Forever in Operations: The Saga of 8 Mountain Division

Raised in 1963 as the 7th Infantry Division under British command, subsequently rechristened as the 8th Infantry Division, this formidable force found its calling in the rugged terrains of the mountains. Its baptism by fire came during World War II, when it traversed across the Middle East and Europe, with four Indian soldiers earning the prestigious Victoria Cross in the European campaign. Disbanded after the war, the division was resurrected in 1963 to meet the expanding needs of the Indian Army following the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962.

The 8 Mountain Division's journey truly unfolded during the tumultuous times of the 1971 Indo-Pak war under the leadership of Major General KV Krishna Rao, who later ascended to the position of Chief of Army Staff. It was during this conflict that the division executed the famous heli-lift of the 4/5 Gorkha Rifles to Sylhet, showcasing its operational prowess and strategic acumen.

As insurgency reared its head in the North-East, the division seamlessly transitioned into counter-insurgency operations, becoming synonymous with relentless pursuit and unyielding resolve. However, destiny beckoned once again in 1989, as the turmoil in Kashmir demanded the division's attention. Major General VP Malik, then the General Officer Commanding, orchestrated the division's move to the Kashmir Valley, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history.

Yet, it was the crucible of the Kargil conflict in 1999 that truly defined the division's indomitable spirit. Tasked with spearheading India's response to the Pakistani intrusion, the 8 Mountain Division rose to the occasion with unparalleled courage and determination. Amidst the treacherous peaks and unforgiving terrain, soldiers of the division, including the legendary Captain Vikram Batra, etched their names in eternity with acts of unparalleled bravery.

The conflict, though a distant memory for some, remains etched in the collective consciousness of the nation, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers of the 8 Mountain Division. As Major General Shokin Chauhan, the division's current commander, aptly puts it, ‘The posts are high, the altitude is difficult, the mountains are treacherous, but our soldiers rise above it all, embodying the finest virtues of courage and resilience.’

Today, as the division continues to guard the Line of Control from Kaobal Gali to Chorbat La under the aegis of the Leh-based 14 Corps, its legacy endures as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The saga of the 8 Mountain Division serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Indian Army, epitomising the ethos of 'Forever in Operations' – a tribute to the undying valour of those who serve on the frontiers of freedom.