Kargil war hero Brigadier (retired) Khushal Thakur has described the Tololing battle as the most difficult phase and turning point of ‘Operation Vijay’. He said that after this victory, the morale of Pakistani Army was broken and the path to victory of Indian Army was cleared.
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [भारत]July 26 (ANI): On the 27th anniversary of the Kargil war, Brigadier (retd) Khushal Thakur, who commanded 18 Grenadiers during the 1999 conflict, has described the Tololing battle as the toughest phase of ‘Operation Vijay’ and the turning point in the war.
Speaking to ANI, the veteran officer recalled the beginning of the 1999 conflict and explained that what initially appeared to be an infiltration of terrorists soon became clear due to the intensity of resistance that involved regular Pakistani troops. He recalled, “I clearly remember leaving Kashmir and reaching Dras. After four-five days of fierce fighting, I realized that it was not a handful of terrorists. Pakistan had deployed Northern Light Infantry as well as regular army personnel. Their use of heavy weapons, including Stinger missiles, which brought down several helicopters, made it clear that we were fighting a full-fledged military force.”
The battle of Tololing became a turning point
Thakur described the attack on Tololing as a major challenge, involving a steep climb of 16,000 feet in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. He said his men were climbing with about 25 kilograms of equipment under constant fire from strong enemy positions, and often did not have adequate artillery cover or time to acclimatise.
As the commanding officer of 18 Grenadiers, Thakur said he had a huge responsibility on his shoulders as the country wanted the army to recapture strategic peaks as soon as possible. “The Battle of Tololing became the turning point of the Kargil War. The pass appears close from Dras, but the reality was completely different. We had to climb steep, barren slopes at an altitude of about 16,000 feet in temperatures ranging from minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Celsius. There was no cover, while the enemy held strong positions equipped with machine guns, rocket launchers, mortars and Stinger missiles.”
He said the Tololing victory fundamentally changed the course of the Kargil war. “Initially, the advantage was completely with Pakistan as they occupied the heights and had already prepared their positions well. But after the recapture of Tololing, the Pakistani Army’s morale dropped while the Indian Army’s confidence increased. From there, one peak after another was recaptured, ultimately leading to victory.”
What changed in the army then and now?
The gallantry award winner said that there have been significant technological changes in the Indian Army since 1999, but the core values of its soldiers have not changed. Thakur said, “The bravery, valor and spirit of our soldiers that I saw during the Kargil war is still present. We saw the same spirit recently during Operation Sindoor. What has changed is self-reliance in technology, modernisation, infrastructure and equipment. Today’s Army is much better equipped, but the courage remains the same.”
Tribute to the martyrs, remembering their bravery
He paid tribute to the heroes who died during the attack, including Colonel Rajesh Adhikari, Subedar Randhir Singh, his radio operator Ram Kumar and Major M. Saravanan Vishwanathan, who died in his arms. He also highlighted the bravery of Param Vir Chakra winner Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav.
’19 year old Yogendra did not lose courage even after taking 15 pills’
He said, “Yogendra Singh Yadav was only 19 years old. He volunteered as part of the deadly platoon to climb the almost vertical cliffs behind Tiger Hill. Almost his entire team was martyred. Despite being hit by 15 bullets, he continued to fight until the objective was achieved. His courage remains one of the finest examples of battlefield valor.”
Sharing an emotional memory from the Tiger Hill operation, he talked about the Army’s spirit of never leaving a comrade behind. He recounted an 11-day search to recover the body of a soldier who had fallen into a deep ditch during hand-to-hand combat. He said, “Bringing him back gave me great satisfaction because we fulfilled our promise that no soldier is ever left behind. Only then could I face his family with dignity.”
Future wars and self-reliant India
Looking at future wars, the retired Brigadier said the fight has now moved to cyber and space domains, where technology is imperative. He appreciated the progress made under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in indigenous weapons and surveillance.
Appeal to youth to join army
Concluding with an appeal to the youth of the country, he urged them to keep the country above all else. The Kargil hero said, “I would especially encourage the youth to join the armed forces. If you work hard and prepare honestly, no one can stop you from becoming a soldier or an officer. Merit alone is enough.” (ANI)
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