Kargil
Update
Media Brief
17 July
99
The deadline for withdrawal has expired
this morning and, therefore, any Pakistan Army soldier/activity observed on our side of
the Line of Control will treated as hostile and targeted accordingly. However, while our
troops are fully geared to neutralise any enemy remnants, no enemy activity has been
reported by our ground troops in any of the sectors since this morning.
Last evening, however, some enemy
movement had been observed close to the Line of Control in Mushkoh sector. As per the
troops in contact, 30 to 40 enemy personnel carrying loads were seen moving northwards. In
this sector, own troops are moving forward for occupying dominating heights along the Line
of Control. The movement is deliberately slow in view of the anti-personnel mines strewn
by the enemy while withdrawing. In the last 24 hours, six of our soldiers were wounded
(four sustained superficial injuries) due to mine explosions.
In Dras sector Point 5100 was occupied by our troops
at 1700 hours on 16 July 1999.
A large number of weapons,
ammunition and equipment have been recovered at various positions vacated by the enemy.
This is illustrative of enemy’s desire to expeditiously withdraw to safety besides, a
sagging state of morale, as soldiers never abandon their personal weapons.
From the information voluntarily
provided by Naik Inayat Ali and Sepoy Humar Shah, the two Prisoners of War, it has emerged
that the Northern Light Infantry (NLI) personnel are peeved with their senior military
commanders specially their Commanding Officers, who never visited the intrusion areas and
continued to live a comfortable life in the rear areas in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, while
their young officers and troops were facing innumerable privations under battle
conditions. It has also been highlighted by them that there is a lot of frustration
amongst the NLI rank and file for their having been made the ‘sacrificial goats’
in the Kargil misadventure. These Prisoners of War have also stated that the Pakistan Army
has deliberately employed only the troops of Northern areas so that backlash, if any,
remains confined to Northern areas which are presently being administered by the Pakistan
Army.
Pakistan Army fired approximately 20
rounds of Artillery and Mortars between 1800 to 1900 hours in Mushkoh valley on 16 July
1999. The fire was ineffective.
The positions from where 249 enemy
Pakistani dead bodies have been recovered are given at Appendix attached.
16 July
99
On the request of Pakistani authorities, the deadline for
withdrawal has been extended by 24 hours ie upto first light 17th July 1999.
As intimated earlier, the enemy has withdrawn from Batalik,
Kaksar and Dras sectors. Regarding the positions that had not been vacated till
yesterday, while no activity has been reported at Point 5100, 20 to 25 enemy personnel
with loads were seen moving northwards from Point 5060. Our troops are in the
process of moving forward to occupy these heights.
In Dras sector, during search of a position West of Tiger
Hill, the mortal remains of Lt K Bhattacharya and Sepoy Major Singh of 8th Battalion, The
Sikh Regiment have been recovered. They were mission since 21 May 99 when there was
an encounter with the enemy in the area of Tiger Hill.
In Mushkoh valley, own troops have been keeping a close
watch on the northward movement of the enemy as also gradually moving forward to occupy
dominating features closer to the Line of Control. During this move forward, the
enemy opened fire on our troops at 1430 hours on 15 July 1999 killing one Other
Rank. The suffered some casualties. In yet another incident, one of our
soldiers was wounded in the foot when he accidentally stepped over an anti-personnel mine.
In Batalik and Dras sectors, a total of 249 enemy dead
bodies had been recovered. Out of these, 47 dead bodies, abandoned by the Pakistan
Army, were recovered from shallow pits. Three dead bodies were handed over the
Pakistan Army on 05 June 1999 and the bodies of two Pakistan Army officers are awaiting
collection by according to military customs and religious rites at various places in the
battlefield. In addition, 47 abandoned dead bodies have also been provided the
religious rites by us.
15 July
99
In Batalik, Kaksar and Dras sectors, own
troops have occupied dominating heights along the Line of Control barring two heights in
Dras sector viz, Point 5100 and 5060, from where the enemy has also commenced withdrawal.
These heights will also be ocuupied shortly. In Batalik sector, one of our
jawans was killed by the enemy sniper fire.
In Mushkoh valley, own troops are in the
process of moving forward and occuping designated heights closer to the line of control.
