I am Siachen…

How am I ever gonna say all that is there in my mind, I wonder! Earlier, I tried to give you a glimpse of a retired soldier's journey when I posted I am coming home - a poem very close to my heart. 

Now, this is the least I could do as my mind took me the cold, wild, harsh fronts of Siachen. A land that is silent and violent at the same time. I am Siachen... is therefore an attempt to bring you face to face with the toughest battlefield in the world. Compared to LOC, this place has remained forgotten and not been an active part of the "news". However, this place is no less than a hell for the soldiers who serve there. It is strategically important for keeping a hold on Ladakh and Kashmir too. Therefore, in spite of the hardships and the harsh weather conditions, soldiers consider it their pride to serve a tenure of 90 days here.

Siachen is known for the legendary soldiers like Capt. Bana Singh (PVC) who went against all odds to capture the Quaid Post in 1987 (now named Bana Top) and regained control of this place. I and my partner in crime, Shwetabh Mathur dedicate this poem to the dare devilries like these and we salute the utmost commitment of every soldier who has dared or will dare to serve under the extreme weather conditions of Siachen.

So up, close, and personal - Here's Siachen for you - the most unforgiving battlefield of the world! Come walk with us as we march through this cold, numb, bone-chilling land. My friends, my lovers, my companions - Let us all go hand in hand...

"I am Siachen..."

I am Siachen… the land of wild roses.

I am the highest, coldest battlefield of the world, the bone of contention between two countries.

Life is anything here… but rosy.

At 21000 feet above sea level and temperature as low as -65° C, I can be a cold hell; sometimes even worse than the arctic.

Yet those guarding me go about their job in the bone-chilling climate which freezes weapons and makes walking a mammoth task.

I cover an area of 700 kms… for I am Siachen.

The more “active” of my counterpart extends till here – the LOC.

The world treats me as a demonic place where angels fear to tread and death seems to be something which lurks at every corner for the soldiers.

But believe me, it’s not me who takes their lives, it’s my climate which is too extreme for their bodies.

The melting glaciers and avalanches aren’t my fault too, yet I am seen as a brat.

I am Siachen…the land of wild roses.

I have seen wars fought for my control; such heroic sagas are embedded in my history.

I have witnessed Operation Meghdoot in 84 and then Rajiv in 87.

I have seen sweat turn to ice, fingers and limbs lost to frostbite more than hostile fire.

Where kerosene stoves are used just to keep weapons warm, the green parkas becomes black, food comes from cans and oranges become hard as cricket balls.

Where hunger and appetite take a backseat at these heights and food is eaten just to keep the body energized.

Where choppers behave like oversized bumblebees.

Where artillery guns have opened up in support of the soldiers whenever needed.

I have seen Lt. Rajeev and others sacrifice themselves in the capture of Quaid post.

I have seen Bana Singh defy elements to capture the same post with just 4 men.

With a fury of a wounded tiger he avenged the death of his comrades and captured the post.

I have seen the dying light and soldiers raging against all odds and elements.

I have seen them climb near vertical walls of ice without second thoughts, for this is what the Siachen battle school trains them to do - where only the fittest are sent to serve.

I am Siachen…

I share the jubilation of the troops at the bada khaana when they return to base camp after 3 months tenure.

They go as soldiers, return as veterans.

I share their gratitude to OP Baba for keeping them safe all throughout.

The faith in him so strong that soldiers vow to keep away from alcohol and tobacco during their tenure.

Ceasefire or not, soldiering continues, if not for surveillance, just to tread on trodden tracks so that the trail does not disappear in the snow.

There are angels here too, they are called as the Air Force and Army Aviators who make sure to keep the posts supplied all the year round in their choppers, in conditions which test both men and machines to their absolute limits.

Leave no men behind is their aim as they help bring casualties back irrespective of the weather.

In spite of all this, I am worried about the ecology of my own area.

Bio-degradable waste generated is a threat to me and I am highly affected pertaining to that.

I can be peaceful and tranquil to the human eye, but my wrath comes to the fore when I am exposed to such treatment.

