In an extraordinary display of courage and camaraderie, the mountaineers of the High-Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) have embarked on a daring mission to recover the remains of their fallen comrades. This heroic operation, aimed at retrieving the bodies of three Havildar instructors lost in an avalanche, showcases the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of the Indian Army’s elite training institution. The mission not only honours the memory of the brave soldiers but also underscores HAWS’ relentless dedication to the principle of leaving no man behind.
A Fateful Expedition
In July 2023, a 38-member mountaineering expedition from HAWS set out to conquer Mount Kun in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The expedition commenced on October 1, 2023, with hopes of summiting Mount Kun by October 13, 2023. The treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather in this glaciated region posed immense challenges. While fixing ropes on a snow wall, the team was struck by a sudden avalanche on October 8, 2023, at an altitude of over 18,300 feet, between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on the Fariabad Glacier. Four members were caught in the deadly slide. Despite valiant efforts to rescue their comrades, the team could only recover the body of Lance Naik Stanzin Targais. The remains of Havildar Rohit, Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale, and Naik Gautam Rajbanshi remained trapped deep within a crevasse, buried under layers of snow and ice.
Operation RTG: The Quest to Bring Them Home
Refusing to leave their brothers behind, HAWS launched a meticulously planned rescue mission, codenamed “Operation RTG”, on June 18, 2024. Named in honour of the missing soldiers—Rohit, Thakur, and Gautam—the rescue expedition consisted of 88 expert mountaineers determined to recover the remains of their fallen comrades.
A road head camp was established about 40 kilometers short of Khumbathang, equipped with specialized mountaineering and rescue gear, special clothing, survival kits, tents, meals, and other essentials. Two helicopters were on standby to transport the mortal remains of the bravehearts and evacuate the rescue team if necessary.
A Base Camp was set up at a distance of approximately 13 kilometers from the road head at an altitude of about 14,790 feet. Maj Gen Bruce Fernandez, Commandant of HAWS, stationed himself at Base Camp to oversee the rescue efforts. Brigadier SS Shekhawat, the Deputy Commandant of HAWS, personally led the search operation, emphasizing its significance.
The incident site was approximately three kilometers from Base Camp. The rescue team faced formidable challenges at an altitude of 18,300 feet. They established a forward base camp on June 25, 2024, with two intermediate camps for acclimatization. Equipped with satellite phones, special tents, advanced tools, and supported by dedicated helicopters stationed 20 kilometers away, every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the search party.
A Glimmer of Hope
The first significant breakthrough came on July 4, 2024, when the remains of Havildar Rohit Kumar (Dogra Scouts) were found about 30 feet deep in the snow and ice of the crevasse. The remains were transported to Kumbathang by helicopter. With renewed resolve, the team braved the harsh conditions and went 10 feet deeper into the crevasse, recovering the remains of Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale (Gorkha Rifles) on July 7, 2024. The search continued for the remains of Naik Gautam Rajbanshi (Assam Regiment), as the team’s resolve to bring their comrades home remained unwavering. The mission was finally accomplished on July 8, 2024, as the remains of all three trapped soldiers were recovered, ensuring no team member was left behind.
The mortal remains were transported to their respective families with full military honors, providing closure to their loved ones who had patiently waited to bid a final farewell to the bravehearts.
The Spirit of HAWS
The operation exemplifies the core values of HAWS and the Indian Army—the relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering commitment to comrades, and the ethos of leaving no man behind. With the completion of Operation RTG, the nation stands in solidarity with the brave soldiers of HAWS, honouring their courage and dedication.
Brig SS Shekhawat’s Reflections on Operation RTG
As the Deputy Commandant of HAWS, he is no stranger to formidable challenges, having climbed Mount Everest thrice and been awarded the Kirti Chakra for one of the toughest operations conducted by the Indian Army. However, he describes Operation RTG as the most demanding mission of his life.
“Dug for nine days straight, 10-12 hours every day at 18,700 feet,” he recounted. “Tons of snow and ice were removed.” The gruelling effort, both physically and mentally, tested the resilience of the entire team.
Despite the immense hardships, Brigadier Shekhawat expressed a profound sense of fulfilment. “It has been the toughest mission of my life, physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he said. “But I am satisfied that we have retrieved them. Rohit has been cremated with full military honours. Thakur and Gautam are being sent to their kin, where they will receive befitting last rites, the soldiers deserve.”