At one of the vacated positions, our troops have recovered large quantity of
ammunition and equipment including 825 anti-personnel mines. At another position,
one of our jawans lost his foot when he stepped over an anti-personnel mine laid by the
enemy. At this position, a large number of mines have been strewn around by the
withdrawing enemy.
During search of the area at Padma Go, one
enemy soldier, viz, Sepoy Humar Shah of 5 Northern Light Infantry battalion was captured,
who had been abandoned by his fleeing colleagues in a nala. This enemy soldier was
wounded in the right knee and is in a dehydrated condition. As per him, he had been
without food for the last five days. He has been administered first aid and own
doctor has been moved forward to treat him in-situ and look into his evacuation to a
hospital, once his condition improves.
14 July
99
In Kaksar area and Mushkoh
valley, own troops are in the process of verifying enemy withdrawal and occupying
designated heights closer to the line of control.
While searching one of the
vacated posistions in Kaksar area, our troops have recovered the mortal remains of six f
our soldiers including that of Lt Amit Bhardwaj, who was from 4th Battalion, The Jat
Regiment and mission in action since 17 May 99.
In the last 24 hours, enemy
continued with intermittent artillery shelling in Dras sector. In our retaliatory
fire, relaible inputs reveal that the enemy has suffered some casualties, the details of
which are being ascertained. On our side, one Other Rank died in the shelling.
There has been no fiing since midnight of 13/14 July 1999.
The erstwhile Pakistan Army Chief, General Aslam Beg has
stated that 40 Pakistan Army officers have been killed in the last two months, thus
endorsing the full fledged involvement of the Pakistan Army in the misadventure at Kargil.
It is also learnt that the Commanding Officer of 1 Special
Service Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army, who was castigated for poor performance of his
unit during the operations in Kargil, has formed three sub groups of SSG personnel to
conduct face saving operations in the near future. We are fully prepared for any
such contingency.
Award of 'Chief of Army Staff's Banner'
The unparalleled performance of Ladakh Scouts during Op
Vijay has added yet another glorious chapter of sacrifice, gallantry and courage to their
Regimental history. These gallant soldiers, in utter disregard to their
personal safety, have played a stellar role in the resounding victory of the Indian Army
and the Nation against a determined and well-entrenched enemy. This unique Regiment
has once again proven that for them, no terrain is too difficult nor is any mission
unachievable.
In acknowledgement of the outstanding valour, sacrifice and
patriotism displayed during Op Vijay, the Chief of Army Staff is pleased to award to the
Ladakh Scouts, the "Chief of Army Staff Banner".
The Banner shall be presented to the Ladakh Scouts by the
Chief of the Army Staff at a Special Ceremony to be held at Leh.
Ladakh Scouts have already been awarded the prestigious
Unit Citation by the Chief of Army Staff for their exemplary performance during these
operations.
13 July
99
Own troops are in the process of moving forward to verify
enemy's withdrawal and to occupy designated heights closer to the line of control in
Kaksar area.
In Mushkoh valley, there are indications of withdrawal by
the enemy. Our troops are closely monitoring this move and accordingly probing
forward.
The move forward is being undertaken in a deliberate manner
to obviate any casualties due to mines and booby traps that the enemy may have laid before
withdrawing.
In the last 24 hours, there was no artillery shelling in
Mushkoh valley and Kaksar area. However, the enemy resorted to shelling in Dras
Sector, which was responded to appropriately.
It is learnt that the Commanding Officer to 5 Northern
Light Infantry Battalion has been relieved of his command on the grounds of
incompetence. It is also learnt that in a bid to pacify the Officers of
Northern Light Infantry, who feel cheated for having been made `cannon fodder' in
the misadventure in Kargil, Pakistan Army has decided to post some of these Officers to
their Embassies abroad besides giving all of them enhanced monetary benefits.
Unit Citations
The Chief of the Army Staff is pleased to make an instant
award of Unit Citation to 1st Battalion the Bihar Regiment and 141 Field Regiment for
their meritorious and exemplary performance during Operation "VIJAY".
1st Battalion, The Bihar Regiment has distinguished itself
in the battles of Point 4268 and Jubar on night 06/07 July, Point 4927 on night 07/08 July
and Tharu on night 08/09 July 1999, in Batalik Sector. This battalion was raised on
15 September 1941 and has an illustrious history which includes the gallant performance of
its soldiers during the second World War and also post independence operations. It
may be recalled that Major M Sarvanan, who made the supreme sacrifice on 29 May 1999, was
from this gallant battalion.
