Operation Rajiv in the context of Bana Singh


Operation Rajiv in the context of Bana Singh

⭐ Core Definition: Operation Rajiv

Operation Rajiv was the codename for an Indian Army's June 1987 operation against Pakistan Army that successfully achieved its aim of snatching the highest point, called Left Shoulder (initially renamed as the Quaid Post by Pakistan and later renamed as Bana Top / Bana Post by India), to secure the Bilafond La sector along the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) on the Saltoro Mountain Range which is the western flank of the Siachen Glacier. Prior to this operation, India had captured the Siachen in 1984 and established Sonam Post and Amar Post in the Bilafond La sector, and Pakistan responded by establishing the Quaid Post in 1986 at a higher peak called the Left Shoulder (of Bilafond La). After Pakistan fired from the Quaid Post and killed Indian soldiers at the Sonam Post in 1986, India decided to capture the Quaid Post to secure the Bilafond La sector as the Quaid post was a threat to the Indian movement on the entire western Siachen Glacier. Consequently, under the Operation Rajiv in 1987 an Indian task force, led by Major Varinder Singh, launched multiple attacks on the Pakistani troops stationed at the post in an attempt to capture it. After several unsuccessful attempts, a team led by Naib Subedar Bana Singh successfully captured the Quaid Post. Following its capture, Quaid post was renamed to Bana Post after Naib Subedar (later Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, who led the operation. He was subsequently awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award, for his courage in this operation. Since then India continues to hold entire Bilafond La sector, including the Bilafond La itself.

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Operation Rajiv in the context of Siachen conflict

The Siachen conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen Glacier conflict or the Siachen War, was a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed 1,000-square-mile (2,600 km) Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict was started in 1984 by India's successful capture of the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot, and continued with Operation Rajiv in 1987. India took control of the 70-kilometre-long (43 mi) Siachen Glacier and its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier, including Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Pakistan controls the glacial valleys immediately west of the Saltoro Ridge. A cease-fire went into effect in 2003, but both sides maintain a heavy military presence in the area. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, mostly due to natural hazards. External commentators have characterized it as pointless, given the perceived uselessness of the territory, and indicative of bitter stubbornness on both sides.

View the full Wikipedia page for Siachen conflict
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