HT Correspondent
Dibrugarh, June 29: On Thursday, the 18th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles commemorated the 24th anniversary of the ‘Dras Battle Honour Day’ to honour the courageous actions and ultimate sacrifices made by the battalion during ‘Operation Vijay’ in the Kargil War of 1999.
Related Posts:
The ceremony included a wreath-laying event conducted by commanding officer Colonel Ksh John Singh and Subedar Major Matwar Singh. Approximately 200 active-duty soldiers of the unit participated in the commemoration ceremony. As part of the events organised by the battalion, a special Sainik Sammelan was held to pay tribute to the officers and soldiers who laid down their lives in the battle.
Official sources state that one officer and 18 jawans lost their lives during Operation Vijay.
“In May 1999, the battalion relocated from the South Lolab valley in Jammu and Kashmir to the Dras Sector for Operation Vijay. The battalion was assigned the task of reclaiming the towering peaks of Point 4700 and Point 5140 in the Dras Sector, thereby evicting the enemy,” stated a press release.
“The soldiers of the battalion rose to the occasion, displaying unwavering determination as they advanced towards their objective through challenging and rugged terrain, facing intense enemy fire. Their unparalleled courage reinstated the sanctity of the Line of Control.”
In recognition of their gallant actions, the unit was awarded a unit citation by the chief of army staff at the time. Subsequently, the battalion was honoured with the Battle Honour ‘Dras’ and the Theatre Honour ‘Kargil.’ Furthermore, the battalion received numerous awards and honours, including six Vir Chakras, eight Sena Medals, seven mentions-in-dispatches, and two chief of army staff commendation cards.
