Notion Press

Old No. 38, New No. 6 McNichols Road, Chetpet Chennai - 600 031

First Published by Notion Press 2020 Copyright © Col. Arun Parasar 2020 All Rights Reserved.

ISBN 978-1-64678-003-7

This book has been published with all efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. However, the author and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

While every effort has been made to avoid any mistake or omission, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that neither the author nor the publishers or printers would be liable in any manner to any person by reason of any mistake or omission in this publication or for any action taken or omitted to be taken or advice rendered or accepted on the basis of this work. For any defect in printing or binding the publishers will be liable only to replace the defective copy by another copy of this work then available. Contents

Foreword 7 Acknowledgements 9 Prologue 11

CHAPTER - ONE (Siachen )

1. Siachen (The Highest Battlefield) 17 2. Induction in the Glacier 22 3. The Sad and Uncompromising Moment 29 4. Operation Meghdoot 35 5. De-Induction from Saichen 48

CHAPTER - TWO Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka)

6. A Brief History of Sri Lanka 53 7. The Conflict 57 8. The Call of Duty 60 9. Operation Pawan 64 10. De-Induction from Operation Pawan 75 11. Lessons Learnt 79 Contents

CHAPTER - THREE Operation Unosom Ii (Somalia)

12. A Brief Background of Somalia 89 13. Preparation for the Un Mission 96 14. Induction 102 15. The Peace Operations 106 16. De-Induction 112

CHAPTER - FOUR Challenges Encountered

17. The Red Corridor 117 18. Encounter with Chinese Patrol 120 19. 2002 Gujarat Roits 123 20. 2001 Gujarat Earthquake 126 21. Down the Memory Lane 129

Conclusion 137 Abbreviations 139 Photo Gallery 141

6 FOREWORD

I and Arun are course mates and know each other for the last 37 years. We have been a good friend and well wisher of each other because firstly we are from the same regiment, secondly because of his professional and operational ingenuity and thirdly his ever smiling face. We continue to share the course and regimental spirit. His book THE THREE S FACTORS is his professional memoire which primarily deals with three major operations after 1971 war, that is Sia chen glacier, Sri Lanka and UN mission in particular besides many other anecdotes. He explains and describes in his book the real life story and facts which may not be known to other specially the younger generation. He has written the book in a simple lucid language for everybody to understand the facts and reality. Besides the three above operations, he has a vast experience in counter insurgency operations and other forms of military operations. It goes without saying that his book will not only influence the new generation army officers but also young and old. I wish him all the best in the new venture and endeavour and expect many more books from him.

Sanjay Soi Maj Gen (Retd) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my gratitude to my mother, who herself is a writer and novelist in vernacular language. Without her encouragement and support, the book would not have been possible. I would like to thank my wife and kids who have taken special care and showed patience while penning down this book. A special thanks to my course mates and childhood friends who inspired and encouraged me to write this book. I would like to express my gratitude to Maj Gen D P Merchant, AVSM (Retd), who has been a guardian, friend and philosopher, Brig PN Kaul (Retd), the battalion’s second Commanding Officer and Mr Kuntal Kumar Sen, Indian Revenue Service, my childhood friend, for reviewing the manuscript and encouraging its publication. My appreciation to Mr Sanjeev Kumar for helping me throughout the process, especially in computer-related matters. My thanks to Maj Gen Sanjay Soi, a good friend, well-wisher and course-mate who readily agreed to write the foreword for the book. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr Debasish Bosu Mullick and his wife Archna for motivating me to complete the book. My gratitude to our battalion and the for enabling my first book to come to the floor. Thanks also to my publishers Notion Press Media for agreeing to publish this book in the first review.

The author Prologue

The boat of life has sailed through very smoothly, except for a few ups and downs, which is inevitable. It has been a journey full of joy and gratitude so far. My childhood dreams were different, but because of my mother’s advice, I ended up putting on the OLIVE GREEN uniform. At this juncture of life, I realise that my mother was right.