My glaciers melt away causing avalanches, crevices which can open up suddenly to nearly 100 feet. I die out daily because of the imbalance that is created here.

It causes me pain and sorrow; pain because of my disturbed ecology, sorrow for the ‘purple’ bloodshed.

Soldiers are not born every day, they are special and thus it tears me apart when I see their blood being ‘purple’, so rare, being shed.

What’s the use of all this? Crores being spent on me just to maintain control and vigil on me.

Even then, we share a love and hate relation; they need me and yet tend to go carefree.

For now, I sit here as every year more brave-hearts come to prove their mettle as I pose challenges in front of them, to protect me and then be proud that they searched at Siachen.

For I am… the land of wild roses. I am Siachen…

 

“Quartered in snow, silent to remain… When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again.

To every man upon the earth death cometh soon or late. And how can a man die better, than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods”.

- Scroll of honour at Siachen War Memorial.    

 Post Script: This poem is written in collaboration with Shwetabh Mathur

What has changed after 16 years of kargil war?

Kargil... a single word with a gamut of emotions associated with it. Indeed, it instills a feeling of pride among the Army Regiments while the families of martyrs have a mixed feeling as they remember the war that shook the entire nation.

The countrymen perhaps remember the war and the heroes for a while but they soon dissolve the memories as other things around keep them distracted. The government... well... they choose to use it for their personal vote bank.

I, being a writer choose to exert the power of the mighty pen to ink the sacrifice of these war heroes so that they become immortal (as they already are). It's only words, after all, that I have to remember them. So, with my heart cringing in pain and eyes filled with tears, I set to write one more time, wishing to contribute in some way...

It was the year of 1999 when the uncanny happenings took place. I was only a 8-years-old child, unable to understand the crucial situation. But after 16 years, when I look at the war fronts, I can only imagine how challenging it was for our young warriors to risk their lives. They spent sleepless nights to ensure we sleep peacefully. They fought with great tenacity so that they can save the pride of the tri-colour flag and keep it fluttering across the blue sky.

They were not afraid to die, not afraid to leave their families behind, not afraid to have some unfulfilled love stories, not afraid to part with a 'normal' life - all because they were not ordinary, they were extraordinary humans. They were Gods born in the disguise of humans! Who else can die selflessly? Not me, not you, but they did... They scaled the icy peaks, not bothering about their personal safety, they faced the bullets head-on. And what did they get in return for their supreme sacrifice?

For them, opening their wallet to see the picture of their family was equivalent to meeting them, touching the picture while preventing the teardrop from falling meant hugging them, and when that didn't feel enough they kissed the picture and hoped to see them someday! However, some of these soldiers had to leave the world with this hope hidden deep in their heart and caressing the picture of their loved ones with their blood-stained hands, bidding them a 'goodbye', hoping for their well-being. Even in their last breath, they didn't wish for themselves but said a prayer for the nation, the victory!

Today, as we celebrate 16 years of Kargil victory, the 16th Kargil War Diwas, we have forgotten what they did, what they left behind, why they did it. Most of us don't even know who these soldiers were and how did the families managed to bear such a huge loss. It's a shame when the government turns a blind eye to them and the denizens are too busy to come forward when the need arises.

It's sad to see that the situation of Army too hasn't improved over the years. They are still short of ammunition. Also, it's a hard-hitting sight to see them protesting, fighting for their right even after retirement. Yes, I'm talking about OROP.

Anyhow, it is never too late. Let us remember and include them in our prayers and if possible keep them alive in our hearts.

Read More:

Kargil War Heroes

"I am coming home!"

Major Mohit Saxena: A true hero who put his life at stake

Kargil War Heroes - Part 17

Soldiers are not merely human beings. They are supreme human beings as unlike others, they go beyond their comfort zone to ensure our safety. They risk their life so that we can stay safe, unharmed. Ever wondered what they expect in return? No, they don’t expect much, just a place in your heart and their name in your prayers is enough. 

Major Mohit Saxena, a brave son of India like every other soldier wanted to be remembered as the one who sacrificed his today for his countrymen’s tomorrow. Was it too much to ask for?

