In the highly active area of Keran, the thambis proved themselves second to none and displayed their mastery of Line of Control management and Counter Insurgency. During the tenure, the Battalion killed 64 and apprehended two hardcore terrorists. It was also during this tenure that Nk V Kannalan Kennedy was awarded Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) for gallant action in one of the operation.

For its excellent achievements in Keran Sector, the “DECCAN DEVILS” became the first Battalion in the Madras Regiment to be awarded the ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’. The Battalion was also awarded one Kirti Chakra, six Sena Medals and seventeen COAS Commendation Cards.

During the period from Oct 1992 to May 1995, ‘THAGDAS’ were deployed in the hill sector of J & K. ‘THAGDAS’, adopting a three pronged approach, successfully weaned away the local youths from militancy to the extent that, from November 1992 there were no known case of fresh recruitment by the Anti National Elements (ANEs). Known ANE sympathizers were apprehended. The locals were provided employment and self employment opportunities to alleviate their sense of deprivation. The Unit had also excelled in other professional fields and was adjudged the ‘Champion Battalion’ of the Brigade.

For its all round performance, Thagdas were awarded the ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’ on 15 Jan 1996.

The unit was deployed at Hattigor from 24 Mar 1994 to 01 Jun 1997 as part of a Mtn Bde. During the tenure of its induction, the area saw a sharp rise in insurgency with United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and Bodo security forces stepping up their activities. The valiant ‘MARAUDERS’ rose to the occasion and were successful in restoring normalcy in the area. Due to sustained pressure and innovativeness in carrying out operations, the unit was able to gain moral ascendancy over the insurgents. The unit, during its tenure, also successfully assisted the civil administration in conduct of elections without a single incident of violence in the district. A total of 110 insurgents were killed/apprehended alongwith huge cache of arms, ammunition and other war like stores.

For its sterling performance the unit was awarded ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’ on 15 Jan 1998.

The unit was inducted into Counter Insurgency grid (Operation Rhino II) on 02 Aug 1998. Within a very short span of time, the unit dominated its area of responsibility completely thus suppressing militancy and forging a strong bond of friendship with the local population. Effective surveillance, domination and meticulously planned precision operations led to the elimination of 27 militants, apprehension of 91 militants and surrender by four militants besides recovery of large number of weapons, ammunition, documents, cash and narcotics.

The Battalion was honoured with ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’ during Army Day Parade on 15 Jan 2001 for its distinguished service in Operation Rhino. The Battalion was also awarded eleven Sena Medals, three Mentions-in-Despatches and twenty seven Commendation Cards in the same operation.

The unit was deployed on Line of Control from 08 Dec 2000 to 07 Aug 2003 as part of an Inf Bde on Sari Ridge. The unit inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy (One Offr, one JCO and 16 OR killed) and facilitated fighting a successful defensive battle - post Operation Vijay and during Operation Parakram on the line of control. In counter infiltration operations along the line of control, the unit eliminated 62 hardcore terrorists, apprehended three terrorists, and recovered over 106 weapons, 17961 assorted ammunition and huge quantities of war like stores.

For its commendable performance the unit was awarded ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’ (Second Time) on 15 Jan 2004. The battalion was also awarded three Shaurya Chakras, one Yudh Seva Medal, ten Sena Medals, one Vishisht Seva Medal, two Mentions-in-Despatches and twenty two Commendation Cards.

The unit was inducted into Machhal Sector, deployed along the Line of Control and also participated actively in Counter Terrorist Operations. In the year 2004, the unit had the distinction of having the maximum number of kills in the whole Corps zone amongst LC battalions by eliminating 13 hardcore militants and apprehending two. The unit also helped in the erection of 40 kms of Line of Control fence and carried out effective domination of the same.

This unit performed the triple role of High Altitute Area/Line of Control/Counter Insurgency Operations. The stupendous performance of the Battalion was recognised with the award of ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation' on 15 Jan 2006.

The unit was deployed in and around Doda district as part of a Sector RR. During its service from 2003 to 2005, the unit eliminated 32 hardcore terrorists, apprehended four and facilitated in surrender of three. The unit also recovered huge quantities of war like stores while operating in inhospitable terrain under difficult climatic conditions.

For its commendable performance, the unit was awarded ‘Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciation’ on 15 Jan 2006. The battalion was also awarded five Sena Medals and thirteen Commendation Cards.