In May 1999, following the completion of its tenure at Siachen, the 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (12 JAK LI) Battalion was redeployed to the Batalik sector in Kargil, a key theater of the Kargil War. As hostilities escalated, Point 5203—a strategically vital position situated at an altitude of 17,000 feet in the Kargil-Yaldor area—became a critical target. On June 7, 1999, Captain Amol Kalia and his team were tasked with the arduous mission of recapturing this heavily fortified position. The operation was essential for regaining control over the Batalik sector, making it one of the war's most challenging and significant missions. Captain Amol Kalia, a seasoned mountaineer and expert in high-altitude warfare, led a specialized team of 13 soldiers, including Havildar Kartar Singh. On the first day, the team was airlifted to the region by helicopter, landing amidst hostile territory under the shadow of relentless enemy fire. The approach to Point 5203 was treacherous, with the enemy controlling most access routes through concentrated gunfire. Undeterred, the team displayed exceptional grit and resolve, braving intense fire and utilizing advanced mountaineering techniques to scale the steep and rugged terrain.
In the early hours of June 9, 1999, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the team launched a bold assault under the cover of darkness. The mission was fraught with immense challenges as the enemy was entrenched in well-fortified positions, equipped with heavy weaponry, and bolstered by the unforgiving terrain. Despite these formidable obstacles, the team managed to establish a foothold on the northwestern slopes of Point 5203, a significant achievement in the face of near-impossible odds. The enemy, determined to retain control of the position, launched multiple counterattacks in an effort to dislodge the Indian troops. During the ensuing intense battle, Hav Kartar Singh and his comrades fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the highest traditions of the Indian Army. The battle at Point 5203 claimed the lives of Capt Amol Kalia and 10 of his brave comrades, marking one of the heaviest casualties suffered by the Indian Army during the Kargil War. Among the martyred heroes on 09 June were Capt Amol Kalia, Hav Rajinder Singh, Nk Pawan Kumar, L/Nk Laykit Ali, L/Nk GH Mohd Khan, Rfn Darshan Lal, Rfn Abdul Salam Dar, Rfn Ravinder Singh, and Rfn Ishtiyaq Ahmed. Hav Kartar Singh and Rfn Tarsaim Lal, succumbed to their injuries on June 10, 1999. The recapture of Point 5203, despite the devastating losses, was a turning point in the Batalik sector. The sacrifice of Hav Kartar Singh and other soldiers of 12 JAK LI ensured the strategic advantage needed to reclaim Indian territory and upheld the nation's honour.
Havildar Kartar Singh is survived by his wife Smt Kaushalya Devi.
No Comments