Commissioned into 2^nd Rajputana Rifles, he had proved his mettle at Tololing on 12 June 1999. There he displayed extraordinary grit in capturing the Point 4590. Again, during the Kargil war, he was made the Delta Company Commander. On 28 June 1999, Major Mohit Saxena along with his platoon was assigned the task to capture Lone Hill located in the Drass sector. This was very crucial mission for the success of “Operation Vijay”. His leadership qualities were at display when he efficiently led the team through the difficult route, hiding from the enemy’s eyes. It was a dangerous mission but soldiers like Major Mohit Saxena have infringing determination which does not let them give up easily.

The snow clad peaks could not become a hurdle in front of his exemplary courage. He kept his team motivated and climbed up the steep mountain despite the odds. His zeal inspired others to follow him, and after that there was no looking back. As soon as they reached the top, the bombardment started from both sides. He fought with great tenacity and faced the enemy fire. In order to save the others in his platoon, with utter disregard to his personal safety, he boldly moved ahead. He started attacking the enemy with whatever little ammunition he had, faced the grenades, but didn’t accept defeat. His platoon soon followed his action and under his leadership, they successfully captured the Lone Hill, thus safeguarding it from the intruders.

He was rightly awarded the Vir Chakra, military’s second highest gallantry award for his bravery. Such soldiers are not born every day. The nation must not forget the efforts that they put in. They survive sleepless nights at the fronts so that the countrymen can sleep carefree in their beds.

However, the public never realises that these soldiers are putting their life at stake, compromising on their own happiness, and not even getting the respect that they deserve. Time to put on the thinking cap?

Sepoy Imliakumao: Sacrified his life so that the countrymen can sleep peacefully

Kargil War Heroes – Part 16

Sixteen years after the tragic Kargil war, things haven’t changed much for the families of the martyrs. They parted from their sons and are now destined to live without them as they sacrificed their lives when the duty called them.

Sepoy Imliakumao was a brave son of the nation who unflinchingly risked his life so that the countrymen can sleep peacefully, unafraid of the intruders who had captured several peaks at Drass sector and had all the malicious plans.

He was awarded India’s second highest gallantry award, Maha Vir Chakra for displaying exemplary courage in face of the enemy.

On 8 July 1999, Sepoy Imliakumao volunteered to attack an enemy mortar position located at a height of 15,000 feet in Mashkoh Valley. He joined the assault group that was assigned the task to silence the enemy sentry. The sentry was on duty on the outer perimeter of enemy mortar position.  

Sepoy Imliakumao and the platoon approached the enemy sentry stealthily during broad daylight which was a huge risk that they had to take. Finally, Sepoy Imliakumao on reaching the sentry, killed him instantly. That was enough to strengthen him, and he kept moving forward until he reached another sentry. He killed him too and subsequently stormed the mortar position along with the assault group. His valour was an inspiration for the troops.

Sepoy Imliakumao showed exemplary courage and determination by personally killing two enemy soldiers. Throughout the attack, his tenacity, grit, composure, confidence and raw courage in the face of the enemy was visible. These qualities then became instrumental in eliminating the enemy from the almost indomitable mortar position. The elimination of enemy personnel by Sepoy Imliakumao was a huge success as it resulted in capturing three 120mm and two 81mm mortars along with a huge stockpile of ammunition.

The valiant action by Sepoy Imliakumao, which was a true demonstration of valour in the presence of a well-entrenched enemy, was the sole factor which paved the way for a successful attack on the enemy mortar position.

The nation might not remember what he did for them but a family lost their loving son, 16 years ago. In return, the least we can do is include him in our prayers, respect his brave efforts, and remember him with closed eyes once in a while.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg

Lt. DS Sharawat: A man of exemplary determination

Kargil War Heroes – Part 15

They say in the Army that it is better to ‘live for something rather than dying for nothing’. That’s what our brave soldiers did; they lived for our nation until their last breath. Lieutenant DS Sharawat was no different. He sacrificed his life in service of the nation, fighting under the tough circumstances. He was subsequently awarded the third highest gallantry award, Vir Chakra, for his valour and grit he displayed in crucial times.