MY MOTHER In my view, there cannot be a better teacher than your mother. We go to school, which is a necessity to further our life. The teachers try their best to inculcate in us the qualities, based on our capabilities and goals which are unique for each one of us. As we graduate in life we are always thinking of and trying to achieve our goals. But as we grow, our destiny also grows with us. At times, destiny does not want to support us, and we are left in the lurch. Then we feel helpless. In such situations, we look for options or take a new road map. This is what life is all about. But I am convinced that a major aspect of furthering our life is based on our education, ethics that we inherit, the environment in which we live in and the knowledge we acquire over a period of time. In all this quest, at every stage, our mother is our guide, friend and philosopher, since nobody, not even you, understand yourself more than your mother. I have always believed that the Almighty has blessed us with a timeline to live. We must fulfil the purpose for which He has brought us into this world, but unfortunately, a few of us destroy this opportunity. Notwithstanding the above statements and logic, I would like to proceed on my journey, beyond my professional travel and further. Prologue

But somehow, as we get exposed to the environment, we try to follow it. I think this is not the right way to live.

THE PASSION I entered the army at a young age in 1982. Thanks to my good luck, I was commissioned in the which was known for its valour, traditions and contribution to the nation as leaders in the military field, by giving the nation three chiefs, namely Gen Thimmaya, Gen Shrinagesh and Gen T N Raina. Kumaon was my first choice while opting for the arms and services, and I was lucky to get it. It was primarily the dream of my childhood, during which I had heard stories of the 1965 and 1971 wars. It was a dream come true, and I was asked to report to 18 Kumaon. I am the first generation to be a part of the army. Everybody in the family is in the field of education. When I joined the battalion, it was six years old, as it came into being in 1976. While raising a battalion by the regiments on the orders of the Army Head Quarters (HQ), all battalions of that regiment try to post their best officers and men so that a strong foundation is laid, based on their experience.

OUR BATTALION The same thing happened with our battalion. The newly posted officers were from different battalions of the regiment. Since all the officers were chosen on their merit, they gave their best, the result of which can be felt today. In the 70s, insurgency was at its peak, in the north-east. Consequently, after the raising and training, the battalion was ordered to move into the insurgency affected areas of Nagaland and Tripura. It was the first taste of counter-insurgency operations for the battalion. It passed the test for which it was raised. The life of the battalion kept moving, and during that period they were in Dehradun and Dalhousie. I would like to highlight here that our battalion, one of seven battalions of the Indian Army, secured a position in the annals of the Today magazine, for being honoured with distinction for its achievements, within 10 years of its raising. If my memory does not fail me, it was in one of the 1988 editions, when the unit was engaged in the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) operations.

12 Prologue PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY My professional journey started in Dalhousie. I started to learn the finer things of the profession. I recall that in one of the social functions in the officers’ mess, where I was the youngest officer, I was asked by the commanding officer (CO) to explain to the present gathering about RUSSEL and the motto of the regiment PRAKRAKROMO VIJAYETE. I did what our CO asked me to do. At the end of my brief, our CO came to me and said, “Well done, young man. Remember that whenever you are addressing a gathering and you need to mention your battalion, never personalise it. Instead of ‘my’ battalion, say ‘our’ battalion. It sends a very firm message about the battalion.” After having trained to the hilt and having fun as a youngster, the battalion was inducted in the . I did not have the faintest idea as to where we were being inducted. I also must mention here that the forefathers of the battalion had decided on LIVE DANGEROUSLY as the motto for the battalion. The idea of the forefathers was to imbibe the spirit of valour along with operational discipline. I am happy that the battalion has not let down our forefathers.

FRIENDS AND WELL-WISHERS It was during the three-day REUNION at Belgaon, where one of our course mates, Maj Gen Sanjay Soi, was posted as the head of the commando wing and was to retire from there. We were around 45 gentleman cadets with our spouses. On the first night at Infantry House, we were supposed to introduce ourselves along with our spouses. When my turn came, after the initial introduction, I took a few minutes to share my operational experiences with my course mates and their spouses. I spoke of the three major operations, namely, Operation MEGHDOOT (Siachen), Operation PAWAN (Sri Lanka) and Operation UNOSOM II (Somalia). My speech was lauded by one and all. The next morning, at the breakfast table, a host of my course mates encouraged me to write about my experiences. I nodded. I returned to my room and discussed this with my wife.

