The Indian Army operates in some of the most hostile terrains along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Sending supplies like rations, arms and ammunition and construction material to some of the remote posts here is always a challenge. But this is made possible by the Indian Army's Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) unit that maintains an “army” of mules.
These mules carry all the material to forward posts on top of the mountains. One such hero, Hoof No 122 was awarded COAS Commendation Card on Army Day on January 15. The mule carried loads to Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh and various other outposts. Some of them are 15,000 feet above the sea level.
The young mule that had been doing its duty with diligence for years was awarded the Commendation Card by Chief of the army staff General Manoj Pande, reported the indiasentinels, website of the Indian Army.
The Commendation Card is generally reserved for exceptional soldiers and officers who have shown extreme courage, dedication, and valour while serving in conflict zones.
There are more than 6,000 mules with the Indian Army's Remount Veterinary Corps for carrying out tasks on difficult terrains and higher reaches.
The present day RVC evolved out of a Board formed in 1794 by the British for breeding the horses locally to meet their growing demand since the horses were not easily available.
"The Corps has acclaimed achievements during various operations including J&K in 1947, NEFA in 1962, Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971 and Kargil conflict of 1999," the Indian Army's official website read.
During the Kargil war, these mules carried supplies to posts as high as 9000 ft from sea level. Each mule carries an approximate load of 100 kg and can travel close to 40km a day.
A mule is a hybrid between a donkey and a horse. It can’t produce offspring.
(With inputs from Neeraj Rajput)