Commissioned into 2 Naga regiment, he was a true-spirited hero. He and his battalion were assigned with the task to recapture a mortar position located to the west of ‘Twin Bump’ on 8 July 1999. Twin Bump was a part of Point 4875, Mashkoh valley, Drass sector.

The Alpha Company commanded by Lieutenant Deepankar Kapoor Singh Sharawat meticulously planned the attack and moved towards the decided position stealthily. Defying all obstacles, the platoon kept moving ahead, scaling the snowy peaks. DS Sharawat exhibited undaunted courage and with utter disregard of his personal safety, he charged at the enemy soldiers with full force upon reaching the top. He got engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with an enemy soldier and killed him.

There was heavy artillery bombardment but nothing can come in a way of a soldier. His tenacity inspired others to fight too and after a tough battle, they were able to recover three 120 mm mortars, two 81 mm mortars and three G-3 rifles besides hordes of valuable documents and equipment. This attack broke the backbone of the enemy intrusion in the Mashkoh valley and led to their ultimate withdrawal. Thus, it was a crucial mission which was accomplished by the 2 Naga battalion. DS Sharawat was thus a perfect example of valour, leadership qualities, determination, and devotion to the nation. He inspired, motivated and encouraged his troops in capturing the mortar position.

Lt. DS Sharawat displayed raw courage, true-spirit, and a selfless attitude. He was a brave son of India. The nation is thankful for his efforts and is proud of what he did.

Even after 16 years of the war, the tragedy continues for the families of these soldiers.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg

Capt. Haneef Uddin: A singer-soldier whose contribution in Kargil war is exemplary

Kargil War Heroes – Part 14

Soldiers are humans too. They aren’t void of emotions. However, people tend to ignore this fact. Amidst the Kargil martyrs, there was a singer-soldier Captain Haneef Uddin. Born on 23 August 1974, Captain Haneef Uddin, belonged to the 11th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army. He joined the Indian Military Academy in 1996 and was commissioned into the army on 7 June 1997.

“Ek pal mein hai sach saari zindagi ka; Iss pal mein jee lo yaaron, yahan kal hai kisne dekha (The truth of our lives is encapsulated in one moment; Live this moment, who knows what tomorrow holds).

These lyrics written by his younger brother Sameer summarize Capt. Haneef Uddin’s life. Captain often sang this song for his troops. His impromptu “Jazz Band” spread his zest for life and music in the mountains, and was a welcome relief for troops who were cut off from civilization and television. Also, to ward off the tension of the battle ground, music helped.

“Whether up in the hills or down here with us, his music system remained his constant companion,” says elder brother Nafees, who is a physics teacher. The family is proud of their brave son.

Capt. Haneef Uddin risked his life for the sake of the country. At an altitude of 18000 ft, his courage remained infringed and he scaled the snowy heights to face the enemy. The tenacity with which he fought is exemplary. Despite heavy artillery bombardment, he was undeterred. As the fight continued, he and his troops ran out of ammunition but their grit overpowered. His body has not yet been recovered from the perilous ridges of Turtuk, Ladakh, which is still in the enemy hands.

Haneef’s father died when he was only seven years old and his mother Hema Aziz is a classical singer who worked for Sangeet Natak Academy and Kathak Kendra for years. She gets overwhelmed at the mention of her son, “As a soldier Haneef served his country with pride and dedication. There cannot be a greater statement on his valor than his death which came while fighting the enemy.”

Capt. Haneef Uddin was awarded with nation’s third highest gallantry award, Vir Chakra for the bravery he displayed during Kargil war. There’s a corner in every soldier’s home that is dedicated to memories, Capt. Haneef Uddin’s home is no different.

The family turned down the offer for gas agency or a petrol pump by the government as no one was free to manage it. Mrs. Aziz says she could not accept these because she strongly feels that if somebody does not require financial help, he/she should not accept such offers. She, however, clarifies that this is her personal view. If anybody else wants to accept such things, it is okay. “I think such benefits should be given to the family members of those soldiers who really need financial help. I know the number of such soldiers’ families is really huge,” she said. (1)

Soldiers like Capt. Haneef Uddin are not to be forgotten but the nation moves ahead at a fast pace. The families are left behind though. They promised their families to come back soon. They went as men but came back as heroes. The nation should respect what they did for us.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg

Naik Digendra Kumar: Denied war benefits by Army and the State Govt.