13 Prologue MY WIFE She gave me the ‘go-ahead’. I told her that I didn’t have any experience in writing books. She told me very categorically, “Honey, when a kid is born, he’s not born as an army officer. He has to take a plunge into the water of life. His experiences start then. You have dedicated your life to the Olive Green, so what are you afraid of?” I told her that I fully agreed with her. Thereafter, my mind started working towards that end. I started looking back, which I’m not used to doing. Since I decided to write this book, it was important to revisit my 33 years of uniformed service.

A SOLDIER RECALLS I consider myself as a soldier very fortunate to have participated in three major operations after the 1971 war, at the very commencement of these operations. Besides this, I also had the privilege of participating in Operation RHIONO, Operation BAJRARG, Operation PARAKRAM and Operation VIJAY, sometimes as part of the battalion and sometimes as part of the staff.

THE SON My eldest son, a history student, asked me why I was writing this book because there are so many books on Siachen, Sri Lanka and Somalia for the readers of military history. I told him, “Son, persons interested in the military and researchers may have tried to write books based on their understanding of the situation. But let me tell you that a first-hand account by a soldier on the ground can beat any researcher or military observer.” And here, the whole story starts.

14 CHAPTER - ONE

Operation Meghdoot (siachen glacier) 1. SIACHEN (THE HIGHEST BATTLEFIELD)

Before I dwell upon my experiences of Operation MEGHDOOT, it’s pertinent to put the genesis of the complete conflict in perspective.

THE GENESIS The glacial area of Siachen covers around 1000 sq. miles of folded mountains along the border of India and . The conflict stemmed as early as 1949, due to the incomplete map of India and Pakistan after partition, which did not demarcate the boundary, considering it to be a wasteland. The coordinates of the map were demarcated up to NJ9842. The 1949 and the 1972 Shimla Agreement did not clearly mention who controlled the glacier. It merely stated that the Cease-Fire Line (CFL) terminated at NJ 9842. (UN) officials presumed that there would not be any dispute between both countries over such a cold and barren land. The Karachi Agreement of 1949 stated that from Dalunang eastwards, the CFL would follow the general line Point 15495. That is to say, Isman, Manus, Gangam, Gunderman, Point 13620, Funkar, Mamak, Nalsara, Shagruity, Chorbat la, Chalunka and Khor and thereafter north to the . It was decided by the commanders on both sides along with the UN observers that the position of the CFL would be demarcated in detail on the basis of the factual position as on July 27, 1949. Consequent to the Indo Pak War for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and later the Shimla Agreement of 1972, the CFL was converted The Three S Factor into the (LOC). It extended from Chhamb sector to . The formulation of the boundary was very vague as it did not have a clear demarcation. As per the demarcation, the Indian boundary extended from IB at Chhamb to the Turtuk-Pratapur sector. The LOC runs north-eastwards to Thang, inclusive to India and thereafter eastwards, joining the glaciers. This demarcation sowed the seed for the bitter dispute to follow. The UN recognised this demarcation and the map showed the CFL as in the state of Jammu and . However, a UN map, superimposed on a satellite image, depicts the CFL terminating at NJ 9824. The extension of this line north to the glacier never appeared on any authoritative map associated with either the 1948 or 1972 agreement. Pakistan ceded Shaksgam Valley to in a boundary agreement in 1963. Pakistan started giving approval to western expeditions to the north of . In 1957, Pakistan permitted a British expedition, led by Eric Shipton, to approach Siachen through Belafond La and recon the Saltoro range. Five years later, a Japanese-Pakistan expedition, put two Japanese and one Pakistani climber on top of . These were early moves in this particular game of geopolitics. In 1970 and early 1980, several expeditions applied to Pakistan, to climb higher mountain peaks in Siachen, for the US defence mapping agency. Most maps and atlases showed it on the Pakistani side of the line. Pakistan, at that time, granted a number of permits. This, in turn, reinforced Pakistan’s claim on the area. The Japanese expedition team under H Katayama, approached 1 (7465 M) and Teram Kangri II (7046 M) through Pakistan via Belafond La. In1978, a German Siachen-Kondus expedition, under the leadership of Jaroslav Poncar, entered Siachen via Belafond La and established the base camp on the confluence of Siachen and Teram Shehr. Before 1984, neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area. Having become aware of the US military maps and the permit incidents, Col Narender Kumar, a known name in the field of mountain expeditions, then the CO of the Army’s High Altitude Warfare School, mounted an army expedition to the Siachen area, as a counter exercise. Unusually, for the normally secretive Indian Army, news and photographs of this expedition were published in the Illustrated Weekly of India, a widely circulated popular weekly magazine. In 1982, an

