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Join us as we commemorate Vijay Diwas 2024 with a special report from the Kargil War zone. Our team captures the emotional return of Kargil War heroes who have revisited the very battlegrounds where they bravely faced Pakistani forces. In this gripping documentary, these veterans recount their valorous missions and the crucial moments that led to India's decisive victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict. Experience firsthand accounts of heroism, strategy, and sacrifice that shaped one of India's most significant military achievements. Witness the powerful narratives that honor their legacy and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

#25YearsOfKargil #VijayDiwas2024 #KargilWarHeroes #KargilWar #IndianArmy #MilitaryHeroes #IndiaPakistanConflict #KargilWarVeterans #WarZoneRevisit #IndianVictory #NationalPride #HeroicMission #IndianHistory #VeteranStories
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00:00As the 25th anniversary of the Kargil war approaches, a group of 12 motorcycle riders,
00:10all course mates of the legendary Captain Vikram Batra, have embarked on a poignant
00:15journey to retrace the very trails that witnessed the unfolding of that conflict between India
00:21and Pakistan in 1999.
00:25Flagged off in Chandigarh, this band of brothers, part of the 1997 batch of the IMA's 101
00:31regular course, are paying homage to their fallen comrades and the heroes who etched
00:37their names in the history of military valour.
00:45Their first stop was at the Udhampur base, where Air Vice Marshal Vikram Gaur flagged
00:56them off.
00:59Travelling south of the historic Pir Panjal range, they entered the Kashmir valley.
01:05Pir Panjal, a formidable mountain range, holds immense strategic importance, witnessing numerous
01:12battles throughout history.
01:15As the riders crossed this natural barrier, they followed in the footsteps of countless
01:20soldiers who have guarded our nation's frontiers.
01:25At their next stop in Anantnag, they received a warm reception and a Param Vir Chakra cap
01:31was handed over to the course mates.
01:37As the riders set off for their next destination, Uplona, travelling from Anantnag to Srinagar,
01:44Kashmir's mesmerising landscapes unfolded before them, often hailed as the paradise
01:49on earth.
01:50The journey was a visual feast, with majestic mountains rising proudly, each element contributing
01:57to the breathtaking beauty.
02:00This is the same stretch where in April 2024, the Indian Air Force conducted the first test
02:06run of a 3.5 kilometre emergency landing.
02:10Five helicopters, including Chinooks and MI-17s, participated in the drill, simulating troop
02:15retrieval.
02:18Along the way, they visited a historical Gurudwara, symbolising the armed forces' diversity and
02:56Uplona, an important stopover on this journey, as the brigade stationed here fought in the
03:03Mashko Valley during the Kargil War.
03:06Captain Vikram Batra's unit, with 13 Jammu and Kashmir rifles, was part of this valiant
03:12brigade.
03:13Upon arrival at Uplona, the riders received a grand and heroic welcome, befitting their
03:18mission.
03:19As the riders dismounted their motorcycles, they were enveloped in a sea of olive green,
03:26with handshakes, hugs and heartfelt words of gratitude exchanged.
03:37The next day, the journey continued to Baramulla, where the main event, the Kargil Raja Jayanti
03:43Mahotsav was held.
03:45As part of the commemoration, the Chinnar Corps Commander flagged in the 1-1 bike rally
03:51at the revered General Bipin Rawat Stadium.
04:15From Baramulla, it was time to hit the road again, moving towards the Kaman Aman Setu,
04:27but not before a mandatory stop at the Dagger Division War Memorial.
04:33Here, the 1-1 riders paid their respects and tributes to all the heroes of Indian Armed
04:40Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
04:49Adjacent to the War Memorial stands a temple, where a sense of peace and tranquility reigns
04:55supreme.
04:56The riders took a moment to soak in the serenity of the surroundings, a stark contrast to the
05:02battlefields they were commemorating.
05:12In 1863, historian W. G. Kavi visited this place, and he was told that this temple was
05:18constructed by some Bondat, who was a descendant of Pandavas, and thus the name of the place,
05:24Boneyara.