141 Field Regiment displayed exemplary valour and
indomitable resolve during Operation "VIJAY". This unit provided
unstinted, accurate and devastating fire which resulted in very heavy damage and
casualties on the enemy. The unit was raised on 01 July 1971 at Talbhet and has
participated on Operation "Rakshak" in 1995. The unit also has an Army
Commanders Commendation Card to its credit.
12 July 99
Review of Operations - Last 24 Hours
In the last 24 hours, intermittent artillery shelling has
continued in Batalik and Dras sectors. Our troops retaliated suitably causing
extensive damage on the enemy. In this shelling, while 12 Pakistan Army soldiers
were killed and many wounded, own seven other Ranks have been killed and six wounded.
Badge of Sacrifice
It may be recalled that the Chief of the Army Staff has
instituted a "Badge of Sacrifice". The badge shall be presented to the
families of the soldiers, who have made the supreme sacrifice and "for our tomorrow,
given their today". A press release to this effect will be made available after
the update. It is requested that the honour associated with the badge may be
suitably covered in the media so that the importance of this badge is recongnised by one
and all.
Casualties Update
As per our assessment based on reliable inputs, the enemy
during operation 'VIJAY' has suffered 691 all ranks killed.
On our side the total number of casualties so fare suffered
during Operation 'VIJAY' are :-
- Killed - 398, which includes 23 Officers, 16 Junior
Commissioned Officers and 359 Other Ranks.
- Wounded - 578, it is clarified here that there are a number
of all ranks, who either refused to be hospitalised or have refused the grant of sick
leave and rejoined their units in the battlefield. You may recall that I had earlier
mentioned about Col Lalit Rai, Commanding Officer of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, who refused to be
evacuated and led his battalion from the front during the attack on Khalubar on night
05/06 July 1999 and subsequent operations. This indeed is illustrative of the very
high state of morale of our troops.
- Most of the gun shot wounds sustained by all ranks who made
the supreme sacrifice and those who were wounded have been in the forehead/chest region.
This is reflective of the fiery zeal, outstanding valour and grit displayed by our
gallant soldiers in the face of the enemy.
11 July
99
I have been directed by the Chief of the Army
Staff to make an important announcement. I wish to inform you ladies and gentleman
that in Dras and Batalik sub sectors almost all enemy positions have now been cleared
barring one or two heights which are almost on the Line of Control.
These two sub sectors of critical tactical
importance are thus free of enemy interference the Indian Army now controls these two sub
sectors fully.
The success of these ground operations has
come about by determined, well coordinated and deliberately planned actions. These
joint operations by the army and air force are an out standing example of joint-man-ship
and have resulted in speeding up ground operations, reducing own casualties and inflicting
unbearable damage on the enemy and has impacted on his will to fight.
I have no hesitation in stating that what the
chief of army staff had hinted at two days ago of the crumbling of enemy's resistance has
indeed taken place in these two sectors.
As for Kaksar and Mushkoh valley, our
appreciation is that this military reverse in Dras and Batalik sectors has destroyed enemy
morale and tenability of occupation of positions in these two areas.
It is our appreciation that a decisive moment
has arrived and we expect an early completion of operations in Kargil I do not wish to
give it a time frame as yet.
We have made the enemy pay a heavy price for
this misadventure in Kargil. We have recovered the enemy dead on various positions
the details of which have already been intimated to you earlier. For me, as a
soldier, it is a matter of great regret to state that the enemy has abandoned the bodies
of their soldiers in this manner in addition, as has been communicated to Pakistan bodies
of three Pakistan Army Officers, viz Maj Iqbal and Capt Kamal Sheikh (12 Northern Light
Infantry) and Lieutenant Imtiaz Malik of 165 Mortar Regiment, has also been
recovered. They will be buried in accordance with military customs and with due
regard to the honour of a fallen soldier.
We have suffered a fair number of casualties
in these operations because of the fierce hand to hand engagements that our gallant
soldiers had to face, as well as enemy ground and artillery fires. The ratio of our
officers to men casualties bears testimony to the fact that our officers have proved that
we have the best leadership any army can aspire to have and they have led from the front.