18 Operation Meghdoot (siachen glacier)

article in the Telegraph newspaper named ‘High Politics In ’ was the first public acknowledgement of the manoeuvres and the developing conflict situation in Siachen. It was probably in or around 1981 that Col Narender Kumar gave a presentation to the government and was permitted to lead a 70 member team. The permission was granted by the superiors and the government. The team climbed several peaks and walked the length of Siachen. The repeated army expedition by India to the glacier made the ’s top brass secure Siachen before India did. The operation was called Operation ABABEEL. But at this juncture, a tactical error was made in haste by Pakistan. Since they had to send troops, they had ordered for weather gear from a London supplier who also supplied to India. Once the Indian government got wind of it, 300 gears were ordered to be procured, and the troops were rushed to the glacier. But at that time, it was a matter of sustenance of the troops, as the army personnel had to move on their stomachs. Because of a resource crunch, it was a major challenge for the government and the army. In 1984, the Indian Army, under the leadership of Lt Gen M L Chibber, Lt Gen P N Hoon and Maj Gen Shiv Sharma, learnt of the Pakistan Army, planning to seize and on the glacier. A preemptive operation was launched to deny the seizure of passes by the Pakistan Army. Bilafond La and Sia La were occupied by Ladhak Scouts and a battalion of Kumaon regiment with the help of the on the 13th and 17th of April, 1984, respectively. In response to these developments, the Pakistan Army initiated an operation using Special Services Group and to displace the Indian troops from these passes. It was the first armed clash between India and Pakistan which commenced on April 25, 1984. Over the next three years, the Indian troops positioned themselves at critical passes, while the Pakistan Army tried to secure these passes. One of the biggest successes during this period by Pakistan was the seizure of a feature overlooking Bilafond La. This feature was named Qaid Post, and for three years it dominated the Indian positions. It offered an excellent vantage point to view Indian Army activities. On June 25, 1987, the Indian Army, under the leadership of Brig C Naugyal and his

