Jawans of the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles at the camp at Dipatoli on Saturday. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, June 13: The 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles (Raj Rif) organised a blood donation camp to observe celebration of Kargil Day at Dipatoli here today.

The camp was inaugurated by Brigadier J.S. Virk of the Phantom Brigade and Rajputana Rifles commanding officer Colonel Akash Kaushik to commemorate the first victory in the Kargil War in 1999.

At least 230 jawans and officers donated blood in the camp, conducted in association with the Nagarmal Modi Seva Sadan. The 2nd Raj Rif unit was abuzz with activity since early this morning with army men pitching tents for the camp. The men were ready for the daylong programme and the pride of the first victory in the Kargil War gleamed in their eyes.

The Raj Rif, which had played an instrumental role in the Kargil War, observes the day for its victory over the Pakistani raiders who had infiltrated into Indian territory. The 2nd Raj Rif had been assigned the task of fighting the enemy in extremely hostile conditions and after a fierce battle won the first victory of the Kargil War by capturing Tololing, said Kaushik.

The 2nd Raj Rif had to sacrifice several officers and men in the war and done the battalion proud by getting several gallantry awards, including the Mahavir Chakras, Vir Chakras and Sena medals, for displaying courage and valour in the war, said an officer of the unit. The blood donation camp would be followed by several other programmes to round up the celebrations.