On behalf of the Armed Forces therefore, I
wish to highlight that the task mandated to the army by the Government of India that is,
the eviction of the enemy has virtually been accomplished in Dras and Batalik sectors and
we are on the way of achieving this in the other sectors and thus restoring the sanctity
of the Line of Control in Kargil.
Award of Unit Citations by the
Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Army Staff is pleased to make a
special instant award of "Unit Citation" to 663 and 666 Reconnaissance and
Observation Squadrons for their exceptionally gallant and sterling performance and most
daring flying during "OPERATION VIJAY".
The overall achievements of these units has
been outstanding and marked with exemplary valour and grit.
10 July
99
Prime Minister’s Address to the Three
Service Chief’s and Army Commanders
The Prime Minister addressed the three Service
Chiefs and the Army Commanders this morning at the Army Headquarters and conveyed
felicitations on his behalf and on behalf of the Government and the entire Nation to the
armed forces for the outstanding valour, determination and military skills demonstrated
during "Operation VIJAY". The Prime Minister also paid rich tributes and homage
to all the brave soldiers and airmen, who fought, laid down their lives or were wounded.
The Prime Minister shared the grief of the
bereaved families and gave them a commitment that their welfare would be ensured.
Award of Unit Citations by
the Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of the Army Staff is pleased to make
a special instant award of "Unit Citation" to three infantry battalions and
Ladakh Scouts for their exceptionally gallant and sterling performance during
"Operation VIJAY". The infantry battalions bestowed with this honour are 17th
Battalion of the Jat Regiment, 8th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment and 2nd
Battalion of the Naga Regiment.
The overall performance of these four
battalions has been outstanding and marked with exemplary valour and grit in the face of
the enemy.
Update on Operations
In the last 24 hours, own troops have
continued to consolidate the gains so far made both in Batalik and Dras sectors and
efforts are on to clear the enemy from the remaining pockets of intrusion.
In Dras sector, the enemy intensified his
artillery fire in the last 48 hours on our positions. In the heavy exchange of fire, while
nine soldiers of the enemy have been killed, six Other Ranks of ours laid down their
lives.
Exchange of
Artillery Fire
The enemy continued with unprovoked artillery,
mortar and missile firing in Kanzalwan, Keran, Macchal, Punch, Krishnaghati, Naushera,
Sunderbani, Palanwala and Akhnoor sectors. We have responded in a befitting manner.
Reliable inputs reveal that three Pakistan Army soldiers have been killed and many
wounded.
09 July
99
Chief of Army Staff’s
Commendation
The Chief of the Army Staff has commended the
outstanding performance of three infantry battalions viz, 8th Battalion, The
Sikh Regiment, 2nd Battalion, The Naga Regiment and 17th Battalion,
The Jat Regiment during Operation "Vijay".
Batalik Sector
In some of the most spectacular operations
carried out in the last 48 hours, 99% of the intrusions have been cleared of the enemy in
the Batalik Sector. In this sector, the enemy had occupied four ridgelines, which have now
been cleared by the relentless offensive operations mounted by the ground troops.
In an exceptionally gallant operation, the
brave troops of a battalion of The Bihar Regiment captured Tharu on night 08/09 July 1999,
which is to the North of Point 4927 captured earlier by the same battalion on the previous
night.
In another operation, the brave troops of a
battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles captured Point 4821 and Kukarthang on night 08/09 July 1999.
The valiant troops of a battalion of The
Parachute Regiment, captured Point 4100 and Muntho Dhalo on night 08/09 July and the day
of 09 July 1999.
In yet another outstanding feat, the brave
troops of a battalion of The Garhwal Rifles have captured three more positions North of
Point 4927, viz, BumpI, II and III on night 08/09 July 1999. It may be recalled that Point
4927 was captured earlier by the brave troops of a battalion of The Bihar Regiment on the
previous night. In the areas of Bump I, II and III, the following recoveries have been
made : -
(a) 37 mm Twin barrel Air
Defence gun- 01
(b) 12.7 mm KPVT - 01
(c) Heavy Machine Gun - 01
(d) Radio Set AN PRC - 03
(e) Telephone Set - 01
(f) NBC mask - 01
(g) Large quantity of
ammunition, utensils and
clothing.
Mopping up operations are still in progress on
other captured positions in this Sector.
