Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, July 7: Second Battalion of the Naga Regiment today celebrated the Silver Jubilee of “Battle Honour Mashkoh” in Ladakh Sector.
This momentous occasion marks the 25 years of valour, sacrifice and exemplary service. To commemorate the significant milestone a ‘Special Day Cover’ was released by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command & Colonel of the Kumaon & Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts in presence of veterans of the Battalion and ‘Veer Naaris’.
On June 27, 1999, the Battalion under the command of Colonel (Later Brigadier) DK Badola was inducted into Dras Sector. Within a week of its induction the Battalion was tasked to capture a critical objective ‘Twin Bump’ (a part of Point 4875 Complex) by first light of July 7, 1999. To accomplish the assigned task 2 NAGA launched a daring attack on the night of July 6, 1999 and successfully captured the given objective well within the stipulated time.
However, towards the accomplishment of same the eight brave hearts made their supreme sacrifice in the finest tradition of the Army. Having captured the ‘Twin Bump’ the Battalion also launched a daring day light raid on the enemy mortar position which was discerned while consolidation of the objective area.
This raid which was a testimony of bravery and true leadership not only ensured destruction of enemy Mortar position but it facilitated in progress of our subsequent operation in Mashkoh Valley of Kargil with tactical ascendency over the adversary. These operations witnessed neutralization of 28 enemy troops (18 killed & 10 injured) with a capture of huge amount of weapons and equipment while own 15 brave hearts made the supreme sacrifice. Also the unit became the proud recipient of ‘Mahavir Chakra’ for the very first time since its raising.
These unparallel achievements of the Battalion led to the unit being conferred with Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation and proud honours of ‘Battle Honour ‘Mashkoh’ and Theatre Honour Kargil’. Towards the same, the Battalion proudly celebrates its `Battle Honour Day’ on every 7th of July each year.