19 The Three S Factor team, of which Naib Subedar was a member, launched a successful attack on Qaid Post and captured it. Consequently, it was renamed as Bana Post and for this act of valour, Naib Sub Bana Singh was conferred with the highest Indian award, . This complete episode came under the operation named Operation RAJIV. Now let’s talk about another operation that followed, namely VAJRASHAKTI/Operation QUADAT. It happened in July 1987. The operation was launched by Brig Parvez Musharraf to retake the Qaid Post. A major task force consisting of 1st and 3rd battalions of SSG was assembled at garrison. Having permeated the Pakistan Army move, the Indian Army took a decision to launch Operation VAJRASHAKTI to defend the Bana Post. In March 1989, the Indian Army under Operation IBEX, attempted to secure the Pakistani post overlooking Chumik glacier. It did not yield any results, as the Indian Army could not dislodge the Pakistani troops. The Indian Army, under Brig R K Nanavati, then launched an artillery attack on Kauser base, which was the Pakistani logistical node in Chumik, and successfully destroyed it. The destruction of Kauser induced the Pakistani troops to vacate the Chumik, thereby concluding Operation IBEX. A large assault team of the Pakistan Army, launched an attack on the Bahadur Post in Chulung on 28th July, 1992. Operation TISHUL was launched from 28th July to 3rd August, 1992. On 1st August, a Pakistani helicopter, carrying Brig Masood Navi, the northern areas Force Commander, was hit by an Indian Igla missile, in which the Pakistani Brigadier was killed. This led to a loss of operational momentum on the Pakistan side and the attack was stalled. In May 1995, the Pakistan Army’s Northern Light Infantry units, launched an attack on the Tyashi post, on the southern edge of the Saltoro ridgeline. However, the Indian troops repulsed it. The Indian Army, under Brig P C Katoch and Col K H Singh, in June 1999, seized control of Point 5770 (Naveed Top/ Cheema Top/Bilal Top) from Pakistan, in the southern edge of the Saltoro defence line. Further attempts were made, by the Pakistan Army, to reclaim the lost areas in 1990, 1995, 1996 and early 1999, just before the Lahore summit. As per Gen Parvez Musharaf, Pakistan lost almost 900 sq.

20 Operation Meghdoot (siachen glacier) miles of territory that it claimed. However, by Indian estimates, India captured around 1000 sq. miles of territory claimed by Pakistan.

BATTLE FOR THE WASTELAND As of today, the Indian Army controls approximately 76 kilometres along the Siachen Glacier and all its tributary glaciers, including Sia La, Bilafond La and , thus holding the tactical advantage of high ground. Most of India’s outposts are west of Siachen Glacier, along the Saltoro range. Since 1984, the Indian Army has been in physical possession of most of the heights on the Saltroo range, west of the Siachen Glacier, while the Pakistan Army has held posts at lower elevations along the western slope of the spurs, emanating from the Salotro ridgeline. Siachen is considered a major set back by the Pakistan Army. The former Pakistani Prime Minister, the late , had been too critical of the Pakistan Army’s failures in Siachen. A cease-fire went into effect in 2003. Even before then, every year, more and more soldiers were being killed because of the severe climatic conditions rather than enemy firing. The two sides have so far lost an estimated 2000 personnel due to frostbite, avalanches and other high altitude complications. Together, both the nations have around 150 manned posts along the glacier with about 3000 troops each. The maintenance of these posts and the men seriously dent the economy of both these countries. India had to build the world’s highest helipad at 21,000 ft at Sonam post to provide supplies to its troops. Thus the conflict for the wasteland continues.



21 2. INDUCTION IN THE GLACIER

EXCITEMENT OF A YOUNG BOY It won’t be inappropriate to mention here that as a 22/23-year-old lad, I had not heard the name of the area. However, I was quite excited to explore this area, not realising what lay ahead. The advance party of the battalion moved from Dalhousie, in May 1984, to Turtuk and the main body of the battalion reached in August/September ’84. During that time, I was attending a professional course, so I was to travel on my own, all the way to the battalion, on termination of the course. It was a very enriching experience. In those days, all movements used to be by road. The Indian Army is organised in such a way that it ensures that its troops have no difficulty in reaching its destination in difficult areas. For this purpose, it has established transit camps based on the time schedule of travel. It must be noted that these transit camps, in the high altitude areas, are also used for acclimatisation. I was mighty happy with the idea that I would be passing through the Switzerland of India, that is Sri Nagar. To travel to , we had a number of transit camps en route. The beauty of these transit camps is that you could meet officers from other battalions for about 24 hours or so and share your army life over a drink. Could anyone ask for a better relationship than this? We in OLIVES are blessed. There were three transit camps en route to from Jammu. I was more excited about the Srinagar valley than anything else. I boarded the army bus at the Jammu transit camp that took me to Leh. We stopped midway, at the transit camp for lunch around noon and then at Srinagar for the night halt. It was the treat of a lifetime. I never imagined that an organisation would go all out and take efforts to make their subordinates’ Operation Meghdoot (siachen glacier) lives so comfortable. The second transit camp we stayed for the night was DARASH, which is considered to be the second-highest location in to record temperatures of up to minus 40 degrees.

