Srinagar: The Kargil Conflict was the fiercest war fought in recent history by India. It was a war which united the whole nation and reignited a sense of patriotism amongst its citizens. Among the many battles which took place between Indian troops and the enemy, Tiger Hill can be considered as the most difficult one. Tiger Hill is the most dominating feature in the Dras sector from where; well entrenched intruders were directing precise Artillery fire on the Srinagar Leh National Highway. It was estimated that the enemy had about 40 soldiers deployed on Tiger Hill itself and some additional troops were seen moving in the nearby areas. 18 GRENADIERS was tasked to evict the enemy and recapture the peak at the earliest.
According to an army statement issued here, the plan was for 18 GRENADIERS to launch a three pronged attack on Tiger Hill from South, East and North East, from the firm bases provided by 8 SIKH. The attack commenced as planned at 2000 Hours on 3rd July, 1999. Due to bad weather and poor visibility the progress of operations was very slow. By 0200 Hours on 4th July, the battalions Ghatak (Commando) platoon had managed to get a foothold on the feature. During this action Grenadier (Now Sub) Yogendra Singh Yadav, part of the Ghatak Platoon, displayed extraordinary bravery and was later awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
On 4th July, our troops surrounded Tiger Hill Top from three sides and a fierce exchange of fire ensued. Appreciating that the enemy would be able to reinforce Tiger Hill along the ridge from the West, the Brigade Commander ordered the reserve company of 8 SIKH to be located on the Helmet Feature. After a steep climb under intense fire, the Sikhs managed to get a foothold on the area in the early hours of 5th July; this foothold was further reinforced on 6th July.
Realizing that the Sikhs had cut off their routes of escape and supplies, at 0600 Hours on 6th July, the enemy launched a series of counterattacks supported by very heavy artillery fire. Fierce fighting continued throughout the day and the Sikhs being in the open, suffered heavy casualties. However, they held on and then in a brave riposte turned the tables on the enemy by retaking the Helmet feature.
On the night of 7th /8th July, 18 GRENADIERS launched an attack again and captured the areas of Reverse Slops, Cut and Collar by 0800 hours 8th July. On 11th July, the Battalion captured Rocky Knob and Horn features. This effectively brought an end to the Tiger Hill Operations and rung down the curtains on Pakistans Kargil misadventure. 8 SIKH and 18 GRENADIERS won unit citations for the battle of Tiger Hill.
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