Kargil is a town in the Ladakh region of the Union Territory of Ladakh and is located approximately midway between Leh and Srinagar on the banks of the Suru River at 8000 ft. Pt 13620 is a strategically important location in Kargil, this post overlooks Kargil town and the Srinagar-Leh highway, the lifeline of Ladakh.
The saga of capturing and returning the crucial post and the sword of enemy trouble dangling over Kargil town and Srinagar-Leh highway, had to be broken. The year 1971 brought that opportunity. During 1971 war, though much of the action was concentrated on the borders of what was known as East Pakistan (later liberated as Bangladesh), the Indian Army planned an offensive to recapture Pt 13620 to have better security and lend additional depth to NH1A. The attack was launched on December 5, 1971 by 2/11 Gorkha Rifles who launched a fierce attack and recaptured Pt 13620 and surrounding peaks on December 9, 1971. However, the action cost life of another young officer. Major Vetri Nathan, awarded Vir Chakra posthumously, was leading his company to capture the enemy position at Pt 13620. The fight was intense, but with his indomitable spirit, he led the team successfully despite the inclement weather and challenges. Today, Pt 13620 proudly stands as a testimonial of the Indian Army’s saga of valour in all four battles fought against Pakistan till date.
Jammu Tawi → Patnitop (112 km) → Srinagar (156 km) → Sonamarg (79 km) → Drass (60 km) → Kargil (60 km)