05:25And in the late 1800s, Dogra ruler Ranbir Singh was responsible for excavation of this
05:31temple, which took nine long years.
05:33Since long, this temple has been part of the army garrison.
05:36Our religious teacher facilitates the devotees and their darshan, sir.
05:43Just as the riders neared the Kaman Aman Setu, a poignant moment unfolded.
05:49Children in their colorful attire welcomed them with Indian flags in their hands, a gesture
05:55that symbolized the hope and future that the soldiers had fought to protect.
06:01The riders spent time with the armed forces members stationed at the Kaman Aman Setu,
06:06a bridge that earlier served as a crucial link between India and Pakistan, facilitating
06:11the movement of people and goods across the line of control.
06:22Day four began with an aarti, highlighting the Indian army's commitment to religious
06:26harmony and national integration.
06:57The flag-off ceremony from Uplona was led by the commander of the Himalayan Brigade.
07:06The team headed towards their first stopover at Manasbal, 30 km from Srinagar, for a wreath-laying
07:13ceremony in honor of their coursemate, Lt. Col. Rajesh Gulati.
07:25His wife, Sarika Gulati, and son, Saksham, attended the ceremony and received a PVC cap
07:32from his coursemates.
07:34The 101 regulars also paid tribute to Flight Lt. Mayank Mayur from the Foxtrot Squadron
07:40of the NDA.
07:43Group Captain Mangesh Zadek led the wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen coursemate who died
07:48in 2004.
07:54From Manasbal, the riders drove through the snow-covered peaks and meandering rivers of
07:58Sonmarg.
08:12They made a mandatory stop at Captain Moore.
08:33This stretch is known as one of the most dangerous in the world to drive.
08:44The team crossed the Zovzila Pass, also known as the Gateway of Ladakh.
08:53After a refreshment break at Ghumri Cafe, a popular stop along this route, the riders
08:58drove for an hour along breathtaking roads, arriving at Dras, known as India's coldest
09:04inhabited place, for an overnight stay.
09:27Upon reaching Dras, it felt like a reunion as they met a few fellow coursemates there.
09:48Day 5 began on an emotional note when Vishal Batra, the identical twin brother of Param
09:54Veer Chakra, Captain Vikram Batra, went for a walk in Dras town and reached a place from
09:59where Batra Top is visible.
10:01If you look at extremely the point, the finger where I am pointing it out is the Batra Top
10:09which was earlier called as 4875.
10:11This entire feature of Batra Top, you know, saw 25 casualty, we lost two officers, Captain
10:19Vikram Batra and Captain Anuj Nayyar and this is the only feature which has a rare
10:24distinction of having three medals, two Param Veer Chakra which was given to Vikram Batra
10:29and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar was another brave soldier from 13th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir
10:34Rifles and Captain Anuj Nayyar who was awarded a Mahaveer Chakra posthumously.
10:39I think the saga, the bravery of and the tale of each of the feature what the Indian Army
10:44captured is incredible and I pay my general salute to each of the men who fought the battle
10:49and of course my kudos to the Indian Army who is still guarding these peaks.
10:52Whenever I come here, every alternate year I have been coming to this small town, this
10:56small valley, it's something like more of a shrine and it's also to relive the memories
11:02of Vikram and all other soldiers who laid down their life.
11:07After some time, the riders were all set to hit the road again to reach the first destination
11:12of the day, the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
11:15The valley echoed with, Yeh Dil Mange More, Yeh Dil Mange More, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, O
11:45Yeh Dil Mange More, Yeh Dil Mange More, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye
12:15Oye Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye, Oye Oye…
12:45and the country salutes them.
12:47In the end, I request all of us
12:50to bow down and salute those
12:52who are destined for this position.
12:55Those who are very fortunate
12:57and whose blood serves the country.
13:01Long live the Motherland!
13:04Long live the Motherland!
13:07Long live the Motherland!
13:10Long live the Motherland!
13:15Long live the Motherland!
13:19After a flag off from the Kargil War Memorial,
13:22the riders headed towards Kargil city.