In Batalik Sector, 103 Pakistan Army soldiers
have been killed and so far and 60 dead bodies of Pakistan Army soldiers have been
recovered. In addition, as of now, 30 shallow pits with enemy dead bodies have also been
reported in the general area.
Based on the post operation analysis and the
inputs voluntarily provided by Naik Imtiaz Ahmed of 5 Northern Light Infantry, his
battalion was deployed in the intrusion areas of Batalik Sector as under : -
(a) Khalubar Ridge - One Company
(b) Point 4100 - One Company
(c) Tharu - One Company
(d) Jubar - One Company
(e) Muntho Dhalo -Battalion Headquarters and Administrative Base
The enemy defences in Batalik Sector have
crumbled owing to the relentless pressure maintained by our ground forces and the heavy
attrition caused on the enemy coupled with administrative strangulation effected by our
encircling manoeuvres, which resultantly dampened the enemy’s will to fight.
A very significant recovery today has been
made at Point 5287, i.e a Stinger Missile loaded in its launcher.
Presently, in the Batalik Sector, the enemy is
holed up at only one position, which will be cleared at the earliest.
Dras Sector
In Dras sector, gallant troops of a battalion
of The Naga Regiment under the dynamic leadership of Captain DK Shekawat, in a daring raid
on an enemy mortar position on 08 July 1999, killed four enemy soldiers and recovered the
following weapons and stores: -
(a) 120 MM Mortars - 03
(b) 82 MM Mortars - 02
(c) G 3 Rifles - 03
(d) Igloo Tents - 04
(e) Fibre Reinforced plastic
Huts - 02
(f) Ammunition and Rations - Large Quantity
In another gallant operation, the brave troops
of a battalion of The Jat Regiment captured Pimple II, a feature to the South West of
Tiger Hill Top on 08 July 1999. 22 enemy dead bodies have been recovered at this feature.
During the mopping up operations carried out at this position and Helmet, the following
recoveries have been made: -
(a) PIKA Gun - 04
(b) Universal Machine
Gun - 01
(c) Automatic Grenade
Launcher - 01
(d) Sniper Rifle - 01
(e) AK Rifles - 04
(f) Identity Card and Pay
Book - 01 each
(g) Map - 01
(h) Kerosene Oil
Jerricans - 10
(j) Large quantity of Ammunition and Rations
During the mopping up operations at Helmet,
the following recoveries were made by the troops of Sikh Regiment and The Grenadiers: -
(a) 82 mm Mortar - 02
(b) Anti Aircraft Gun
12.7 mm - 01
(c) Heavy Machine Gun - 01
(d) Universal Machine Gun - 02
(e) AK Rifles - 02 with 13 Magazines
(f) Sniper Rifle Magazines - 12
(g) Rocket Launcher - 01
(h) Solar Charger- 01
(i) Radio Set ANPRC - 01
(j) Radio Set HF - 01
(k) Bullet Proof
Jackets - 05
(l) Snow Tents - 02
(m) Large Quantity of Rations And
Kerosene Oil
(n) Ammunition - Approximately
3 Tons
(o) Sleeping bags and clothing
for 30 - 40 men
(p) Large Quantity of Digging Tools
Regarding the disinformation campaign launched
by the enemy that Tiger Hill does not exist, it is clarified that it is the same feature
which the Pakistan Army has been referring to as "Tower" and its six figure grid
reference as per their map captured by our troops is 459596, The map sheet is Jammu and
Kashmir Sheet Number 43 N/11, First Edition, scale 1 : 50,000, printed under the
directions of Major General Anis Ali Syed, Surveyor General of Pakistan.
It has also been reliably learnt that the
enemy has passed orders for withdrawing the identity cards and other documents of all the
soldiers operating in the pockets of intrusion, to obviate our obtaining additional
evidence of their full fledged involvement in this misadventure. It has been established
beyond doubt that the intrusions have been made by the Pakistan Army supported by Chitral
and Bijaur Scouts.
The enemy continued with unprovoked artillery
and mortar firing in Kanzalwan, Keran, Macchal, Tangdhar, Bhimbergalli, Naugam, Rampur,
Naushera, Sunderbani and Palanwala Sectors. We have responded adequately and
appropriately. In the senseless targeting of some areas, two civilians were killed and
another three were wounded in Palanwala Sector.
