25th anniversary of Tiger Hill recapture: All you need to know

Drass: Today marks the silver jubilee of the recapture of Tiger Hills during Kargil War. It was on July 4 in 1999 when after a fierce battle, Indian Army waved the national flag atop the hill.

Tiger Hill or Point 5062 was one of the most crucial points in the War.

As one of the highest peaks in the region, Point 5062 in the Drass-Kargil area of Ladakh provides a commanding view of the Srinagar-Leh highway, crucial for Indian military logistics. This was the reason Pakistani forces used this vantage point to direct artillery fire, threatening Indian movements.

After multiple failed attempts to reclaim the territory, the Indian Army decided to plan a strategic attack, commencing by digging around the hill. The final attempt to recapture Tiger Hill began on July 3, 1999, at 5:15 pm.

The Sikh Regiment and Naga Regiment teamed up with the Grenadiers and the Ghatak platoon to surround the entire hill and climb up the 1000-foot height, all the while raining heavy artillery fire on the enemy present at the hilltop. After several days of fighting and bloodshed, the Indian Army successfully captured Tiger Hill.

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his contributions to recapturing Tiger Hill during the Kargil War, and is the youngest recipient of the honour till date, getting it at the age of only 19.

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