Was the top brass of the Indian Army held responsible for the Pak intrusion, even as young officers and jawans exhibited exemplary bravery in snatching a victory against all odds but at huge cost?
The Indian Army's recapture of Tiger Hill during the 1999 Kargil War was a pivotal moment in Operation Vijay. Here are the operational details of how the Indian forces reclaimed this strategic position:
## Initial Attempts and Preparation
The first assault on Tiger Hill by the 8th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment (8 Sikh) in late May 1999 was repulsed due to heavy enemy fire[4]. After this setback, the Indian Army realized the need for a more coordinated approach. In late June, the 192 Mountain Brigade took command of the operations on Tiger Hill[4].
## The Final Assault
The decisive operation to recapture Tiger Hill began on July 3, 1999, at 17:15[4]. Here's how it unfolded:
1. **Artillery Bombardment**: 22 batteries from the Regiment of Artillery, including multi-barreled rocket launchers, conducted a massive 13-hour bombardment of enemy positions on the peak[4].
2. **Multi-Pronged Attack**: The assault involved a coordinated effort by multiple units:
- 2nd Battalion, Naga Regiment (2 Naga) advanced on the right flank
- 8 Sikh advanced on the left flank
- 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers (18 Grenadiers) approached from the rear[4]
3. **Surprise Vertical Assault**: 200 men from Alpha and Charlie Companies of 18 Grenadiers, along with the battalion's Ghatak platoon, climbed a 1,000-foot vertical cliff on the rear side of the mountain. This unexpected approach took 12 hours using fixed ropes, in freezing rain[4].
4. **Tactical Maneuver**: When the Grenadiers' assault stalled due to heavy enemy fire, Major Ravinder Singh of 8 Sikh launched a daring attack. He led 200 soldiers up the side of the adjoining Western Ridge on the night of July 5, effectively splitting the Pakistani defense[4].
5. **Sustained Engagement**: The Indian forces held off several counterattacks over the next three days, despite many soldiers lacking proper cold weather gear[4].
6. **Final Push**: On the morning of July 8, 18 Grenadiers resumed the attack from two directions, finally seizing the 16,700-foot (5,062 m) Tiger Hill Top[4].
## Strategic Significance
The recapture of Tiger Hill was crucial for several reasons:
1. It provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, including the vital Srinagar-Leh highway (NH 1A)[2].
2. Its capture denied the Pakistani forces the ability to interdict vehicular movement on NH 1A with observed artillery fire[3].
3. It was a significant psychological victory, boosting Indian morale while dealing a blow to the Pakistani forces[3].
4. The timing of the victory, coinciding with the Pakistani Prime Minister's meeting with US President Clinton on July 4, had diplomatic implications[3].
## Aftermath
The success at Tiger Hill marked a turning point in the Kargil War. It exposed the Pakistani military's vulnerabilities and demonstrated the Indian Army's resolve and capabilities in high-altitude warfare[1]. The victory broke the back of Pakistani resistance in the sector and paved the way for the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay[3].
This operation showcased the Indian Army's ability to adapt to challenging terrain and weather conditions, effectively coordinate different arms and units, and execute complex multi-pronged assaults. The recapture of Tiger Hill stands as a testament to the bravery, skill, and determination of the Indian soldiers involved in the Kargil War.”
Translating the above comment of Sardar Nishan Singh Kahlon to English for those who may not be able to read Punjabi in Gurmukhi script. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
“I witnessed the Kargil War with my own eyes while sitting in the government school of the village Bimbat in the Drass sector. This village is situated right at the foothills of Tiger Hill. The task of clearing the Pakistani terrorists from Tiger Hill was assigned to the Indian Army's 8 Sikh Regiment. On the very first day of the battle, 35 soldiers (both jawans and officers) of the 8 Sikh Battalion were martyred. When I offered prayers for the martyrs, many soldiers, unable to bear the somber atmosphere, began to weep or sob in memory of their fallen comrades, and some even fainted. To liberate this area, India, and especially the Sikhs, had to pay a heavy price.
