Kargil Vijay Diwas: Heroes of the Kargil War 1999, India will always remember

New Delhi: Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to honour the heroes of the Kargil War in which India ousted Pakistan intruders and recaptured Tiger Hill and other posts which was a part of ‘Operation Vijay.’ Reportedly, the war continued for more than 60 days at Kargil, Ladakh.

In 1999, the war took place between May and July in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district. It is believed that the then Pakistan army’s head, General Pervez Musharraf initiated the battle. Finally, in the last week of July, the Indian Army along with the Indian Air Force concluded the war.

The Indians every year on this day pay respect to the hundreds of Indian soldiers who were martyred in the war by the Pakistan army. The nation upholds several events to pay homage to the contribution made by Indian Armed Forces.

Let’s take a look at 5 such heroes who fought for the nation during the Kargil war:

1. Captain Vikram Batra

Vikram Batra joined IMA in the Manekshaw Battalion in June 1996. Following his graduation from IMA, he was given the position of Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Captain Batra sacrificed his life for the nation while fighting in the Kargil War. However, he immortalised himself by the tagline “Yeh dil mange more” (My heart begs for more). Besides, Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry honour.

2. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was the sole survivor of an attack on Tiger Hill where he was shot with 15 bullets. He was part of the Ghatak platoon that recaptured three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hill on July 4, 1999. Though he led the assault, he face firings from the Pakistan side and was hot by multiple bullets that rendered his right arm immobile.

Besides, he received Param Vir Chakra at the age of 19, becoming the youngest person to receive the award.

3. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey

The lieutenant served in the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles. He along with his team was given the responsibility of clearing enemy army positions so that his unit would not be exposed in the open. The battleground was Khalubar. Despite leading his crew, he was shot on a ledge. However, he made it to the top of the cliff. Before sacrificing his life to gunfire by the Pakistan side, he blasted enemy fortifications. It is because of him Khalubar was captured by the Indian army.

4. Lieutenant Balwan Singh

As a part of a multi-pronged attack, Lieutenant Balwan Singh on July 3, 1999 attacked Tiger Hill from the North-Eastern direction along with his Ghatak Platoon. Known as the Tiger of the Tiger Hill, he filled four enemy soldiers despite being severely injured. The remaining Pakistani soldiers flee than facing the brave soldier. He was able to place the tricolour on top of Tiger Hill and was later awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his gallantry.

5. Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari

Major Rajesh Adhikari was the leader of the central arm of three 10-man squads attempting to take a bunker at 16,000 feet near the Tololing feature. He was accomplished in retaking Tololing as he was engaged in direct combat with Pakistani soldiers holding the bunkers.

He suffered major injuries and succumbed beyond army lines on May 15. Reportedly, he was the second officer to have died in the war. His body was discovered after 13 days. For his bravery, he was awarded Mahavir Chakra.