WATER IS LIFE Since I was travelling during winter, I was curious to know how people survived without water at this altitude. I asked the transit camp Mess Havildar. He said, “Saab, it appears you are coming this side for the first time.” I nodded. “We melt the snow as per our requirements and use it for all purposes. To do this, we use kerosene oil (KOL),” he continued. I asked him whether the transients also consume the same water. He nodded. During the move, I found dozers at regular intervals, which are meant to clear snow and landslides, to ensure that the roads are open round-the-clock. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all roads leading to the borders. The life of the BRO troops is really very challenging.

ACCLIMATISATION The third evening we reached Leh, which is located at an altitude of 11,000 ft and is also the capital of Ladakh. Here, we had to undergo the first stage of acclimatisation. This meant that we had to stay here for seven to 10 days. On arrival, after keeping the luggage in the respective rooms, we had to report to the medical officer of the transit camp. He checked our blood pressure and general health condition. If anybody’s blood pressure was high or if anyone was suffering from fever, he could not undergo acclimatisation till the time his blood pressure became normal or he was fit otherwise to undergo acclimatisation. The aim of acclimatisation is to gradually season your body for different heights. You commence the routine on the first morning by walking one kilometre, which increases every day. The fifth day, you start running at a very slow pace and walk thereafter. You experience the change as your stamina improves gradually. On the eighth day, the medical officer again checks you and certifies your fitness for moving to an increased altitude. On in ninth day, we undertook our journey in 3 tonne Shaktiman and 1 tonne Nissan vehicles. In 1984, Leh was quite a small town, surrounded by hilly desert, with the on one side, which had its own natural beauty. You could see the locals, the foreigners and the army people. There was a

23 The Three S Factor small market where woollen and local handicraft shops were located. The local people, who mostly followed Buddhism, were laborious, hard- working and honest, just like any other hilly tribe in India. There were a few eating joints where you could enjoy the local cuisine. We proceeded early in the morning to our destination. A briefing was carried out by the officer-in-charge of the transit camp. He explained the route, the height of the different locations and the halts en route. Once we crossed Leh, the road became narrow without blacktop. The vehicles started making the climb.

THE DANGEROUS DRIVE At about 15,000 ft, we saw the snow cover on the road. The drivers stopped the vehicles and tied the anti-skid chains on the tyres, to ensure the vehicles didn’t skid on the snow-covered road. The vehicles made it to Kardung La pass, the highest pass at 18,500 ft. After negotiating the height, we now had to descend to North Pullu. The downhill drive in a mountainous, high altitude terrain, is more difficult than the uphill drive. This phase of travel was really adventurous as I could sense the concentration of the driver as he attempted to control the vehicle to ensure that it did not skid. It made me realise the skill needed to drive on mountainous, high altitude roads. Later, in my professional life, I got to drive on such dangerous terrain and I enjoyed it every time. It is customary for Indian Army officers and troops, to pay their allegiance to the Almighty, in whichever area they are serving and we religiously follow it. So we stopped at Kardung La pass and sought the blessings of the Almighty. If one stands at this pass and tries to see the terrain of the valley, one can comprehend the danger. Hats off to our drivers, who routinely undertake this risk, at the cost of their life, to serve the nation. While driving from Kardung La, we saw a number of stone pillars which were built in memory of those drivers who had laid down their lives, while negotiating this pass. I paid my tributes to all these pillars. After this adventurous journey, we reached North Pullu. Here, we took a lunch break. It was a real treat to have hot lunch at that height. If you delay even a few minutes, your food can turn cold. I don’t remember carrying any packed breakfast or lunch, during my stay at the glacier. After lunch, we commenced our journey further to South Pullu where we had a tea break. It won’t take you more than two minutes to drink a steaming hot cup of tea here. Thereafter, we commenced our journey 24 Operation Meghdoot (siachen glacier) to the final destination for the day, which was /Partapur. We had a detachment unit along with a civil canteen here. We had to undergo the second stage of acclimatisation here. The duration was one week and we had to follow the same routine. Thoise is also at an altitude of 11,000 ft. A cheetah helicopter was used to ferry/drop rations for the troops. Our accommodation was in a tin shed barrack with bukharies to keep the room and officers warm.

