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Home , Anuj Nayyar, Digendra Kumar, Ghatak Platoon, Havildar, Kargil Vijay Diwas, Kargil War

No. 07/2019 AN PUBLICATION July 2019 CAPTURE OF (OP VIJAY-1999)

GRENADIERS was tasked to capture Tiger Hill, one of the prominent features in the Drass Sub-Sector. The initial attack was led by Sachin Nimbalkar and 18Balwan Singh, with a Section of ‘D’ Company and the Ghatak in a multi directional attack. The team stealthily approached Tiger Hill and took the enemy by surprise. Lieutenant Balwan Singh along with Madan Lal gallantly led the Section and pressed forward against heavy odds. The Section approached and engaged the Pakistani bunkers on Tiger Hill Top. During this fight Havildar Madan Lal got severe injuries but still continued to press forward. The individual showed extraordinary courage and exemplary junior leadership and was awarded (Posthumously). Lieutenant Balwan Singh in another outflanking manoeuvre took the enemy by sheer surprise as his team used cliff assault mountaineering skills to reach the top. The single handedly killed many Pakistani soldiers, and led his team to the top. For his leadership and unmatched gallantry, Lieutenant Balwan Singh was awarded the . Another prominent name associated with Tiger hill is , who was part of the leading team of tasked to capture Tiger Hill Top. The soldier utterly disregarded his own injury that he sustained due to enemy fire and continued to charge towards the enemy bunkers all the while firing from his rifle. He killed enemy soldiers in close combat and silenced the automatic fire. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and was in critical condition, but refused to be evacuated and continued to attack. For his indomitable spirit and conspicuous courage way beyond the call of duty, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was awarded the Nation’s highest gallantry award, the . At 0800 hours on 05 July, the Indian Tricolour was finally hoisted on Tiger Hill Top. Throughout the nearly two-month long campaign, 18 gave the Indian Army and the Nation some of the finest victories ever won in its military history. The gallant soldiers of the were awarded one Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakras, six Vir Chakras and a host of Sena Medals and other gallantry awards. For their outstanding achievements in the battle of Tiger Hill, 18 GRENADIERS was awarded the Unit Citation by the Chief of the Army Staff and honored with the title ‘Bravest of the Brave’. THE NATION CELEBRATES 2O YEARS OF VIJAY DIWAS. ‘LETS CELEBRATE VALOUR, COURAGE AND SACRIFICE’

2 Baatcheet July 2019 July 2019 From the Editor’s Desk he Indo- Kargil was fought between May and July 1999 in , along the extending from TZoji La in the West to Turtok () in the East. The conflict is referred as Operation Vijay. The cause of war was the infiltration of Pakistan's Northern Light into positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control overlooking and threatening National Highway 1D. This was one of the toughest and longest campaigns of modern times, as battles took place in high altitude areas at heights above 12,000 feet. Our soldiers supported by and fought legendary Capture of Tiger Hill (Op Vijay-1999)...... 2 battles in , Kaksar, and Sectors. Chief’s Page...... 4 th The year 2019 marks the 20 anniversary of the In Focus...... 5 . The theme of the event is ‘Remember’, ‘Rejoice’ and ‘Renew’ which aims at commemorating Snippets...... 6-7 the sacrifices of our comrades, rejoicing their victory 20 Years of Kargil War 1999-2019 ...... 8-9 and renewing the vow for the future. J&K Diary...... 10 There are large number of events being organised at , Drass, Kargil and . These events include North East Diary...... 11 expedition by units which participated in Kargil Communique...... 12 War to revisit the peaks they conquered in 1999. In addition to traditional celebrations at Dras, events Welfare and Empowerment ...... 13 like cricket tournaments, Army Mela, school level Training...... 14 competitions are being organised at Leh to integrate Sports and Adventure...... 15 mainstream into the celebration. Events are also being organised across the country to commemorate Regimental Celebrations...... 16 our victory in the Kargil War. Let us celebrate the sacrifice of our brave soldiers CONTACT FOR QUERIES and strive together to ensure territorial integrity and Publisher : Additional Directorate , pride of our Nation. Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) Office : B-30, South Block, - 110011 Tele : Off - 23018665, 33332/33249 Indian Army Website : www.indianarmy.nic.in or www.indianarmy.gov.in Facebook : www.facebook.com/indianarmy.adgpi Twitter : www.twitter.com/adgpi GSO1 (Pub) : Maj Dibya Satapathy Editor Baatcheet Email : [email protected] ADG PI : [email protected] Brig PI : [email protected] (IO) : [email protected] Colonel (Media) : [email protected] Colonel (Social Media) : [email protected] Webmaster IA : [email protected] Contact No : 011-23018665, 33332 33249 (ASCON) Printer : Xtreme Office Aids (Pvt.) Ltd, N D-46 Ph : 011-45627583

