Tsewang Rigzin
DRASS, June 12: Twenty-six years after the victory of Operation Vijay, the Indian Army conducted a special expedition to the Tololing Peak in Drass to commemorate the recapture of this strategic location during the Kargil War. On June 13, 1999, the Indian Army successfully regained control over Tololing, a turning point that paved the way for subsequent victories in the war.
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The expedition, a 12.5 km uphill trek-covering over 25 km round trip-was completed in 11 hours by the Army personnel. It was organised to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay.
The Indian Army’s Forever in Operations Division embarked on the commemorative expedition to Tololing Peak. It was flagged off from the revered Kargil War Memorial in Drass. A team of 37 brave soldiers from units that actively participated in the Battle of Tololing summited the Peak and hoisted the Tricolour, paying tribute to the fallen heroes. The Indian Air Force also extended its support to the expedition, fielding officers and airmen-exemplifying the spirit of synergy and jointmanship that defines the Indian Armed Forces.
Upon reaching the summit, the National Flag and regimental flags were hoisted as soldiers chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” remembering the valour and sacrifice of their comrades.
Recalling the battle, Subedar Dariya Singh Yadav, who was part of the operation in 1999, said, “at that time, it sounded like firecrackers due to the continuous gunfire. It was extremely cold, but being young, I was full of energy and enthusiasm to fight for the nation. Civilians helped us tremendously, transporting rations and ammunition all the way to the top of Tololing.”
Subedar Rajendra Kumar, also part of the 2 Rajputana Rifles-the unit that captured Tololing-shared his memories. “we captured this place on June 13, 1999. I feel proud to have been part of it. I’m here today to pay tribute to my friends who sacrificed their lives. The terrain was harsh, the roads were bad, and the weather was unforgiving. I used to carry more ammunition than food because we could survive without rations for a few days, but not without ammunition. The enemy was firing indiscriminately and even hurling stones at us, but we succeeded. We recovered 17 enemy bodies after capturing the position.”
He added, “We lost many friends here. I came today to salute them.”
Local civilians, whose courage often also needs to be saluted, played a critical role during the conflict. The bond between the people of Drass and the Indian Army-forged in fire-remains strong even today.
Drass Councillor Abdul Samad said the victory was a joint effort of the Army and the local civilians:
“We won the war together. Civilians extended full support to the Indian Army. After the 1999 war, Drass has seen significant development. The Army organizes various programmes, including winter carnivals, which promote Drass as a tourist destination. The Kargil War Memorial has become a major attraction, bringing in tourists and boosting the local economy by generating employment opportunities.”
As the Sun dipped behind the rugged mountains and the Tricolour fluttered proudly at Tololing’s summit, it wasn’t just a military achievement being honoured-it was the spirit of unity, resilience, and supreme sacrifice.
The Tololing victory remains one of the most symbolic achievements in India’s military history and continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike, the officials said.
Twenty-six years may have passed, but the memories of those who gave everything for the country remain carved in every rock, every gust of wind, and every tear shed on Tololing, they added.
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