Tiger Hill is one of the highest peaks in the Drass-Kargil area of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Its elevation and position provided a strategic vantage point for controlling the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1-D), a crucial supply route.
In early May 1999, Pakistani forces, disguised as insurgents, infiltrated the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied key positions, including Tiger Hill. This move was aimed at severing the vital highway and altering the status of the LoC.
The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to evict the intruders and reclaim occupied territories. The operation included intense artillery shelling and airstrikes to weaken Pakistani positions.
The battle took place at an altitude of over 16,700 feet, amid harsh weather conditions in rugged terrain. These factors made the assault extremely challenging for the Indian troops.
The Indian Army planned a multi-directional assault on Tiger Hill, involving several units, including the 8 Sikh, 18 Grenadiers, and 2 Naga regiments. The attack began on 3 July 1999, with intense ground and artillery operations.
A crucial aspect of the assault was the daring climb by Indian soldiers up the steep and rocky slopes of Tiger Hill. This involved scaling vertical cliffs at night to surprise the entrenched Pakistani defenders.
After intense fighting, including close-quarter combat and heavy casualties on both sides, the Indian Army successfully recaptured Tiger Hill on 8 July 1999. This victory was a turning point in the Kargil War.
The capture of Tiger Hill was both a symbolic and tactical victory for India. The Kargil War officially ended on 26 July 1999, and Battle of Tiger Hill played a significant role in it.