Naik Kaushal Yadav VrC

During June–July 1999, at the height of Kargil War, Naik Kaushal Yadav’s unit, 9 PARA (Special Forces), was deployed in the Mashkoh Sub Sector of Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir. This sector witnessed some of the most intense and daring operations under Operation Vijay. During this period, 9 Para (Special Forces) operated under the 192 Mountain Brigade, commanded by MPS Bajwa. The brigade was part of the 8 Mountain Division led by Mohinder Puri, which functioned under the XV Corps commanded by Kishan Pal. The XV Corps, in turn, came under the Northern Command headed by HM Khanna. Amid these coordinated operations, the Mashkoh Sub Sector became the stage for several high-risk missions aimed at evicting well-entrenched enemy forces from dominating heights. Among these was the task assigned to the elite 9 Para (Special Forces) to capture key features such as Sando Top and Zulu Top—positions of immense tactical importance due to their commanding view over surrounding approaches. Naik Kaushal Yadav, serving as the squad commander of No. 2 Squad of 84 Troop, ‘Bravo’ Team, played a pivotal role in one such operation. On 25 July 1999, his team was tasked with the capture of Zulu Top, located at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters. The objective was exceptionally challenging. The feature was virtually inaccessible from the Indian side, with sheer vertical cliffs offering no conventional approach routes. The already formidable terrain was further aggravated by extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to nearly minus 15 degrees Celsius, along with the constant threat of enemy minefields.

Despite these adverse conditions, Naik Yadav led his squad from the Western approach. Drawing upon his exceptional mountaineering skills, he personally reconnoitred and opened a route up the treacherous slopes, enabling his men to climb and secure an initial foothold. By 0500 hours, his squad had successfully reached the Zulu Top Complex. Soon after, the team came under intense and sustained automatic fire from a well-concealed enemy position located on a rocky outcrop to the north. Realising that the enemy was attempting to dislodge his men before they could consolidate their position, Naik Yadav responded with decisive aggression. Leading from the front, he rallied his squad and launched a direct assault on the entrenched enemy. In a display of extraordinary courage and complete disregard for his own safety, he charged towards the enemy positions, hurling grenades into their sangars while firing his weapon from the hip. The sudden ferocity of his attack caught the enemy by surprise and disrupted their defensive layout. In the ensuing close-quarters combat, Naik Kaushal Yadav personally eliminated five enemy soldiers.During this fierce engagement, he sustained grievous injuries. Despite his wounds, his actions proved decisive in neutralising the enemy resistance and securing the objective. He eventually succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Alongside him, three other brave soldiers of 9 Para (Special Forces) also made the supreme sacrifice—Hav Girish Singh, Nk Sunil Dutt and Nk Ashwani Kumar. Naik Kaushal Yadav’s indomitable courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful capture of Zulu Top. His actions not only ensured the success of the mission but also saved the lives of his comrades. In recognition of his exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.

Naik Kaushal Yadav is survived by his mother, Smt Dhanwanta Devi; his wife, Smt Nisha Yadav; his son, Prateek Yadav; and his two brothers, Shri Rambachan Yadav and Shri Chandrajeet Yadav.