Learn the farewell of Operation Meghdoot's hero, the glorious expedition of the Indian Army

New Delhi, Jan 7, 2020, Tuesday

In 1984, the Indian army fired the Pakistani army over Siachen and made waves.

Lieutenant General PN Hunnu, the hero of the Army's Operation Meghdoot, died today at the age of 91. PN Hoon was awarded the Most Special Service Medal for this.

The war with Pakistan was historic on the highest battlefield in the world. Because the Indian army decided to take full control of it in 1981 after a long-running dispute for Siachen. The biggest challenge, however, was to prepare the troops for the temperature in Siachen.

For this, India sent an Indian Army contingent to Antarctica in 1982. Where he was trained to fight in extremely low temperatures. However, Pakistan was shocked by this. Then Pakistan began to fear that India would fully occupy Siachen.

Therefore, Pakistan had decided to begin the occupation of Siachen before India started Operation Ababil. For this a team of Pakistan troops had been prepared. However, in the coldest weather Pakistan approached a London-based firm for clothing and other luggage.

Incidentally, the same firm had to supply goods to India. This made India smell of Pakistan's preparations.

India received information through intelligence agencies that in 1984, Pakistan would begin Siachenu's mission in May. Earlier in April, India launched Operation Megadoot under the leadership of PN Hoon. On this day was the festival of Vaisakhi and the Pakistani army was convinced that the Indians would be busy with the festival.

The geographical position of Siachen is such that the Indian army has to climb uphill from India to reach it. It is easy to reach Siachen from Pakistan. That is why Operation Meghdoot was one of the most difficult operations in the army.

The Indian troops were going to fight a different kind of war where the temperature was minus 40 to 60 degrees. As part of the operation, the occupation of a place called Saltoro Ridge was entrusted to the 26th Sector. Whose bow was in the hands of Brigadier Vijay Channa.

The first phase of the operation began in March. A battalion of the Kumaon Regiment and a unit of Ladakh scouts passed through the snow-covered Jojila Pass with all preparations for battle. So that this activity could not come in the grip of the Pakistani radar.

The first battalion to occupy the height of the glacier was in the hands of Major RS Sandhu. The second team, led by Captain Sanjay Kulkarni, occupied a place called Bilafond La. It took four days for the remaining units to occupy the remaining portion of Salvatore Ridge. The leader of this unit was Captain PV Yadav.

By April 13, India had regained control of important glacier sites. When Pakistani soldiers arrived, they too were disturbed by the presence of Indian soldiers.

Extremely saddened by the passing away of Lt Gen PN Hoon (retd). He served India with utmost dedication and contributed significantly towards making our nation bigger and more secure. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad hour. Om Shanti.

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2020