Kargil War Heroes – Part 13

Born on 3 July 1969, Naik Digendra Kumar belonged to the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles regiment of the Indian Army. He is also a recipient of Maha Vir Chakra, Sena Medal and many other medals for his exemplary valor. He was one of the best commandoes of the Indian Army. He had acquired the skill to hit a target on the basis of only sound.

After completing his training, he was posted at Jammu & Kashmir. He was sent to Sri Lanka for ‘Operation Pawan’ in Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1987 where his bravery was widely appreciated.
The sad part is that despite his grit and determination, he was denied war benefits. At first, the Army denied him the disability benefits which he is entitled to after being classified as 80 per cent disabled by an Indian Army medical board. It took the Army almost 2 years to finally give him the benefits that he deserved. However, as a Kargil veteran, he is entitled to extra-gratia benefits which are still denied to him. That’s not all. Even the state government isn’t too concerned about this valiant commando who risked his life at the borders. The govt. was to allot an agricultural land to him for being a gallantry award winner but they have marked out the prize at a location almost 500 km from his Sikar home. Also, the Army refused to give him his disability pension saying that he “retired voluntarily”.

When the Kargil war was on, Naik Digendra Kumar was commander of the Light Machine Gun Group during his company’s assault on Tololing hill in Drass Sector. Their objective was to capture the fortified enemy post which was located at an altitude of over 15000 feet.

On 10 June 1999, there was deadly silence in the hills except the sound of the blasts. There was snow and snow all around. They knew that probably they won’t get back alive. It was a dangerous mission after all. But they remained undeterred and readily risked their lives for the nation.

After 14 hours of hard labour, they reached the top of Tololing. Pakistani army had 11 bunkers on the Tololing hill top. Digendra Kumar was to target first and the last bunkers. Rest of the battalion targeted the remaining 9 bunker.

On 13 June 1999, the bombardment at Tololing led to heavy casualties. Naik Digendra Kumar too was hit by a bullet in his left arm. He remained undaunted and kept firing with one hand and brought down effective and accurate Light Machine Gun fire on the enemy. He then gave an effective covering fire, while his own troops attacked the enemy position. Despite being seriously wounded, he kept his platoon motivated. At last, the task was accomplished due to his efforts.

The role of Naik Digendra Kumar in the Kargil conflict was very crucial. With great difficulty, Digendra Kumar put the Indian tri-colour flag on 13 June 1999 at four o’clock in the morning.

The Indian Army reached Tololing peak in the early hours of morning and found heaps of dead soldiers. The Indian tri-colour flag was hoisted and Digendra Kumar lied besides it in an unconscious state. He had the cut head of Major Anwar Khan of the Pakistan Army in his hand. Digendra Kumar was then carried to Military Hospital. He thus was awarded MVC at the age of 30 for his courage in Kargil war.

Such brave soldiers should be respected and loved. The nation is proud of their efforts. But is the govt. listening?

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg

Capt. Jerry Prem Raj: A soldier first, a husband later

Kargil War Heroes – Part 12

Kargil war was a bad chapter in India’s book. It resulted in a massive chaos, bloodshed, and loss of precious lives. Our brave soldiers risked their lives and put the nation before self – something that they are taught during their training days.

Among the martyrs, Capt. Jerry Prem Raj was awarded Vir Chakra, the third highest military honour for his valour. He was a brave son of India.

Born in Venganoor, Trivandrum, Kerala, Capt. Jerry Prem Raj was commissioned into the 158 Medium Regiment (SP) on 5 September 1997. He was a sincere and upright officer with an eye for detail and a pleasant disposition. His father, Mr. Retna Raj worked in the Department of Technical Education, Kerala and his mother, Mrs. Chella Thayee worked in the Health Department of the government of Kerala. His brother, Rejinald Pavithran, is a retired officer of the Indian Air force.

