The regiment was raised as 99 Mountain Composite Regiment (Towed) on 15 April 1964 at
Aurangabad. It was part of the new raisings for the mountain divisions following the reversal during
Sino-Indian War of 1962. The first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel KN Channa.
At raising, the regiment was equipped with three batteries of American 75/24 pack howitzers and one battery of heavy mortars. On 1 February 1965, the regiment was re-organised as 99 Mountain Regiment with three batteries of 75/24 pack howitzers.[3][4] The regiment presently consists of headquarters, 991, 992 and 993 field batteries.
Class Composition
The regiment, at formation, had a mixed class composition of
Sikhs and
Ahirs in equal proportion (2:2). In 1965, after shedding one battery, the composition was changed to Sikhs and Ahirs in 2:1 proportion. On 1 March 1999, the regiment composition was changed to an all class regiment.[3]
Operations
The regiment has taken part in the following operations[3] –
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 – During Operation Cactus Lily, the regiment saw action in the Eastern sector for the liberation of
Bangladesh. 99 Mountain Regiment was part of 2 Mountain Artillery Brigade under
8 Mountain Division.[5] Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel VP Bhatia and equipped with 75/24 howitzers, the regiment took part in the heli-borne operation to capture the important garrison city of
Sylhet. The soldiers and guns of the unit were transported by helicopter amidst heavy enemy fire and played a significant part in the capture of Sylhet on 16 December 1971.[6][7] For its gallantry, the regiment was awarded the honour title Sylhet by the then President of India
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in May 1982. The regiment was also awarded three Sena Medals and three mentioned in despatches during the war.[8] During the operations, the regiment lost Major Chaman Lal during the battle for
Zakiganj on 21 November 1971.[9]
The motto of the regiment is 'निश्चय कर अपनी जीत करौं' (Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karoon) which translates to And with determination, I will be Victorious.
Notable Officers
Lieutenant General VK Chaturvedi PVSM, AVSM, SM – Commissioned into the regiment and was awarded a Sena Medal during the 1971 war. He later commanded the regiment and retired as the Director General (Manpower Planning and Personnel Services) in 2010.