Operation RTG: The quest to bring them homeRefusing to leave their brothers behind, HAWS launched a meticulously planned mission, codenamed Operation RTG, on June 18, 2024. The mission was named in honour of the missing soldiers — Rohit, Thakur and Gautam. The expedition consisted of 88 expert mountaineers.A road head camp was established about 40 km short of Khumbathang for deposition of specialised mountaineering and rescue equipment, special clothing, survival kits, tents, meals, etc. Two helicopters were also placed on standby to ferry the mortal remains of the bravehearts and for evacuation of the rescue team, if required.A base camp was established at a distance of approximately 13 km from the road head at a height of about 14790 feet. Maj Gen Bruce Fernandez, Commandant, HAWS, stationed himself at the base camp, overseeing the rescue efforts.The incident site was approximately 3 km from the base camp. Every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the search party.A glimmer of hopeThe first significant breakthrough came when the mortal remains of Havildar Rohit Kumar (Dogra Scouts) were found below around 30 feet of snow and ice in the crevasse on July 4. The mortal remains were transported to Kumbathang by helicopter. This reinvigorated the team members as they continued their search. Braving the challenges posed by extremities of cold and terrain, they went 10 feet deeper in the crevasse, where the mortal remains of Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale (Gorkha Rifles) were recovered on July 7. The quest for the mortal remains of Naik Gautam Rajbanshi (Assam Regiment) went on, as the team’s resolve to bring their comrades home remained unwavering. The mission’s aim was finally accomplished on July 8.The mortal remains have been transported to the respective families with full military honours, bringing closure to the loved ones, who had patiently waited to bid a final farewell to the bravehearts.
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