Capt. Jerry Premraj had been married barely a month and was on his honeymoon, when the duty called him and he had to cut short his vacation and re-join the unit in Mushkoh Valley in July 1999 for Operation Vijay. His task was to attack Twin Bumps located in Point 4875 area, Gun Hill, Drass sector. During the assault, in the wee hours of 7^th July 1999, Captain Jerry Prem Raj was the Forward Observation Post Officer with 2 Naga ( A unit of Indian Army).

He searched, sought and identified enemy positions and directed accurate artillery fire onto them with devastating effect. In this endeavour, he was shot and wounded in the enemy sniper fire. Despite injuries, he remained undeterred and continued to attack the enemy positions. Amidst the heavy fire, he displayed unparalleled grit and courage, and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

By then, Captain Jerry Prem Raj was severely injured. His efforts in the battle proved his mettle. He was a true war hero. He died later on the same day. His body was cremated in his native Thiruvananthapuram. His wife gradually moved on from the truncated marriage. His memory became an occasional, but uncontrollable sob in his modest home in Venganoor.

Obviously people might forget, but the pain of the families of these martyrs remains the same. Let us not forget these valiant soldiers in our prayers.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg

 

Lt. (now Col.) Balwan Singh: A man of grit and courage

Kargil War Heroes – Part 11

Sixteen years on and memories of Kargil war are still fresh in our minds. However, gradually we are growing indifferent towards the soldiers who risked their lives for serving nation. Lieutenant (now, Colonel) Balwan Singh is one of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the battle field, and was honoured with India’s second highest gallantry award, Maha Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery.

Born in Sasrauli village in Jhajjar district of Haryana, Lt. Balwan Singh is an alumnus of Sainik School Kunjpura. He was commissioned on 6 March 1999 into 18 Grenediers regiment.

During the Kargil war, he was assigned the task to capture the ‘Tiger Hill Top’ on 3 July 1999 along with his Ghatak (Infantry) platoon. He had to climb from the North Eastern direction of the Tiger Hill, a height of 16,500 feet, as part of a multi-pronged attack strategy. The peak was snowbound, untrodden and interspersed with crevasses and sheer falls. Balwan Singh had joined the regiment only three months ago but was full of determination.

It took them almost 12 hours to reach the designated spot, battling the hurdles that came in their route. The enemy was taken by surprise when Lt. Balwan Singh and his platoon reached the top. In a state of panic, a desperate fire bombardment followed to repulse the Ghataks (18 Grenediers regiment). In this initial attack, Lt Balwan Singh was severely injured. But even that could not stop him, and his resolution to kill the enemy doubled. He moved ahead and got engaged in close combat with the enemy soldiers. Subsequently, he killed four of them single-handedly. The remaining enemy soldiers chose to flee.

He was a true inspiration for his troops. His grit and tenacity led to capturing Tiger Hill, which was the most crucial victory for Indian army.

After the victory at Kargil, the soldiers were returning home carrying some mixed feelings in their hearts. Those emotions comprised of happiness of winning the war and sadness (and pain too) of losing their comrades in the fierce battle. When all other soldiers were looking forward to return home, Lt. Balwan Singh showed no such interest.

It was then that his commanding officer called him to inform about a call from his father. His father was tensed about his well-being and also wanted to inquire about his homecoming. Lt. Balwan Singh then had to explain his reason for reluctance in returning home. He told his commanding officer that few days ago, a journalist had taken a picture of when he was posing with a cigar. Subsequently, that picture was published in a newspaper as well. From his sources, he came to know that his father had seen that photograph. So, he was hesitant to face his father. It is indeed overwhelming to know how a brave warrior can still be so grounded.

The commanding officer had a good laugh over the incident and called his father to explain the situation. His proud father then came to meet him with a box of cigar and took him home.

Two years after the Kargil victory, Balwan Singh married Yamuna, the daughter of an advocate in Jhajjar. The nation is proud of what he did for us.

The whole Kargil segment and few other write-ups written by me can also be read here - Ila Garg