Baatcheet July 2019 3 We request our readers to send good quality, high resolution photographs for cover page of Baatcheet. CHIEF’S PAGE The Honourable Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff visited Cantonment, and reviewed the overall security situation in Jammu &

A group of 140 students from Ramban, Reasi, and Baramulla accompanied by four teachers on a National Integration Tour visited New Delhi. The group interacted with General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff on 10 June 19

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff visited Headquarters Counter Force (Uniform) at Sila in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on 04 June 2019, to review the operational preparedness and to review the security situation. He was accompanied by Commanding-in-Chief, , Ranbir Singh and the White Knight, .

General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff visited forward areas of General Bipin Akhnoor Sector on 22 Rawat, flagged off June 19. The General & reviewed operational Athletics Federation of preparedness and Run at Cariappa interacted with troops Parade Ground, New Delhi on 02 June 19 4 Baatcheet July 2019 IN FOCUS

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY From the snow deserts of Siachen to the waters of , from the heights of in Arunachal to the dunes of , Indian Army celebrated the International Yoga Day on 21 June 2019.

Baatcheet July 2019 5 SNIPPETS

Honorable Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh made his Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, maiden visit to the world’s highest battle field at Siachen Northern Command, visited North Kashmir on 26 June on 03 June 19. The RM was accompanied by General Bipin 19 on a two day visit to review the overall security scenario Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff. in view of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra. He was accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander.

Lieutenant General Surinder Singh, Army Commander, The Army Educational Corps Training College and Centre inaugurated the Married celebrated its 99th Corps Day on 01 June 19. A plethora Accommodation Project (MAP) Phase – II at Suranussi of events were organised to commemorate the occasion and dedicated 180 new accommodations to Other Ranks which witnessed huge participation from all ranks. of Vajra Corps.

Chinar Corps Ex-Servicemen and Veer Nari Rally was Commemoration Ceremony and Sports Day was organised on 15 June 19 at the Jammu and Kashmir Light organised at Malakal Sports Stadium, South Sudan on Infantry Regimental Centre, Rangreth, Srinagar. Over 700 29 May 19 to celebrate ‘International Day of United Nations ex-servicemen and Veer Naris attended the rally. Peacekeepers.’ The day offers an opportunity to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel and their valuable contribution to peacekeeping.

6 Baatcheet July 2019 SNIPPETS

Surya Command, Children Summer Adventure Camp was The Indian Army led the rescue operation along with conducted at Ranikhet under the aegis of The Kumaon Border Roads Organisation & civil administration to Regimental Centre with effect from 10-19 June 19. A total ensure smooth evacuation of 429 tourists from North of 108 children reported for the Camp and engaged in on 21 June 19. Incessant rains and cloud burst various sporting and cultural activities. had led to land slides and bridges being washed away thus cutting of the area ahead of Chungthang in Sikkim.

A delegation of Sri Lankan Armed Forces comprising of Indian Force Signals Unit (FSU) deployed with United 160 members, visited Officers Training Academy, (OTA) Nations Mission in South Sudan organised Yoga on the Gaya from 15-18 June 19. The visit was aimed to strengthen occasion of 5th International Yoga Day at Indian Emabasy in cultural & military relations between the two Nations. Juba. United Nation peacekeepers of diverse nationalities participated in the event.

A veterans rally and Krishi Mela was organised under The Chief of Staff, Western Command inaugurated a the aegis of Tithwal at Garhi, Nowshera. Armed unique 'On Job Training Contact Centre' for Defence Forces veterans and their families attended the event in personnel at Mohali on 04 June 19. The centre aims to large numbers. Veer Naris and prominent veterans were exclusively employ and train military paraplegic and honoured by Commander, Tithwal Brigade in memory of quadriplegic veterans. the sacrifice and selfless service rendered by our veterans.

