In late May 1999, while Kashmir’s valleys remained calm, Pakistani forces infiltrated the strategic Batallik sector in Kargil. The first battalion of the Bihar Regiment, already stationed in Kashmir, rose to face this critical challenge. On May 28, Major M. Saravanan led his patrol to an altitude of 14,229 feet when enemy troops ambushed them. The foes opened intense fire and were heavily armed. Major Saravanan reacted swiftly, deploying a 90 mm rocket launcher and eliminating two infiltrators before sacrificing his life. His brave stand marked the beginning of India’s counter-offensive in Operation Vijay.

Following him, other soldiers from the Bihar Regiment displayed exceptional valor. They included brave acts by Gunner Ganesh Prasad Yadav from Patna and Sepoy Pramod Kumar from Muzaffarpur, among others. Over the course of the campaign, 18 soldiers from Bihar Regiment sacrificed their lives and contributed to hoisting the national flag atop Tiger Hill on July 26, 1999.

Extraordinary Valor Amid Hill Warfare

While the harsh summer air remained still in the valleys, enemy forces captured key hills in Batallik. At heights exceeding 14,000 feet, air was thin and fatigue immediate. Yet Bihar Regiment soldiers charged uphill with determination. Led by then-Colonel O.P. Yadav, they reclaimed several enemy posts. Their strategy, combined with sheer grit, cleared the path for Tiger Hill’s capture and eventual victory.

The bravery of these soldiers was immortalized with posthumous awards. Major Saravanan and Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav received India’s highest honor, the Param Vir Chakra, for their sacrifice. Naik Shatrughan Singh survived severe injuries and endured 11 days crawling three kilometers back to his lines. Metal lodged in his spine and wounds in his legs; yet he did not falter. His endurance earned him the Vir Chakra. Similarly, Naik Dilip Singh of Samastipur fought at Jubbah post for 28 days before making the ultimate sacrifice and was promoted to Subedar posthumously.

Memorial of Sacrifice in Patna

To honor these fallen heroes, a memorial at Kargil Chowk, near Gandhi Maidan in Patna, stands as a symbol of their sacrifice. Built in the early 2000s, the monument reminds future generations of their bravery. Every July 26, local officials, military members, and civilians gather to pay homage with floral tributes. Kargil Chowk has since become a centre of national pride and patriotism.

Names That Inspire Pride

Below are the names of the Bihar soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil campaign:

Major M. Saravanan, Naik Ganesh Prasad Yadav (Patna), Sepoy Arvind Kumar Pandey (Muzaffarpur), Sepoy Arvind Pandey (East Champaran), Sepoy Shivshankar Prasad Gupta (Aurangabad), Lance Naik Vidyanand Singh (Bhojpur), Sepoy Hardev Prasad Singh (Nalanda), Naik Bishuni Rai (Saran), Naik Suneshwar Mahto (Ranchi), Sepoy Rambu Singh (Siwan), Gunner Yugambar Dixit (Palamu), Major Chandrabhushan Dwivedi (Shivhar), Havildar Ratan Kumar Singh (Bhagalpur), Sepoy Raman Kumar Jha (Saharsa), Sepoy Harikrishna Ram (Siwan), Gunner Prabhakar Kumar Singh (Bhagalpur), Naik Sunil Kumar Singh (Muzaffarpur), Naik Neeraj Kumar (Lakhisarai), Lance Naik Ramvachan Rai (Vaishali).

These soldiers exemplified indomitable courage and unwavering dedication to their nation.

Legacy of Bihar Regiment’s Bravery

The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration marks not just a military triumph but also the glorious legacy of Bihar’s heroes. On July 26, 1999, when the Indian flag waved atop Tiger Hill, it symbolized not just victory over adversaries but also the bravery of those who paid the supreme price. Their stories of grit and sacrifice resonate across generations.

In remembering the Bihar Regiment’s soldiers, the nation honors their valor and preserves their legacy. The presence of Kargil Chowk and annual tributes in Patna keep their memory alive. These heroes remind us that the nation’s pride rests on the shoulders of those who bravely defend it.

As India commemorates the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the story of Bihar’s 18 brave soldiers continues to inspire. Their courage on icy heights and their ultimate sacrifice reinforce the lessons of duty, honor, and patriotism.