08 July
99
Batalik Sector
In the Batalik Sector, in separate operations,
two enemy positions were captured on night 07/08 July 1999.
In an
exceptionally well conceived and executed operations, Point 5287 was captured by the
gallant troops of a battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles and Point 4927 by the brave soldiers of
a battalion of the Bihar Regiment. It may be recalled that these battalions had earlier
captured Point 4268, Jubar and Khalubar, which provided suitable launch pads for
progressing operations towards the North.
In these
operations, 14 enemy soldiers have been killed and some dead bodies have been identified
as that of the soldiers of 4,5 and 8 Northern Light Infantry battalions.
As per the last
reports received from the troops in contact, fierce fighting is going on to the North of
Points 4927 and 5287 and mopping up operations are still in progress on the captured
positions.
Dras Sector
In Dras sector,
gallant troops of a battalion of the Sikh Regiment have evicted the enemy from a spur
emanating down from Tiger Hill top. It may be recalled that fierce fighting had been going
on in this position since 05 July 1999. As per troops in contact, the enemy counter
attacked this position last night in which 17 enemy soldiers were killed. On our side,
three Junior Commissioned Officers and 11 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in the
highest traditions of the Indian Army. Seven dead bodies of Pakistan Army soldiers were
also found abandoned in shallow pits in this general area.
In yet another
outstanding operation, the brave soldiers of the Naga Regiment captured North Bump in a
bold manoeuvre on night 07/08 July 1999. These renowned warriors captured this objective
in the face of heavy odds. In this operation, 15 enemy soldiers were killed. A dead body
of a Pakistan Army officer viz, Captain Imtiaz of 69 Field Regiment has also been
identified at this position. On our side One officer , viz, Captain Prem Raj of The
Regiment of Artillery, who was the forward observation officer with the Naga battalion and
10 brave soldiers of the Naga battalion made the supreme sacrifice in the highest
traditions of the Indian Army.
The enemy also
counter attacked Point 4875 and Twin Bump on night 07/08 July 1999. The counter attacks
were effectively repulsed by troops of Jat Regiment and Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. In these
operations, 46 enemy soldiers were killed. On our side , while beating back the counter
attack, Captain Vikram Batra of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and Captain Anuj Nayyar of
the Jat Regiment alongwith 11 Other Ranks made the supreme sacrifice in the highest
traditions of the Indian Army.
07 July
99
In
the Batalik Sector, in an exceptionally well planned and immaculately executed operation,
the brave soldiers of a battalion of the Bihar Regiment have captured Point 4268 and
Jubar on night 06/07 July 1999. It may be recalled that Point 4268 had been
partially captured earlier and is the same feature where Major M Sarvanan had made the
supreme sacrifice on 29 May 1999.
As
per the last reports received from the troops in contact, fierce fighting is going on the
North of Jubar and mopping up operations are on at the captured positions.
In
Batalik Sector, identification of two Pakistan Army officers has been made viz, Major Asim
Ahmed, "A" Company commander of 6 Northern Light Infantry battalion and Caption
Syed Asher Mehbood of 11 Northern Light Infantry battalion.
In
Dras Sector, operations to evict the enemy from a spur rolling down from Tiger Hill top
are still in progress. Bodies of one Pakistan Army officer and 10 Pakistan Army
soldiers who were killed in this action, are lying in this general area.
The
Chief of Army Staff is pleased to make a special instant award of "Unit
Citation" to 18th Battalion, the Garhwal Rifles and 13th Battalion, The Jammu and
Kashmir Rifles for their exceptionally gallant and sterling performance during Operation
VIJAY.
The
overall performance of both these battalions has been exceptional and marked with
exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy. While 18th Battalion, The
Garhwal Rifles acquitted itself with distinction in the battles of Point 5140 on night
19/20 June and Point 4700 on night 27/28 June 1999, 13th Battalion, The Jammu and Kashmir
Rifles excelled in the battles of Hump (Tololing Ridge) on night 15/16 June, Point 5140 on
night 19/20 June and Point 4875 on night 04/05 July 1999.
