Tahir Fazal Chaudhary, also known as ‘Bahadur-e-Hill Kaka’, who helped the Indian Army during Op Sarpvinash in 2003, passed away on April 22. As Kaka, 62, was laid to rest, the Indian Army paid a solemn tribute to him with full military honours, describing him as “a valiant son of the soil”.
“A Brave Heart Laid To Rest,” PRO Defence Jammu said, remembering him for standing “shoulder to shoulder with our troops during Op Sarpvinash in 2003.”
“His daring spirit, unwavering courage and strong bond with the Indian Army remain a testament to his exceptional character. His indomitable valour will forever be etched in our hearts,” the PRO Defence added in a post that accompanied pictures of Army Jawans laying wreaths to Kaka.
Who was Tahir Fazal Chaudhary aka Bahadur-e-Hill Kaka?
Tahir Fazal Chaudhary was a man who not only set an example of patriotism for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but also struck fear into the hearts of India’s enemies.
Tahir, a resident of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, was working as a mason in Saudi Arabia when terrorists killed his brother, Haji Mohammad Arif. When he got to know about his brother’s killing, he returned to the country and vowed to avenge his brother.
Tahir formed the ‘Pir Panjal Scouts’ with the help of local youth with an aim to liberate his homeland from the fear of Pakistani terrorists.
He soon started working with the Indian Army’s 9 Para SF and 16 RR, with his group becoming the eyes and ears of the security forces.
When the Indian Army launched Op Sarpvinash to neutralise terrorists from the Pir Panjal mountains, Tahir actively helped the security personnel by providing the precise locations of terror hideouts, leading to the killing of dozens of terrorists.
He led Army soldiers through the mountainous terrain where terrorists used to hide and choppers could not reach.
He eventually avenged his brother by killing terrorist Kassid, who had killed his brother and reportedly kept his AK-47 (locally known as a Kalashnikov) as a souvenir.
It was his role in Op Sarpvinash that earned him the title of “Bahadur-e-Hill”.