Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13 Rich tributes were paid to the heroes of Operation Meghdoot by the Army in a grand function held in Ladakh region.
On April 13, 1984 ‘Operation Meghdoot’ was launched with an aim to deny Pak aggressors to take control of the Saltoro ridge in the Siachen glacier. The word Siachen means ‘the place of wild roses’ but ironically this once peaceful place with wild roses has been turned into the highest battle field of the world. In the summer of 1984, Pakistan planned to occupy defences on the Saltoro ridge, overlooking the Nubra Valley, but Indian Army gauged Pak intentions and in a pre-emptive move launched ‘Operation Meghdoot’ on April 13, 1984.
On completion of 31 years of success of ‘Operation Meghdoot’ the Siachen Brigade celebrated the event with great gusto and pomp. It was a month of festivities in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh region.
The celebrations kick started today with the wreath laying ceremony at the Siachen base camp War Memorial. Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni, the Director General of Infantry was the chief guest. It was a momentous day for the General Officer when he paid tribute to the gallant martyrs of the Siachen War. Himself a gallant hero of ‘Operation Meghdoot’, he was the first man to land on the ‘Bilafond La’ Pass on 13 April, 1984.
After the wreath laying, Veteran rally was conducted where veterans, Veer Naris and dependents of late soldiers were felicitated, followed by cultural programme by local troupe and youth of the area. Soldiers of Northern and Central Glacier battalions also participated enthusiastically in a celebration of success and martyrdoms.
Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni, addressed the brave soldiers and shared his rich experiences. While recounting his old memories in the Siachen Glacier, he reminisced that he was a young officer of 22 years when he was called by his Commanding Officer and briefed on the mission at hand. The Commanding Officer had great faith and expectations from this young and enthusiastic Captain. He selected a party and took to occupying defences on the Bilafond La Pass, the most important pass on the Saltoro ridge. It was chilling cold and snow blizzards, crevasses, avalanche and other vagaries of Glacier tried to stop them but the zeal, grit and guts of the men of 4 KUMAON had the last laugh and finally the first man, Captain Sanjay Kulkarni landed on the Bilafond La pass. The task was not over.
There were no defences, no water, no ration, no pre stocked kerosene oil and neither the communication link. Due to continuous snowfall the route which they had opened was also closed. For next few days they survived on their own and then finally on 4th day a helicopter arrived with the much needed supply and when finally on April 20, 1984, the Pak approached with an aim to occupy Bilafond La Pass they found it already occupied by the Indian Army. They fired upon Indian troops but by then the party of Captain Kulkarni was ready and defeated the Pak party which perished either in the fire, crevasses or the extremities of weather. Since then the tricolor, is flying high on the Bilafond La Pass.
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