13:37Just as the band of brothers were about to reach Kargil,
13:40they stopped at a memorial dedicated to
13:42Gorkhali legend Subedar Harka Bahadur Rana,
13:45located 5 km before Kargil.
14:02Right next to this memorial is an Army Goodwill School
14:05where the 1-1 regulars receive the warm welcome.
14:08This school has been contributing
14:10some of the best archers in the country
14:13and the riders too tried their hand at archery.
14:17Today, our special team is here to witness
14:20the achievement of the best archers
14:23in the country in 1999.
14:39After this refreshing and energizing time spent at the school,
14:42the riders drove towards Kargil city
14:45and took a halt for Langar Prasad
14:48at the historical Gurudwara Charan Kamal
14:50associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
15:15From here, the riders headed towards the most prominent
15:18and dominating location in the Kargil region,
15:21Point 13620,
15:24which overlooks the National Highway connecting Srinagar and Leh.
15:46As the riders reached the top,
15:48they were welcomed by snow
15:50and the 1-1 regulars paid their tribute
15:52with a wreath-laying ceremony to remember the warriors.
16:15Day 6
16:25Day 6 began with a wreath-laying ceremony
16:28by the 1-1 regulars at the iconic Kargil War Memorial.
16:37It was an absolute tribute to those
16:40who were not just course mates but family,
16:43brothers-in-arms who stayed together through thick and thin,
16:47sadly gone too soon but never forgotten.
16:52Day 7
17:10Following the flag-off ceremony,
17:12the riders set off towards Leh,
17:14the most strategic zone that provides the logistical support
17:17to the defence forces.
17:21There are two routes to reach Leh.
17:23One is the Kargil-Leh Highway
17:26and the other is what the riders chose,
17:28the challenging route through the Batalik sector.
17:31This again served as a mark of respect
17:34for the heroes of the war.
17:51The first stopover was at Hambuting Lad,
17:54serving as a gateway to the strategic Batalik sector.
18:02This sector's importance
18:04stems from its proximity to the Line of Control
18:07and its high-altitude, rugged terrain.
18:13Batalik, the name immediately brings
18:15these vivid visuals in front of our eyes.
18:21This sector was one of the key battle zones
18:23during the Kargil War of 1999.
18:27The Indus River flows through this sector,
18:29entering Pakistan at just a stone's throw distance.
18:34The river, along with the challenging terrain
18:37of the Khaluba Range,
18:38posed significant logistical and operational challenges
18:41for the Indian Armed Forces.
18:44It was the Batalik sector where it was first discovered
18:47that there's something fishy at the higher reaches.
18:51Acting on tip-off from Tashi Namgyal,
18:54a local shepherd from Gharkon village,
18:56who was searching for his missing yak
18:59when he spotted the camouflaged Pakistani intruders
19:02near Ganasok,
19:03the Indian Army was promptly pressed into action.
19:07This Khaluba Ridge still echoes
19:09with the valiant efforts of Indian soldiers,
19:12including Captain Manoj Pandey,
19:14who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra
19:17for his extraordinary bravery and leadership
19:20during the Kargil War.
19:22Despite limited resources
19:24and initial lack of artillery support,
19:26our brave soldiers from First 11 Gorkha Rifles,
19:3012th J&K Light Infantry and 1 Bihar,
19:34under the leadership of Brigadier Devinder Singh
19:37from the 70th Infantry Brigade,
19:39managed to chase away nearly 800 Pakistani troops
19:42and recaptured all areas by the time
19:45war ended in the last week of July 1999.
19:51KHALUBA RIDGE
20:07Traversing these winding roads,
20:09the riders reached the brigade headquarters.
20:15As had become customary,
20:17a PVC cap was handed over
20:19to yet another course mate serving on the front lines.
20:32The riders were flapped off
20:33from the brigade headquarters in the Batalik sector
20:36and the journey towards Leh continued.
20:50KHALUBA RIDGE
20:53One would concur that the journey from Kargil to Leh
20:56is breathtaking, capturing the raw beauty
20:59and rugged charm of the scenic locales.
