Srinagar, Sep 17: A team of 2 Grenadiers, under command Chinar Corps, surmounted the icy heights of Mount HARMUKH, 5142 metres, on 11 September 2022 under the able leadership of Maj Avneet Kumar. Mount Harmukh is known to be one of the most challenging & technical peaks in the Kashmir valley. The expedition was undertaken with an aim to foster healthy and long-lasting relationship between the ‘Indian Army’ and the Kashmiri awaam by incorporating six NCC Cadets of 3 Jammu & Kashmir Battalion NCC and two young men from Keran village who were trained in rock & ice craft by the Indian Army at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in February 2022.
The expedition was flagged off from Pharkian by Brig Tapas Kumar Misra, Commander, Pharkian Brigade on 06 September 2022. The challenging task of summiting the peak commenced with effect from 09 September from Kudor and inspite of the rugged terrain and inclement weather for the next two – three days, the tricolour was hoisted on Harmukh top on 11 September 2022 by the team against overwhelming odds. The day was specifically chosen to remember the brave hearts of 2 Grenadiers, who, on the same day in the year 1967 had given a bloody nose to the Chinese at Nathu La, Sikkim.
The expedition team was flagged in at Kupwara by Maj Gen AS Pendharkar, GOC Vajra Division on 16 September 2022. The expedition will surely pave a way in strengthening the Army-Awaam bond and has also instilled confidence amongst serving personnel to brave all the inclement weather and terrain challenges in the true spirit of the Indian Army.