06
July 99
The Chief of
Army Staff is pleased to make a special instant award of "Unit Citation" to 108
Medium Regiment, for their valour and indomitable resolve during Op VIJAY. This unit
provided accurate and devastating fire relentlessly, round the clock, inflicting very
heavy damage and casualties on the enemy. The shock effect, casualties and
destruction caused on the enemy positions by 108 Medium Regiment significantly
facilitated the infantry operations in the capture of Tololing Rigde, Point 5140, Tiger
Hill and Point 4875 in the Dras Sector.
The over all
performance of the unit has been exemplary and professionalism displayed by all ranks of
the unit in the face of the enemy fire is highly commendable in the highest traditions of
the Gunners and the Army.
In the Batalik
Sector, in an exceptionally gallant operation, the troops of a battalion of 11 Gorkha
Rifles have captured Khalubar, a very dominating feature, on night 05/06 July 1999.
As per the last reports received from the troops in contact, 43 enemy Sangars have been
cleared in the area and the troops have advanced further Northwards, where fierce fighting
is going on at present. This operation was personally led by Col Lalit Rai, the
Commanding Officer of the battalion, who despite being wounded on 04 July 1999, has
refused to be evacuated. In this operation, 23 enemy soldiers have been killed and
three of our soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the
Indian Army. In addition, during the mopping up operations, so far, two heavy
weapons viz, 12.7 mm KPVT and 14.5 mm KPVT have been recovered along with large quantity
of ammunition and documents belonging to 5 Northern Light Infantry. Further, the
enemy has also left behind 11 dead bodies dumped in a shallow pit in this area.
In another
gallant operation in Batalik Sector, the troops of a battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Light
Infantry have captured Point 4812 on night 05/06 June 1999. In this operation, 26
enemy soldiers have been killed in fierce fighting on this position. On our side,
three soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian
Army.
In yet another
simultaneous operation launched by the gallant soldiers of Ladakh Scouts, Dog Hill, which
is to the West of Point 5000, has also been captured on night 05/06 July 1999. In
this operation, six enemy soldiers have been killed and two Heavy Machine Guns, one Sniper
Rifle and two G-3 Rifles alongwith large quantity of ammunition have been recovered.
In Drass Sector, the
mopping up operations at Tiger Hill top and Point 4875 captured earlier on night 03/04
July and 04/05 July 199 respectively, are in progress. Fierce fighting is still
going on the Spur emanating from Tiger Hill top.
We have reliable
inputs to reveal that Chitral Scouts are also being employed along with the Northern Light
Infantry battalions in the pockets of intrusion.
The enemy continued
with unprovoked artillery and mortar firing in Kanzalwan, Keran, Tangdhar, Naugam,
Uri, Punch, Bhimbergalli, Naushera, Sunderbani and Palanwala Sectors. We have
responded in a befitting manner.
05
July 99
The mopping up operations at Tiger Hill top
are in progress and as per the last reports received from the troops in contact the enemy
has suffered 10 soldiers killed and many wounded. Fierce fighting is taking place on
one of the spurs emanating from Tiger Hill top.
Owing to the meticulous execution of an
exceptionally well conceived operational plan by the Grenadiers, we were able to minimise
on our casualties despite the formidable defence potential of Tiger Hill top. In
this operation, five Other Ranks made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of
the Indian Army and 10 Other Ranks were wounded.
As part of our offensive plans, another
feature to the West of Tiger Hill viz, Point 4875 has also been captured on night 04/05
July 1999 by the gallant troops of Jat Regiment and Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. With
the capture of this feature, enemy observation of National Highway 1A has been almost
eliminated in the Dras sector. In this operation nine enemy soldiers have been
killed and many wounded. On our side six soldiers were wounded. In
acknowledgement of the outstanding performance by the Regiment of Artillery in effectively
neutralising Point 4875, this feature has been named as "Gun Hill".
In the last 24 hours, in the exchange of
intense artillery fire assaults, two of our officers viz Capt Sumit Roy of Garhwal Rifles
and Lt Amit Verma of Mahar Regiment along with six Other Ranks were killed.
The enemy continued with unprovoked artillery
and mortar firing in Kanzalwan, Keran, Naugan, Punch, Bhimbergalli, Naushera, Palanwala nd
Akhnoor Sectors. We have responded adequately and appropriately.
In Counter Insurgency operations (Operation
Rakshak) in Jammu & Kashmir, Major KG Singh of Rashtriya Rifles, while engaged in
operations against terrorists, made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the
Indian Army.
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