21:20KHALUBA RIDGE
21:23The journey is not just a physical traverse,
21:26but a ride of gratitude, respect
21:28and an unbreakable bond of brotherhood.
21:44KHALUBA RIDGE
21:50LEH
21:54After days of thrilling adventures
21:56and exploring breathtaking landscapes,
21:59day 7 began on a more relaxed note in Leh.
22:03Situated at over 11,500 feet,
22:06Leh is the largest town in the Ladakh region
22:09nestled in the high-altitude desert of the Himalayas.
22:14KHALUBA RIDGE
22:16This crucial location serves as a vital logistical hub
22:19for the Indian Army,
22:20supporting the movement of troops, equipment and supplies
22:23to forward positions in the challenging terrains of Ladakh.
22:28Here, the 101 regulars stayed at a homestay
22:31run by Colonel Sevang Smalla and his wife Tahira.
22:35This charming abode offered more than just a comfortable stay.
22:40Colonel Smalla, who commanded a medical unit during the Kargil War,
22:44recounted tales of camaraderie, bravery
22:47and the stark realities of wartime.
22:50At that time, my son was very small
22:52and he was studying in class 6.
22:55When he heard about the Kargil War, he ran away.
22:59He said, I want to see my nation first.
23:03I was at that time posted at a place called Kalimpong.
23:06I was commanding a military unit there, a hospital there.
23:10So when the war broke out,
23:12I was very enthusiastic to join the war front.
23:16That's why I happened to reach to the Kargil area.
23:21We had placed a lot of support there
23:26in the maintenance of the quick evacuation of the sick people.
23:33And then they used to be brought to my unit where I used to have a hospital.
23:38I feel massively lucky to recollect all this happening
23:43in the defense of our country.
23:48The day also included a poignant journey
23:50to honor the memories of their fallen comrades.
23:53Their visit to the Hall of Fame and the Kargil War Memorial
23:57was a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice
24:00of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War.
24:30It's time to hit the road again and bid farewell to Leh, the heart of Ladakh.
24:46Today's destination is Sarchu, approximately 260 kilometers away from Leh.
24:57Before the 101 regulars embarked on this journey,
25:02it was crucial to ensure that the vehicles are fully fueled
25:06and reserves are kept as Karu, located about 34 kilometers from Leh,
25:11is the last patrol station before Thandi,
25:14which lies about 340 kilometers further along our route.
25:26About 47 kilometers from Leh, we reach Upshi.
25:40In Upshi, the 101 regulars take a halt to thank our brothers
25:44from the Border Roads Organization for their tireless work
25:47in maintaining these treacherous landscapes
25:50and making these routes accessible and safe.
25:57The Border Roads Organization is doing exemplary work
26:01in developing and maintaining crucial infrastructure
26:04in remote and challenging terrains.
26:06Their efforts in constructing roads, bridges and tunnels
26:09along India's borders enhance connectivity, bolster national security
26:14and promote socio-economic development in these regions.
26:20As the riders continue and gain altitude,
26:26the landscape unfolds into a panoramic vista of snow-capped peaks,
26:31rugged mountains and vast stretches of untouched natural beauty.
26:50The sight of the majestic Himalayas surrounding us is awe-inspiring,
26:56making it a photographer's paradise.
26:59Upon reaching Tanglang La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world,
27:22the thin air serves as a reminder of the altitude.
27:29After having coffee at the highest Shoray Cafe in Ladakh,
27:41managed by BRO at 17,482 feet,
27:45the riders continue with their journey.
27:48Descending from Tanglang La,
28:00the 101 regulars take another halt at Debring.
28:03The food at this altitude too tastes mesmerizing.
28:07Following a Paratha break,
28:09the 101 regulars move towards the More Plains.
28:12The 40-kilometer stretch of More Plains
28:15offers expansive views of flatlands surrounded by towering mountains.
28:45Next, the riders tackle Lachunglungla,
28:49another high mountain pass at 16,598 feet.
28:54The rugged beauty and challenging roads here
28:58are a testament to the raw nature of the Himalayas.
29:02The 101 regulars begin their ascent
29:12to reach the third pass of the day, Nakila,
29:15which offers equally stunning views
29:18and a thrilling riding experience.
