Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor

Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor was a proud son of Jalas village in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Born and raised in the scenic yet often turbulent terrain of his homeland, he grew up with a deep sense of duty and patriotism. From an early age, he displayed qualities of discipline, resilience, and unwavering determination, which shaped his aspiration to serve the nation. After completing his initial education in his native village, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor decided to join the Indian Army, inspired by the legacy of countless brave soldiers from his region. His commitment to safeguarding the nation led him to enlist in the prestigious Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regiment, which has a distinguished history of valour and sacrifice. Within the regiment, he was assigned to the 12 JAK LI Battalion, an illustrious unit known for its operational excellence and relentless spirit in combat.

Throughout his service, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor embodied the core values of the Indian Army—honour, courage, and commitment. His battalion, 12 JAK LI, has been at the forefront of numerous critical military engagements, defending India's borders and participating in key counter-insurgency operations. The regiment itself has played a significant role in various wars and border skirmishes, earning accolades for its bravery and tactical expertise. Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor's unwavering dedication and remarkable combat skills made him an indispensable asset to his battalion. He trained rigorously and displayed exemplary leadership qualities, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Whether deployed in harsh mountainous terrains or volatile conflict zones, he carried out his duties with utmost diligence and fearlessness. His service in the 12 JAK LI was marked by acts of heroism and selfless devotion to duty, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the regiment. His contributions continue to be remembered as a testament to the courage and sacrifices made by soldiers who stand as the first line of defense for the nation.

Battle of Point 4812 (Kargil War): 01 July 1999

During June-July 1999, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor's unit was deployed in the Batalik sector of Ladakh as part of "Operation Vijay," the Indian Army’s strategic offensive to reclaim territories occupied by Pakistani forces. His unit operated under the command of the 70 Infantry Brigade, with overall operational control resting with the 3 Infantry Division. By early May 1999, Pakistani forces had intruded across the Line of Control (LOC) into Indian territory, establishing positions in the Mushkoh, Dras, Kaksar, and Batalik sectors. These incursions extended between 4 to 8 km into Indian territory, and in many critical areas, the intruders had fortified themselves in positions that were impervious to artillery and air strikes. As a result, direct ground assaults by infantry troops became the only viable means to dislodge the enemy. One such critical mission was assigned to the 12 JAK LI unit on 30 June 1999—an assault on the strategically significant Point 4812 in the Batalik sector. The mission was led by Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, with Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor and a few other brave soldiers forming the core assault team. This operation was essential in regaining control over the occupied territory and breaking the enemy’s stronghold in the region.

On the night of 30 June/01 July 1999, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor, along with his leader and fellow soldiers, began the arduous ascent toward the enemy-held peak from the southeastern direction. The treacherous climb was made even more challenging by extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain. The team moved with calculated stealth, ensuring they remained undetected until they reached striking distance of the enemy’s fortified positions. Upon reaching the top, they encountered fierce resistance from the enemy, who were well-entrenched in interconnected bunkers carved into the boulders. These fortifications had been strategically designed to withstand artillery barrages, leaving the Indian troops with no option but to engage in close-quarters combat. For nearly two hours, the enemy forces pinned down the Indian soldiers with relentless automatic fire, making any forward movement extremely perilous.

Realizing that a bold and decisive maneuver was required, Capt Nongrum led the charge with unwavering bravery. Braving the hail of bullets, he sprinted through the fire zone and lobbed grenades directly into the enemy bunkers. His audacious attack momentarily disoriented the enemy, creating an opportunity for his troops to close in and engage in a final assault. Inspired by their leader’s fearless action, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor and his comrades surged forward, overpowering the enemy positions through sheer grit and determination. However, amidst the heavy exchange of gunfire, Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor sustained grievous injuries. Despite his wounds, he continued to fight valiantly until he succumbed to his injuries. Alongside him, Captain Nongrum, Havildar Abdul Kareem, Havildar Daler Singh Bhou, Naik Surjeet Singh, Naik CP Dahal, Rifleman Mohd Fareed, and Rifleman Rattan Chand. Days later, on July 3rd, Lance Naik Mohd Aslam, who had been critically wounded, also succumbed to his injuries and was martyred Their unparalleled bravery and selfless devotion paved the way for the eventual capture of Point 4812, marking a significant victory for the Indian forces in the Kargil War.

Lance Havildar Yougal Kishor is survived by his mother Smt Gujan Devi.