Army pays tribute to Kargil heroes with gun hill expedition in Ladakh

Leh, Jul 13 (PTI) Army on Monday undertook an expedition to Gun Hill in Ladakh's Drass sector as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and professional excellence of the soldiers, particularly the Regiment of Artillery, who played a pivotal role in India's victory during the 1999 Kargil War, a defence spokesman said. The expedition forms part of the run-up to the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, which are scheduled to be held at Drass on July 25 and 26. "On the occasion of the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay, the Indian Army undertook the expedition to Gun Hill (Point 5140), a significant feature overlooking Drass and located approximately five km from the Drass-Kargil National Highway. The expedition was organised as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and professional excellence displayed by the Regiment of Artillery and the Indian Army during the Kargil War of 1999," the spokesman said. Point 5140 occupies a place of immense historical and military significance in the annals of Operation Vijay. Dominating the surrounding area, it served as a key enemy stronghold and observation post during the war. Its capture was essential for restoring control over Drass, preventing the facilitation of enemy forces on other occupied heights. The Battle of Point 5140 was one of the most decisive engagements of the Kargil War and showcases the devastating effectiveness of coordinated artillery firepower, the spokesman said. Prior to the assault on Point 5140, Indian Army formations launched operations to secure adjacent features and established a firm base for the main attack. During the night of June 13 and 14 1999, 18 Grenadiers successfully captured the feature known as ‘Hump’. Thereafter, ‘Rocky Knob’, another vital objective, was assaulted and secured by 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles with the assistance of direct firing of two Bofors guns, one each from 108 Medium Regiment and 158 Medium Regiment (Self Propelled). Three enemy bunkers and sangars were destroyed through accurate Artillery engagement thus facilitating capture of ‘Rocky Knob’ by 6 pm on June 14, 1999. The final assault on Point 5140 was launched during the night of June 19 and 20 1999. A comprehensive Artillery fire plan 'Shatrunash', involving 20 Artillery Fire units (120 guns), direct firing BOFORS Guns and Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, was executed to neutralise enemy defences. Artillery guns were deployed on both flanks to engage Point 5140 from both East and West, the sustained fire inflicted heavy damage on enemy positions and severely degraded their combat capability, the spokesman said. With the battlefield effectively shaped by Artillery fire, the assaulting Infantry Battalions advanced on their designated objectives. In a remarkable display of courage and professionalism, Point 5140 was captured by 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles by 5 am on June 20 1999 without suffering a single casualty during the assault stage. Simultaneously, adjoining objectives were also secured, thereby breaking a major enemy defensive position in the Drass Sector. The capture of Point 5140 marked a significant turning point for success of subsequent operations leading to the eventual victory in Operation Vijay. The spokesman said a unique and historic achievement of the battle was that, for the first time in the history of High-Altitude Area warfare, a heavily defended objective at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet was captured without a single casualty to assaulting troops. This extraordinary feat highlighted the precision, intensity and effectiveness of Artillery support and remains a proud chapter in the history of the Regiment of Artillery. Recognising the decisive contribution of the Regiment of Artillery during the Kargil War, the spokesman said Point 5140 was officially renamed Gun Hill in 2023. The present annual expedition seeks to honour all the gallant soldiers who fought in the battle and to preserve the legacy of their sacrifice for future generations. He said the expedition comprised of three Junior Commissioned Officers and 22 Other Ranks from units that actively participated in the Artillery Operations during Operation VIJAY in 1999, thereby establishing a direct link between the heroes of the Operation Vijay and the present generation of soldiers. In addition, 25 officers, 18 Junior Commissioned Officers and 58 Other Ranks from units of 8 Mountain Artillery Brigade and other local units participated in the expedition, the spokesman said, adding the participation of veterans and serving soldiers together symbolises continuity of tradition and shared pride. He said the Gun Hill expedition is not merely a mountaineering endeavour, it is a journey of remembrance, honour and inspiration. "It commemorates the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldiers and pays homage to the decisive role played by the Regiment of Artillery in Operation Vijay and seeks to inspire future generations with the values of courage, duty, selfless service and unwavering patriotism." PTI TAS TAS NB NB