Sir you can mention my name if required
Ok
ਮੈਂ ਕਾਰਗਿਲ ਯੁੱਧ ਨੂੰ ਦਰਾਸ ਸੈਕਟਰ ਦੇ ਪਿੰਡ ਬਿੰਬਟ ਦੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਸਕੂਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੈਠ ਕੇ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਵੇਖਿਆ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਪਿੰਡ ਟਾਈਗਰ ਹਿੱਲ ਦੇ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਪੈਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਥਿਤ ਹੈ। ਟਾਈਗਰ ਹਿੱਲ ਤੋਂ ਪਾਕਿ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਕਬਜਾ ਹਟਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਫੌਜ ਦੀ 8 ਸਿੱਖ ਰੈਜੀਮੈਂਟ ਨੂੰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਜੰਗ ਦੇ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਦਿਨ ਹੀ 8 ਸਿੱਖ ਬਟਾਲੀਅਨ ਦੇ 35 ਫੌਜੀ ( ਜਵਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਅਫਸਰ) ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਸਨ। ਜਦੋਂ ਮੈਂ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਮਿੱਤ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਾਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਫੌਜੀ ਗਮਗੀਨ ਮਾਹੌਲ ਨੂੰ ਨਾਂ ਸਹਾਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਵਿਛੜਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਯਾਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੋਣ ਲੱਗ ਪਏ ਅਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਕੁਝ ਬੇਸੁੱਧ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਗਏ । ਇਸ ਖੇਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਛਡਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਭਾਰਤ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰੀ ਕੀਮਤ ਅਦਾ ਕਰਨੀ ਪਈ ਸੀ।
The Indian Army's recapture of Tiger Hill during the 1999 Kargil War was a pivotal moment in Operation Vijay. Here are the operational details of how the Indian forces reclaimed this strategic position:
## Initial Attempts and Preparation
The first assault on Tiger Hill by the 8th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment (8 Sikh) in late May 1999 was repulsed due to heavy enemy fire[4]. After this setback, the Indian Army realized the need for a more coordinated approach. In late June, the 192 Mountain Brigade took command of the operations on Tiger Hill[4].
## The Final Assault
The decisive operation to recapture Tiger Hill began on July 3, 1999, at 17:15[4]. Here's how it unfolded:
1. **Artillery Bombardment**: 22 batteries from the Regiment of Artillery, including multi-barreled rocket launchers, conducted a massive 13-hour bombardment of enemy positions on the peak[4].
2. **Multi-Pronged Attack**: The assault involved a coordinated effort by multiple units:
- 2nd Battalion, Naga Regiment (2 Naga) advanced on the right flank
- 8 Sikh advanced on the left flank
- 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers (18 Grenadiers) approached from the rear[4]
3. **Surprise Vertical Assault**: 200 men from Alpha and Charlie Companies of 18 Grenadiers, along with the battalion's Ghatak platoon, climbed a 1,000-foot vertical cliff on the rear side of the mountain. This unexpected approach took 12 hours using fixed ropes, in freezing rain[4].
4. **Tactical Maneuver**: When the Grenadiers' assault stalled due to heavy enemy fire, Major Ravinder Singh of 8 Sikh launched a daring attack. He led 200 soldiers up the side of the adjoining Western Ridge on the night of July 5, effectively splitting the Pakistani defense[4].
5. **Sustained Engagement**: The Indian forces held off several counterattacks over the next three days, despite many soldiers lacking proper cold weather gear[4].
6. **Final Push**: On the morning of July 8, 18 Grenadiers resumed the attack from two directions, finally seizing the 16,700-foot (5,062 m) Tiger Hill Top[4].
## Strategic Significance
The recapture of Tiger Hill was crucial for several reasons:
1. It provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, including the vital Srinagar-Leh highway (NH 1A)[2].
2. Its capture denied the Pakistani forces the ability to interdict vehicular movement on NH 1A with observed artillery fire[3].
3. It was a significant psychological victory, boosting Indian morale while dealing a blow to the Pakistani forces[3].
4. The timing of the victory, coinciding with the Pakistani Prime Minister's meeting with US President Clinton on July 4, had diplomatic implications[3].
## Aftermath
The success at Tiger Hill marked a turning point in the Kargil War. It exposed the Pakistani military's vulnerabilities and demonstrated the Indian Army's resolve and capabilities in high-altitude warfare[1]. The victory broke the back of Pakistani resistance in the sector and paved the way for the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay[3].
This operation showcased the Indian Army's ability to adapt to challenging terrain and weather conditions, effectively coordinate different arms and units, and execute complex multi-pronged assaults. The recapture of Tiger Hill stands as a testament to the bravery, skill, and determination of the Indian soldiers involved in the Kargil War.”
Sources
[1] Kargil War - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kargil_War
[2] KARGIL WAR: BATTLE OF TIGER HILLhistory of kashmir https://www.soldierstoryofkashmir.com/post/kargil-war-battle-of-tiger-hill
[3] The capture of Tiger Hill: a first-hand account https://www.mea.gov.in/articles-in-indian-media.htm
[4] Battle of Tiger Hill - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tiger_Hill
[5] Operation Vijay: The Kargil Recapture - Jagran Josh https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/planning-and-execution-of-operation-vijay-1721395622-1
Translating the above comment of Sardar Nishan Singh Kahlon to English for those who may not be able to read Punjabi in Gurmukhi script. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
“I witnessed the Kargil War with my own eyes while sitting in the government school of the village Bimbat in the Drass sector. This village is situated right at the foothills of Tiger Hill. The task of clearing the Pakistani terrorists from Tiger Hill was assigned to the Indian Army's 8 Sikh Regiment. On the very first day of the battle, 35 soldiers (both jawans and officers) of the 8 Sikh Battalion were martyred. When I offered prayers for the martyrs, many soldiers, unable to bear the somber atmosphere, began to weep or sob in memory of their fallen comrades, and some even fainted. To liberate this area, India, and especially the Sikhs, had to pay a heavy price.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😇😇😇🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