BUKHARIES A bukhari is basically a tin-based bucket, which is supplied with kerosene from a jerry can with a pipe and a regulator, to function as a heat-generating equipment. There are strict instructions pertaining to the use of bukharies, because there have been a number of fire incidents due to laxity, wherein people have lost their lives. So the first thing is to switch it off before going to sleep. Accordingly, other rules are there for its use. At that time, Thoise was a very quiet place, with a small airfield for helicopters to take off and land. In high altitude terrain, it is sunny till mid-noon, but starts getting cloudy post noon. So helicopter sorties generally take off right from 5:30 am, with the supplies to be dropped. They generally avoid flying during bad weather. In short, if I had to explain the importance of Thoise, I’d say it was a feeder and lifeline for the troops. Every day, during our seven-day stay at Thoise, we saw the routine of the Air Observation Flight and built our confidence to meet the challenges ahead. Such inspiration was true soldiering. At that time, I was a novice in the game of warfare. As a youngster, I had enjoyed my acclimatisation at Thoise. The next day was the crucial phase of my induction, when I was in the battalion’s area of responsibility. The journey from Thoise to Chalunka and further to the battalion headquarters at Turtuk, was a lifetime experience. We proceeded early in the morning from Thoise to Chalunka, also known as CP. CP was the battalion’s rear, from where supplies used to be sent to the battalion. Winter and high altitude clothing were issued to persons being inducted. The unwanted stores of the battalion were also kept here. There was the companies kot, a place where personal weapons and controlled items of the battalion were kept. Persons proceeding on leave could deposit their personal weapons at this kot and retrieve them when they returned. The road to CP was bumpy and treacherous.

25 The Three S Factor FEAR OF THE HANGING BRIDGE We had to leave the vehicle short of CP and cross a wooden hanging bridge over River. Once I started walking on the bridge, it shook vigorously. In this state, if you looked down at the river, you felt like you’d fall into it. It was a fearful first experience. Somehow, I crossed the bridge. There were a junior commissioned officer and a few jawans waiting for me on the other side of the bridge. They took my luggage and we walked down to the rear location of the battalion. There was a makeshift room for officers for overnight stay and tin shed makeshift accommodation for the jawans. There was a cookhouse for the transients, a kot for storing weapons, a big ration store and a huge clothing store along with the company representatives. I had to stay there overnight. I was told by the Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), who was the officer-in-charge there, that during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the Pakistanis had captured the territory up to Chalunka, but had to retreat to the present location, after the Ladhak Scouts under Major Rin Chin, waged a fierce attack against the Pakistani troops.

DOORLESS JONGAS The next morning, a jonga was waiting to take me to the battalion headquarters at Turtuk. I was aghast to see the jonga. I asked the driver why this vehicle was in such a state. He told me that he would explain the whole story of the mechanical transport fleet on the way to the battalion headquarters. The jonga did not have any doors. The driver and the passenger sat in the front seat while at the back, which was seat less, the stores to be ferried to the headquarter from CP were kept. Kundan Singh was the name of my driver. As we left CP, I wanted to satisfy my curiosity about these jongas. He told me that before our battalion was inducted, another battalion of our regiment, 4 Kumaon, was deployed in this area. This battalion was the first unit to be inducted in the Sub Sector West (SSW) as it was called. SSW is now called Sub Sector Hanif, after the officer who saved the area from the Pakistan Army raid, during the War, and achieved martyrdom. We continued our chat. He further stated that when the previous battalion was inducted, they had to walk all the way to Turtuk from CP. It was consequent to their induction, that the sappers were ordered to construct a road from CP to Turtuk, by blasting off the mountain running along the . The sappers followed through with the order. This resulted in a road which was nightmarish to travel on. Now, there

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