Baatcheet July 2019 7 REMEMBER - REJOICE - RENEW 20 YEARS OF KARGIL WAR 1999-2019

Captain Captain Grenadier Captain Major Major Major Captain , , , YOGENDER SINGH YADAV, VIVEK GUPTA, N KENGURUSE, PADMAPANI ACHARYA, RAJESH ADHIKARI, P SARVANAN, , Param Vir Chakra (P) Param Vir Chakra Param Vir Chakra (P) Param Vir Chakra Maha Vir Chakra (P) Maha Vir Chakra (P) Maha Vir Chakra (P) Maha Vir Chakra (P) Maha Vir Chakra (p) Maha Vir Chakra (P)

TOLOLING BATALIK Battle of Tololing was pivotal in turning the tide and Fierce patriotism of young officers like breaking the back of Pakistani invasion. Major Vivek Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey and Major Saravanan Gupta, , Major Padmapani in the final assault on Pakistani intruders in Batalik Acharya and Captain N Kenguruse led from front in this turned the area into a macabre graveyard for enemy epic battle and won the crucial objective of Tololing. troops as the nation achieved a heroic victory marked by supreme sacrifice of these bravehearts.

TIGER HILL Led by Infantry and ably supported by artillery with synergetic On 05 July 1999 Indian Tricolour was hoisted on Tiger Hill top. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, Lieutenant Balwan Singh and many other gallant application of all arms and services saw the Nation achieve a soldiers shall always be remembered for the unmatched valour which resounding victory in the icy heights of Kargil. epitomised raw courage of Indian bravehearts.

8 Baatcheet July 2019 Baatcheet July 2019 9 JAMMU AND KASHMIR DIARY

To modernise and upgrade the existing infrastructure of Fire & Fury Corps, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir the Madrassa at Pukharni in Qila Darhal Tehsil of Rajouri Viklang Sahayata Samiti of and the Mumbai based District, a Battalion under Counter Crest Ventures Limited organised a special event at Leh in Insurgency Force (Uniform) provided computers, books, which over 200 aids of various types were distributed to water dispensers & other amenities on 28 June 19. differently abled persons of region on 10 June 19.

Epitomising the core values, secularism and inclusive Kalapahar Brigade organised a ‘Awam Mela’ for the spirit of India a Dawat-e-Iftaar was hosted by Northern population of Uri on 10 June 19. The event was organised Command at Badami Bagh Cantonment for the ‘Rozedaars’, on behest of the local population of Uri as culmination of civil dignitaries, uniformed community, media persons Eid festivities. The Mela witnessed huge gathering of more and representatives from all sections of the society on than five thousand people including prominent citizens of 01 June 19. Many such events have been conducted. Uri town.

A function was held on 20 June 19 at Wuzur, to honour The sixth batch (June 18- April 19) of Kashmir Super the contributions of a great son of soil, Shaheed Lance 30 consisting of 51 students got coached under the able Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, Ashok Chakra, the highest guidance of qualified teachers since June 2018. Out of peacetime gallantry award winner this year. The Army 51 students 41 have cleared IIT/JEE 2018-19 Mains in Goodwill School Wuzur was renamed ‘Shaheed Lance April 19. Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, Ashok Chakra, ** Army Goodwill School Wuzur.’ 10 Baatcheet July 2019 NORTH EAST DIARY

A four member delegation of Bangladesh Army led by Vice Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding- S M Maitur Rahman, General Officer in-Chief, visited HQ Eastern Commanding an Infantry and Area Commander Command at Fort William, Kolkata on 17 June 19. He met visited from 24 - 28 June 19. The visit is Lieutenant General MM Naravane, Army Commander part of enhanced cooperation between both the Armies of Eastern Command and discussed issues related to the neighbouring countries. jointmanship in operations.

A Border Personnel Meet (BPM) between delegations In a first of its kind of event along the Eastern Border, of Indian Army & People's Liberation Army was organised personnel of Chinese Army and civilians participated in at Bum La in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on 30 May 19. a joint Yoga session with Indian Army troops at Nathu Various issues of mutual concern were discussed during La, Sikkim and at Bumla & Wacha-Dumai in Arunachal the meet. Pradesh on the occasion of International Yoga Day on 21 June 19.

Eastern Command of Indian Army organised a week long ‘Veterans Conclave’ was conducted by the Kokrajhar unit ‘Children’s Summer Adventure Camp 2019’ in Darjeeling of the Red Horns Division at Patharghat, Kokrajhar on from 10 to 16 June 19. The camp was aimed to instill a 10 May 19. Interactive kiosks for registration and redressal spirit of adventure, camaraderie, team work and leadership of grievances pertaining to anomalies, ECHS and qualities amongst the children. Canteen Smart Cards were established.

