The 18 Grenadiers of Tiger Hill and Tololing fame, after having arrived at the diamond-rich Sierra Leone on United Nations Peace Keeping Mission, launched a series of operations including the world famous operation Khukri to downsize the dreaded rebels. Having taught the rebels befitting lessons, the gallant soldiers started a number of quick impact development projects and humanitarian assistance to soothe the people, especially in and around Mile 91. The story of the genuine conern of this Indian battalion for an ever-lasting peace in Sierra Leone spread like a wildfire, even in the rebel-held areas. The people were awe-struck and wanted to see the change being brought in by the Indians.

Ever since the arrival of the battalion at Mile 91, the CO of the unit, Col Khushal Thakur was in touch with the rebel Supreme Commander Gen Issa Sessay through the Director of Organisation for Peace and Reconciliation and Development, Mr Muckson. Despite the indifference of the locals, government officials and others the efforts to win over the hearts of the rebels continued endlessly. To all, except this battalion, it appeared to be a no-go situation. In fact, vague signals of the rebels planning to attack the impregnable defences of Mile 91 started pouring in. In the past it had already been attacked twentytwo times but the rebels dared not give it a try twentythird time. The pledge of bringing everlasting peace yielded welcome results. This time none had to go out of the country for peace talks as was the trend earlier. On December 1, last year the Brigade Commander of Magburaka, Col Basemarine alongwith his entourage arrived at Mile 91 and the first peace talk to be ever held within the boundaries of Sierra Leone was conducted right inside the 18 Grenadiers camp. The ‘Grinders’ became the trend-setter!

There was no looking back. It appeared as if everyone was in a great haste and wanted peace to arrive at the earliest. Suprisingly, this time the rebels had softened up and did not want this golden opportunity to slip off their hands. They were shocked when they learnt that the Indians were leaving Sierra Leone. As if the world for the rebels was coming to an end, events started unfolding at a very fast pace. The next meeting was organised at the behest of the battalion at Ferry Junction which was located in "No Man’s Land". This time, the UN Force Commander, Lt Gen DI Opande and Gen Issa Sessay were made to sit across the table and further the peace process. The road between Mile 91 and rebels-held town of Magburaka was opened on December 9 by flagging off two cars with a white flag duly endorsed with peace remarks. The rebels reciprocated the same way on the same day.

The efforts of the 18 Grenadiers paved the way for the release of two Catholic priests taken hostage over eight months ago. The rebels agreed to return the entire UN equipment taken from the Kenyans, Nigerians and the Zambians during the May crisis. A total of 12 BRDMs and one recovery vehicle were brought back by the battalion from Magburaka and Makali and handed over to the rightful owners. None could imagine to operate the way the Indian battalion did and this forced the UN Force HQs at Freetown to order the battalion to organise a workshop for other contingents.