Lieutenant Balwan Singh, who was just four months into his service, led the Ghatak Platoon of the Indian Army in a decisive assault on Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War, playing a key role in the capture of Tiger Hill on July 4, 1999. Singh, now a Colonel with the 18 Grenadiers, recalls, "There was no turning back after the capture of Tiger Hill. Despite an injury sustained in combat, it marked a series of victories."

For his exceptional bravery, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Established in 1976, the 18 Grenadiers played a crucial role in the Kargil war, earning 52 honours including a Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakras, and six Vir Chakras. The valour of the battalion, which stayed true to the regiment's motto, 'Sarvada Shaktishali' (Always Powerful), were celebrated during Operation Vijay.

The war officially concluded on July 26, 1999, following successful efforts by Indian forces to reclaim occupied heights in Ladakh. Colonel Singh, along with other heroes from the battalion, recounted their daring achievements in Operation Vijay during recent commemorations.

Brigadier (Retired) Khushal Thakur, who led during the battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill, highlighted their strategic significance, saying, "The capture of Tololing on June 12-13, 1999, was a pivotal moment, boosting our forces' morale and dimming that of our adversaries. Tiger Hill was next."

"Initially, we captured Tololing. Tololing is very near to NH-1 Alpha (National Highway-1A). It is just 3 km from NH-1 Alpha. The same is the case with Tiger Hill, an 8-10 km stretch of NH-1 Alpha is visible from the top of the Tiger Hill. You can't do any movement on this road," he said.

"They (infiltrators) had all kinds of weapons, automatics, anti-aircraft guns and other missiles on Tololing and Tiger Hill and both the features were very, very important to capture," he added.

Images of Indian soldiers celebrating the conquest of Tiger Hill became iconic symbols of their bravery, resonating even in the limited media landscape of the time.

Colonel Singh described Tololing and Tiger Hill as decisive battles, noting their strategic proximity to NH-1 Alpha and their critical importance in the conflict due to the infiltration and weaponry deployed by the enemy.

The Indian Army will soon mark 25 years since the Kargil victory, honouring the sacrifices made by units like the 18 Grenadiers, where officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and soldiers displayed extraordinary courage and determination, many paying the ultimate price.

Col Sachin Annarao Nimbalkar, who was about 23 years old and serving with the 18 Grenadiers as a captain during the conflict, was among the soldiers honoured with a Sena Medal for their bravery during the war.

"We were fighting with our backs to the wall and every inch that we had to capture was a big fight. The victory in the Kargil war was attained with great sacrifices made by various units.

PTI