the enemy as also to pay homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the Motherland. 13 JAKRIF was awarded the Battle Honour “Mushkoh & Drass” and Theatre Honour “Kargil” and there were gallantry awards to include two Param Vir Chakras and three Vir Chakras.
The trekking team of the 13 JAKRIF Battalion was flagged off on 06 Jul 2019 by Commander Drass Brigade. The team comprising of one Junior Commissioned Officer, ten Other Ranks moved from Drass and set forth on their trek across the treacherous, harsh mountainous terrain of Drass Sector and summited Batra Top today. At the summit the team was received by Lt Gen Y K Joshi, General Officer Commanding Fire and Fury Corps. The General Officer was the Commanding Officer of the battalion at the time of the Kargil War. He shared his reminiscences of the war in a candid manner and acknowledged the sacrifices of all the soldiers.
Another battle which had aroused national fervour was the battle of Tiger Hill in which the troops of 18 GRENADIERS had valiantly fought and evicted a well-entrenched enemy playing havoc on them. It was sheer resilience and determination of these brave hearts who were undeterred by the enemy fire power and were willing to go the extra mile to dislodge the enemy from their positions.
Tiger Hill is symbolic to OP VIJAY and stands tall in Drass Sector as an epitome of the sacrifice, bravery and heroism of many unsung heroes who laid their lives in the capture of the feature. During the Kargil War, the harsh terrain and weather conditions did not dampen the spirits of the soldiers nor were they deterred by the enemy.
As a tribute to all those valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice to the motherland, a trekking expedition was undertaken by the soldiers of 18 GRENADIERS. The objective of the trek during these celebrations was to evoke the spirit of patriotism and pay homage to the gallant soldiers of the Kargil War.
The team comprising of one Offr, fifteen Other Ranks and one veteran Junior Commission Offr moved from Drass and summited Tiger hill today. During the expedition, the team spread the message of “Remember the Fallen”. The exuberance and spirit exhibited by the team members is worth emulating.