Colonel Narendra 'Bull' Kumar (87), a symbol of indomitable courage who waved the tricolor on the world's highest peaks, died on Thursday. It was on their report that the army retained Siachen on 13 April 1984 by running 'Operation Meghdoot'. It was the first action on the world's highest battlefield. PM Narendra Modi has described his death as an irreparable loss.
Giving information about his death, the Army tweeted, Colonel Bull was a Soldier Mountaineer who will be an inspiration for many generations. Today he is no more but has left behind him a tale of courage, bravery, and dedication. Born in Rawalpindi in 1933, Colonel Bull received a commission in the Kumaon Regiment in 1953. Three more of his brothers were in the army. In 1977, Colonel Bull accepted the Pakistani plan to capture the Siachen glacier. On the basis of his report, the then PM Indira Gandhi allowed the army to run Operation Meghdoot. After this, the army retained the entire Siachen.
Conquering the world's highest peak
Colonel Bull Nandadevi was the first Indian to climb the peak. Apart from this, he also hoisted the tricolor on Mount Everest, Mount Blanc, and Kanchenjunga. He won these peaks even after losing four fingers in the initial campaigns. Colonel Bull was the deputy head of India's first Everest winning team in 1965. He always wrote the nickname 'Bull' with the name. He was awarded the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award in addition to military honors like Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Kirti Chakra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Colonel Narendra. The Prime Minister tweeted, 'An irreparable loss! Colonel Narendra 'Bull' Kumar (retired) served the nation with extraordinary courage and diligence. His special bond with the mountains will be remembered. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. om Shanti.'
It is noteworthy that on the basis of Colonel Bull's reports, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi allowed the Indian Army to run Operation Meghdoot. It was only after this that the Indian army advanced with the aim of occupying Siachen. Had this operation not been done, the whole of Siachen would have gone under the occupation of Pakistan.