Baatcheet July 2019 11 COMMUNIQUE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BEING PROVIDED TO NOK BY DIAV A summary of grants and welfare schemes for the NOKs of both Battle and Physical Casualties which are provided through DIAV is given below. 1. Battle Casualty Fatal Cases Ser No Category Amount Remarks (a) Fatal Battle Casualty. 15 Aug 1947 to 30 Apr 1999 Rs 1,00,000/- R&W Sec st 01 May 1999 to 31 Dec 2015 Rs 30,000/- 1 Tranche – 50,000/- (on occurrence of casualty) nd 01 Jan 2016 onwards Rs 2,00,000/- 2 Tranche – 1,50,000/- (On receipt of final documents) (b) Daughter’s marriage/orphan Rs 1,00,000/- R&W (Corpus) Eligible for both BC/PC cases. son’s marriage/ re-marriage of widow (c) Education Scholarship to Education scholarship covering the entire Children expenditure from Class I to graduation is entitled to BC through CW-3 (ref 6 (b) below) Post Graduation Rs 25,000/-per year R&W (Corpus) Professional Courses Rs 50,000/-per year (max) Eligible for both BC/PC cases. (d) One time computer grant for Rs 35,000/- R&W (Corpus) wards & widows (pursuing Eligible for both BC/PC cases. graduation & above) (e) Higher Education of Widow Graduation Rs 20,000/-per year R&W (Corpus) Post Graduation Rs 25,000/-per year Eligible for both BC/PC cases. Professional Courses Rs 50,000/-per year (max) 2. Physical Casualty Fatal Cases Ser No Category Amount Remarks (a) Fatal Physical Casualty. Where death is attributable to/not attributable to mil service incl those missing & presumed killed, where Central Govt Ex gratia is not paid to the NOK. 01 Apr 2001 - 14 Jan 2009 Rs 30,000/- 15 Jan 2009 - 31 Mar 2013 Rs 1,00,000/- (1st Tranche – 30,000/- 2nd Tranche – 70,000/-) 01 Apr 2013 - 31 Mar 2016 Rs 2,00,000/- (1st Tranche – 30,000/- 2nd Tranche – 1,70,000/-) 01 Apr 2016 onwards Rs 2,50,000/- (1st Tranche – 50,000/- 2nd Tranche – 2,00,000/-) (b) Fatal Physical Casualty in respect of Re-emp Offrs during their re-employment period wef :- 21 Apr 2015-31 Mar 2016 Rs 30,000/- 01 Apr 2016 onwards Rs 50,000/- (c) Fatal Recruit Casualty (Physical Casualty) 15 Jan 2012 - 31 Mar 2016 Rs 30,000/- 01 Apr 2016 onwards Rs 50,000/- (d) Rs 400/- per month per child (max two - The grant is payable wef actual date of death of children) studying in class I to XII towards the deceased. Scheme is applicable for cases after education grant to NOK/ legal guardian 15 Jan 2011 of dependent children/ major child of all fatal physical casualty (Not attributable to Military Service) (e) Daughter’s marriage/orphan son’s marriage/ Rs 1,00,000/- re-marriage of widow (f) One time computer grant Rs 35,000/- 12 Baatcheet July 2019 WELFARE AND EMPOWERMENT ‘It is amazing what you can achieve, if you do not care who gets the credit”

Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President AWWA inaugurated On 23 Jun 19, an outreach programme for the veterans the commencement of project for laying of and dependents of Baba Bakala Tehsil was organised infrastructure for supply of piped natural gas to entire by Indian Army, to honour and felicitate our veterans Delhi Cantonment at Arjun Vihar, Delhi Cantonment and their Next of Kins. The veterans programme on 14 June 19. The project envisages provision of piped was organised under the aegis of Vajra Corps to natural gas to all the houses and cook houses of Delhi commemorate the Year of the Next of Kin. Cantonment.

