The ‘Extra 2 Kgs’: The Untold Story of Operation Mandhol, India’s First Surgical Strike

Hear story of the 1971 war, where 120 Indian commandos went behind enemy lines on a dangerous mission to destroy a Pakistani artillery gun position.

While news reports often focus on the spectacle of modern surgical strikes, they miss the gritty, human stories of their forerunners. India’s first-ever surgical strike wasn't a precision-guided missile assault but a daring ground raid codenamed Operation Mandhol, executed by just 120 Para Commandos during the 1971 war. This deep dive goes beyond the basic facts, analyzing the strategic genius and sheer grit that made this operation a turning point in Indian Special Forces history.

 

Team from the 1971 raid, the Pakistani artillery gun position they attacked, and one of the commandos who participated in the Mandhol raid. Image source - timesofindia.

The Strategic Imperative: Why Mandhol Mattered

Mainstream media articles often present Operation Mandhol as a simple act of sabotage. In reality, it was a critical tactical maneuver that had a profound strategic impact. Six 122mm Chinese artillery guns, positioned near the village of Mandhol, were relentlessly shelling the Indian Army's 93 and 120 Infantry Brigades in the Poonch sector. 

These guns were not just a nuisance; they were a significant threat, pinning down Indian troops and disrupting their defense.

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The decision to raid them was a bold one. It wasn't about simply silencing the guns; it was about forcing Pakistan to reallocate resources and change its defensive posture. 

The successful raid did exactly that, compelling the Pakistan Army to create a second line of defense to protect their artillery, a costly change to their military doctrine that exposed other vulnerabilities.

 

The 'Extra 2 Kgs' and the Human Factor

The most memorable detail from the veteran's account is the "extra 2 kg for luck." Military engineers had recommended 3 kgs of plastic explosives to destroy each gun. 

However, the commanding officer, Lt Col O.P. Sabharwal, made a simple yet powerful decision to add an additional 2 kgs. This wasn't a technical adjustment but a psychological one—a display of confidence and a commitment to mission success. 

It reflects the ethos of Special Forces: to prepare for every contingency and ensure the objective is not just met but surpassed.

The raid itself was a testament to extraordinary human resilience. Under the leadership of Maj C.M. Malhotra, the commandos trekked 19 kilometers through rugged terrain, crossed the icy Poonch River, and navigated a desolate, enemy-held village. 

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The fierce hand-to-hand combat that followed, resulting in the destruction of all six guns, underscores the rigorous training and unwavering teamwork that define these elite units. 

Despite the loss of two soldiers and 20 wounded, the commandos’ determination to bring back their fallen and injured comrades speaks volumes about the brotherhood that drives them.

 

The Legacy: From Mandhol to Modern Special Forces

Operation Mandhol's legacy extends far beyond its immediate success. It's now a case study taught at officers' training academies, a blueprint for modern Indian military strategy. 

It demonstrates that with the right combination of meticulous planning, unconventional thinking, and rigorous training, a small, highly-skilled force can achieve what a larger conventional army cannot.

The raid's success, despite the use of vintage equipment like 7.62 MM SLR rifles and 9-MM carbines, proved that tactical superiority comes not just from technology, but from the indomitable spirit of the soldiers. 

While the unit received "Theatre honour J&K" and "Battle honour" for the defence of Poonch, the lack of individual decorations highlights a different kind of heroism—one that prioritizes the team's success over personal glory. 

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This foundational raid paved the way for the development of India’s modern Special Forces, including the establishment of units like the National Security Guards (NSG), and its lessons continue to be relevant in today's military operations.

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We'd love to hear your thoughts on this historic raid. How do you think the lessons from Operation Mandhol apply to modern Special Forces operations? Share your insights in the comments below.