Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, July 26

The heroes of Kargil war, who were disabled while reclaiming the hills in Kargil and Drass sectors, shared their tales of war with The Tribune. Everyone had lost and achieved something.

Sukhwant Singh of Mamanke village in Tarn Taran said, “I served in Rashtriya Rifles and got three bullets during war. I was saved due to bullet-proof jacket but lost many of friends in war. HC Swaran Singh also got injured in same firing, unfortunately he died.

Lakhbir Singh of Kadgill village, who served in the 8 Sikh regiment, said, “When we entered the battle ground, we forgot about death. When we were heading towards the top of Tiger Hill, the enemy showered bullets on us. That was barbaric attack. We did not consume food for three days as weather condition were not allowing staying or cooking anywhere. I received three bullets on legs and laid there for next 24 hours. I tied my turban on legs. My close friend died in attack. Finally, an Army helicopter came and took us to hospital.

HC Sukhbir Singh öf 8 Sikh regiment said, “I served as a commando. Pakistan was the not only enemy, we fought with snow, hill, height, sharpen edge stones, invisibility due to clouds and unexpected weather conditions. After bullet I got hospitalised, the day when we occupied Tiger Hill 18 men of our group died. We had 15 year association. We won war, but lost our friends.

Captain Balwant Singh, engineer regiment, said, “After occupying Tiger hill, we went beyond it to get our posts back. Pakistan army requested for ceasefire. They laid anti-personnel mines in the area. After short ceasefire, firing resumed from both side. We were asked to occupy the post on hills, which were vacated by Pakistan army. Col Rajbir Singh was leading us. I have defused a large number of mines. On July 30, finally Pakistan army surrendered. We returned dead bodies of Pakistani soldier to their army troop and occupied all the hills.”

Sukhjeevan Singh of Thetherke lost one eye in the war. Subash Rani, mother of martyr Mukesh of Light Regiment, said, There is a primary school after the name of Mukesh, we need up-gradation of school. The road leading to the village, which was named after martyr, is in bad shape. The government should address these issues”.