29:20They navigate the famous Gata Loops,
29:26a series of 21 hairpin bends that descend sharply,
29:30providing both a thrilling ride and magnificent views.
29:41After crossing some bridges with whimsical names
29:44like Whiskey Bridge and Brandy Bridge,
29:47the riders spot camps on the horizon
29:50and a boat welcoming us to Sarchu,
29:53also known as Sir Bhoomchung.
29:56Though the origin of the name remains a mystery,
29:59Sarchu is nestled on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh,
30:04serving as a vital halt for travelers
30:07journeying between Leh and Manali.
30:14Sarchu was going to be the night halt for the riders,
30:18and even as the sun was out till late evening,
30:21a cup of tea and steaming dinner
30:23was all the riders could ask for
30:25before they bid goodnight to each other
30:28at the culmination of Day 8 of their historic tribute to the Kargil heroes.
30:40This is Day 9 for the 101 regulars on the move.
30:44The night before was a cold one that the 101 regulars endured.
30:52As the riders stepped outside their tents,
30:55the first thing they noticed is the crystalline layer of frost on their bikes.
31:13The frozen water becomes a symbol of resilience
31:16and the harsh beauty of this adventure.
31:26After refueling with reserve fuel bought from Leh,
31:30the 101 regulars set out on their journey to Manali,
31:34approximately 222 km away.
31:41Stop, wait, stop, wait, stop.
31:44All the best.
31:56Sarchu, the final checkpost of Ladakh,
31:59acts as a gateway between the rugged terrains of Ladakh
32:03and the lush landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
32:18Leaving Sarchu, the riders begin their ascent towards
32:22Baralachala, one of the highest mountain passes between Sarchu and Manali.
32:52At an altitude of 16,040 feet,
32:55Baralachala offers stunning panoramic views
32:58of snow-clad peaks and pristine landscapes.
33:23After crossing Pagal Nala, a notable water crossing,
33:27and navigating challenging patches of black ice,
33:30the riders reach Surajda.
33:52A stunning high-altitude lake,
33:54Surajda offers a unique and serene experience for travelers.
34:23Next, the riders reach Zing Zing Bar.
34:26Contrary to its name, it's not a bar,
34:28rather a BRO camp with some dhabas and shops
34:31where the riders make a pit stop and chat for a while.
34:40Days of happy riding are back.
34:53Further along, the 101 regulars crossed Darja,
34:57a significant checkpoint on their route.
35:02Darja is a gateway for trekkers heading towards Padum in Zanskar.
35:23Crossing the Darja Bridge, the longest bridge in Himachal Pradesh,
35:28they follow the Bhaga River,
35:30enjoying the lush green landscapes as they head towards Jispa,
35:35a picturesque village nestled along the river bank.
35:53Leaving Tandi, they begin their ascent towards Rohtang La,
35:57one of the most renowned passes in the region.
36:00However, to save time, the 101 regulars skip Rohtang Pass
36:04and opt for the tunnel situated beneath it
36:07in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
36:12As the riders set course to return and rejoin their respective current duties,
36:17one lone rider volunteered to represent the rest of the course
36:21to lay wreaths and pay homage at war memorials
36:25at Post 9 near Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp,
36:29the highest battlefield in the world.
36:31In the time of the war, the 101 regulars were forced to retreat
36:35Post 9 near Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp,
36:38the highest battlefield in the world.
36:40In the true spirit of jointmanship,
36:42the lone air force rider in the group went on to these places.
36:49From the high altitude to the serene valleys,
36:52the 101 regulars arrive in Manali
36:55and stayed at a serene and breathtaking location
36:58providing a much needed respite from their long journey.
37:03In this peaceful setting, the riders take the opportunity
37:06to reminisce about their time at the IMA.
37:09They share fond memories of the camaraderie and the bonds
37:13forged during their service,
37:15reconnecting and finding solace in each other's company,
37:19cherishing the shared experiences
37:22and the strength they drew from their time together.
37:33IMAGINE
37:35IMAGINATION

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