DD Defence Correspondent
Leh: Marking the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay, the Indian Army organised the annual Gun Hill Expedition to Point 5140 (Gun Hill) in the Dras sector, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of the Regiment of Artillery and the soldiers who fought during the 1999 Kargil War.
Located about five kilometres from the Dras–Kargil National Highway (NH-1), Point 5140 was one of the most strategically significant heights during the Kargil conflict. Its capture proved crucial in regaining control of the Dras sector and weakening enemy positions on adjoining peaks.
The Army recalled that the battle for Point 5140 remains one of the defining victories of Operation Vijay. Before the final assault, Indian troops secured nearby features, including ‘Hump’, captured by 18 Grenadiers on the night of June 13–14, 1999. This was followed by the capture of ‘Rocky Knob’ by 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, supported by accurate direct fire from Bofors guns that destroyed enemy bunkers and fortified positions.
The decisive assault on Point 5140 was launched during the night of June 19–20, 1999 under a massive artillery fire plan, codenamed ‘Shatrunash’, involving 20 artillery fire units, around 120 guns, Bofors artillery and Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers. The coordinated bombardment neutralised enemy defences, enabling 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles to capture the objective by 5 a.m. on June 20 without suffering a single casualty during the assault.
The Army described the operation as a landmark achievement in high-altitude warfare, as a heavily fortified enemy position at nearly 17,000 feet was captured without any loss to the assaulting troops, highlighting the precision and effectiveness of artillery support.
Recognising the decisive role of the Regiment of Artillery in the Kargil War, Point 5140 was officially renamed Gun Hill in 2023. The annual expedition has since been organised to honour the soldiers who fought in the battle and preserve their legacy for future generations.
This year’s expedition included three Junior Commissioned Officers and 22 soldiers from artillery units that participated in Operation Vijay in 1999, establishing a direct link between the veterans of the war and the present generation of soldiers. They were joined by 25 officers, 18 Junior Commissioned Officers and 58 soldiers from the 8 Mountain Artillery Brigade and other local Army units.
The Indian Army said the Gun Hill Expedition is more than a mountaineering exercise. It serves as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Kargil heroes and reinforces the values of courage, duty, selfless service and patriotism among serving soldiers and future generations.