Operation Rajiv (3/3): An Aftermath

Operation Rajiv

An Aftermath

©Operation Rajiv

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Operation Meghdoot went to be the longest running operation conducted by Indian Army. A secret mission to secure a territory turned into a fight at highest battlefield of the world,on a place that was never heard before.

This blog is about Operation Rajiv, conducted in year 1987 @ Siachen.

1. Success of Operation Meghdoot 

• PM Indira Gandhi felt proud after seeing Indian flag waving in pride on the Saltoro Ridge.
• But Pakistani General -Zia ul Haq, didn't accepted his defeat and launched several attacks on Indian post but didn't succeed in any.

2. The Quaid Post

• In year 1986, Pakistan established control over the peak post,called as the " Left Shoulder of Bilafond La",and named it as "Quaid Post" after the name of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
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• Being a highest peak, Pakistani army now caused trubble to India's Sonam post,and helicopters.
• It became necessary for Indian army to capture that post.

3. The Trail

• The Quaid Post was located at 6,752 m altitude,it had a steep slope of 80° to 85° on its 3 sides.
• The 8th Battalion of J&K Light Infantry under 2nd Lieutenant-Rajiv Pandey,planned to capture Quaid Post on 29/5/1987.
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• When Rajiv Pandey and patrol were 30m away from the top,they were detected and Pakistanis opened fire on them,and were killed at that instant.

4. The Revenge

• Quaid Post was a Pakistani territory,but now India needed control over it.
• In next few days J&K LI, organised a 62 member team and launched Operation Rajiv in honour of Rajiv Pandey.
• Army began attack on 23/6/1987, Indian soldiers successfully crushed Pakistani forces.

5. Bana Singh's Valour

• Till the morning of 26/6/1987 both Indian & Pakistan troops started running out of supplies.
• But Bana Singh was firm on capturing the Quaid Post.
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• @ 1330 hrs,Bana Singh attacked Quaid Post with full force and captured it.
• For his courage & bravery,the name of Quaid Post was changed to Bana post.

© https://youtu.be/_PojN7eQvYk

This video is dedicated to all tthe soldiers serving our nation.

Operation Meghdoot & Operation Rajiv are cited as an example of fast action & unconventional methods of warfare adopted by Indian Army,and has a proud place in the list of their victories.

References:

1.Operation Rajiv

2.Operation Rajiv (Veer by Discovery)

3.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bana_Singh