In the summer of 1999, the Kargil War became a defining moment for India, a test of valour and strategy. As the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of this conflict, the tales of bravery from the battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill stand out as pivotal victories that turned the tide in India’s favour.
On July 4, 1999, Lieutenant Balwan Singh, barely four months into his service, led the Ghatak Platoon of the Indian Army in a strategic assault that captured the formidable Tiger Hill. Reflecting on that critical moment, now Colonel Singh recalls, “There was no looking back from there. It was victory after the capture of the Tiger Hill.” Despite sustaining injuries, he continued to fight, earning the Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry.
Raised in 1976, the 18 Grenadiers played a crucial role in the Kargil War. The battalion’s heroic efforts were recognized with 52 honors, including a Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakras, six Vir Chakras, and several Sena Medals. The memories of these brave soldiers were revisited by Colonel Singh and other Kargil heroes during Operation Vijay’s commemorative events.
The war, officially declared over on July 26, 1999, saw Indian forces reclaim vital positions stealthily occupied by Pakistani troops in Ladakh. On the night of July 3, 1999, the soldiers of the 18 Grenadiers, known as the Pole Star Battalion, embarked on their mission to capture Tiger Hill. By the next morning, they had achieved their objective.
Brigadier (Retd) Khushal Thakur, who commanded the unit amidst the important battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill, talked about the turning point: “On June 12-13, 1999, we won Tololing, and it was a big turning point in this war. It boosted the morale of our armed forces and the countrymen and dipped the morale of the Pakistani side.”
The strategic importance of these victories cannot be overstated. Tololing’s proximity to National Highway-1A made it a crucial target, as it was just 3 kilometers from the highway. Tiger Hill, too, had a strategic vantage point, overseeing an 8-10 kilometer stretch of NH-1A.
The battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill were not just military victories but also symbols of India’s resilience and determination. The images of Indian soldiers celebrating their conquest of Tiger Hill became iconic, showcasing their bravery to the world.
Colonel Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar, who served with the 18 Grenadiers as a captain during the conflict, highlighted the sacrifices made by his unit. He paid tribute to his comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice, including his Indian Military Academy course mate Captain Manoj Pandey, a hero of the Tiger Hill battle. “There are mixed emotions. There is a sense of achievement, but it has come at a great cost. Today is the day for all of us to collectively acknowledge the efforts of our heroes and sacrifices they made for the nation.”
On Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, addressing a gathering of Army officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and soldiers from the 18 Grenadiers to mark 25 years of the battles, emphasized the evolving nature of warfare. “The form of war is transforming rapidly due to technological advancements and the country’s armed forces will have to be ready to accept this change.”
General Chauhan underscored the importance of maintaining the trust and prestige earned by the armed forces.
He highlighted the need for adaptability in modern warfare, citing the rapid technological developments that are changing the landscape of combat. “Today we are talking of multi-domain warfare. Instead of just conventional domains like land, sea, maritime, and air, the cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, and space domains are also added to augment our military strength.”
The CDS stressed that the armed forces must embrace change to maintain their edge. “We cannot fail in a war,” he asserted, adding that unlike sports, there are no runners-up in war as the winner takes it all. “To maintain that trust, you will have to understand and adapt to these new things.”
In his address, General Chauhan also mentioned the government’s efforts to reform the military structure, including the establishment of the CDS position to bring jointness and integration among the three services. “A unit works like a human body where any ailment impacts overall health,” he said.
As the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory, the stories of bravery from Tololing and Tiger Hill remind us of the immense sacrifices made by the Indian Army. The legacy of these battles continues to inspire future generations of soldiers, reinforcing the spirit of courage and resilience that defines the Indian armed forces.
The commemorative events also serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of the Kargil War, not just in terms of military achievements but also in fostering national unity and pride. The sacrifices made by the soldiers of the 18 Grenadiers and other units are a testament to their unwavering dedication to the nation.
The evolving nature of warfare demands that the armed forces remain vigilant, adaptive, and ready to face new challenges.
The battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill will forever be etched in the annals of Indian military history, symbolizing the indomitable spirit and valour of the Indian Army.
The 25th anniversary of the Kargil War is not just a time for reflection but also a call to action, urging us to uphold the legacy of our heroes and to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.