INSPIRING VETERANS Navin Gulia – An Inspiring Story of Relentless Determination On the evening of 29 April, 1995, a young Gentleman Cadet suffered a near-fatal accident just before his passing-out parade at the . The injuries were so grave that doctors declared he would not survive more than three days. But, Navin Gulia was made of stronger resolve. He recovered, albeit permanently disabled. For a man who was declared permanently 100 per cent disabled at the age of 22, life itself could have become a burden. The doctors told him that he would need two attendants to look after him and that the injury renders him incapable of doing anything on his own for the rest of his life. Navin refused to live by those words. Staying in Military Hospital he did a Certificate of Proficiency in Computers Course with Aptech for one year, securing 99% marks. When he was discharged from the hospital after nearly two years, he was well equipped to clear the entrance exam for MCM (Master’s Degree in Computer Management) from SICSR (Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research), . He cleared the exam in the open category and completed the two year degree course in first class. He learned to move around on a wheelchair by himself, started driving a modified car with a hand-operated accelerator and brake and in 2004 drove all the way from Delhi to the top of , the highest motarable mountain pass in the world at 18,632 feet. He is also trained in microlite flying. He covered the distance of 1110 km from Delhi to Marsimik La in 55 hours, driving almost non-stop, in life threatening conditions. ‘Marsimik’ in Tibetan means death trap. Navin, is now a motivational speaker and social worker. His Marsimik La expedition got him an entry into the Limca Book of World Records. Navin, now 46, is mostly involved in the activities of ADAA (Apni Duniya Apna Ashiana – which means Our World Our Home), an NGO he founded in 2007. ADAA is making sure that the girls complete their education and pursue their interests. It works with the families of the children and also with the local government school where most of the children study. Today, Navin Gulia is an accomplished author, award-winning adventurer, philanthropist, motivational speaker and above all, a source of inspiration to many. In 2012, he published his memoirs, ‘In Quest of the Last Victory’ and wishes to carry on with his life mission of writing, delivering motivational speeches and changing lives. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious Awards including the Karmaveer Chakra, National Role Model Award, Global Indian of the Year, Kavin Care Ability Mastery Award and many more. Baatcheet July 2019 13 ‘GREAT LEADERS DON’T SET OUT TO BE LEADERS, TRAINING THEY SET OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE’

84 Gentlemen Cadets of the Technical Entry Scheme 459 Gentlemen Cadets of 144 Regular course including (TES)-33 and Special Commissioned Officers’ Course Technical Graduates & Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (SCO)-42 passed out of Officers’ Training Academy at from nine friendly foreign countries passed out from Gaya on 08 June 19. Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund IMA, Dehradun. Lieutenant Genaral Cherish Mathson, Naravane, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Sapta Shakti Eastern Command reviewed the impressive Passing Out Command reviewed the impressive Passing Out Parade Parade. on 08 June 19.

Military College of Electrical and Mechanical Remount Veterinary (RV) Branch, White Knight Corps Engineering, organised Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends held a ‘Technical Seminar on RV Matters’ in order to in Armoured Fighting Vehicles' on 04 June 19, with the provide an insight into the ongoing and emerging trends aim to explore technological advancements in the field in the field of Veterinary Sciences. of Armoured Fighting Vehicles and to have holistic overview of industrial initiatives in absorption & implementation of futuristic technological trends.

In an impressive Convocation Ceremony, 18 Officers of Technical Entry Scheme Course (TES-31) were conferred engineering degree by Commandant, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering on 27 June 19 at Secunderabad.

14 Baatcheet July 2019 "One way to get the most out of life SPORTS & ADVENTURE is to think of it as an adventure"

Army Archers Tarundeep Rai and Motorcycle Expedition to commemorate 20th Havildar Pravin Jadhav of Army Sports Institute, Anniversary of was flagged off from after securing a berth for 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Leh by General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury won Silver medal in Recurve Archery Team Corps on 21 June 19. The unique expedition celebrates event in World Archery Championship held at the victory of Indian Army & also aims to connect with Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. Veer Naris & Next of Kin of martyrs along the expedition route.

A trekking expedition organised by Garud Signallers To pay tribute to the essence of indomitable spirit under the aegis of Garud Division was 'Flagged-In' on of Indian Army, trekking expedition to Mount Kulu 09 June 19 at Chaubatia. The aim of trekking expedition Pumori (6553 Mtr) on Ranges was flagged was to spread the message of fraternity, solidarity, under the aegis of Tripeak Brigade. The expedition team oneness and the indomitable spirit of soldiers of Indian comprises of one officer, one Junior Commissioned Army. Officer & 14 Other Ranks.

Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Makalu (8485 M) 2019 A unit under the aegis of Pine Division, Vajra Corps, was ‘Flagged-In’ by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath undertook a Cycling Expedition from Shimla along the Singh on 28 June 19. The Indian Army Mountaineering most treacherous route in the country, moving along team achieved a singular distinction of placing - Narkanda, Karcham, Pooh, Sumdoh, Kaza, 16 members on the summit of Mt Makalu, 5th highest Losar, ChandraTal crossing at a height of peak of the world. 15000 ft and towards Manali. Baatcheet July 2019 15 REGIMENTAL CELEBRATIONS

On the occasion of 48th Raising Day of Northern Command, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command paid homage to the martyrs & exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves to the service of the Nation

Headquarters Purva & Sub Area celebrated its 49th Raising Day on 01 June 19. General Officer Commanding Purva Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh Sub Area laid wreath at War Memorial in remembrance of the fallen braves.

Next Edition ‘ARTRAC Special’ 16 Baatcheet July 2019