Dr Daisy Parihar
The soulful lines sung by Lata Mangeshkar, “Aye mere watan ke logon, zara aankh mein bhar lo paani, jo shaheed hue hain unki zara yaad karo kurbani,” encapsulate the deep sense of sacrifice and patriotism that the Kargil War symbolizes for India. Fought between India and Pakistan from May 3 to July 26 1999, in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Kargil War stands as a significant chapter in the history of high-altitude warfare.
Operation Vijay: A Quest for Victory
The Indian Army’s counter-offensive, codenamed Operation Vijay, meaning “Victory,” was launched to flush out Pakistani troops who had infiltrated and occupied strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC). This joint effort between the Indian Army and Air Force aimed to reclaim vacated Indian positions and restore territorial integrity.
The Infiltration and India’s Response
The war began with the Pakistani military infiltrating forces into the Indian-controlled section of Kashmir, occupying strategic locations that allowed them to bring NH1, a crucial highway, within range of their artillery fire. Initially undetected, these incursions came to light in the second week of May, following the ambush of an Indian patrol led by Captain Saurabh Kalia, who acted on a tip-off from a local shepherd. This revelation led to a full-scale Indian mobilization to respond to the infiltrations.
The Battle for High Ground
Kargil’s terrain, with its steep mountains and high altitudes, offered significant defensive advantages to those holding the high ground. The Pakistani forces, from their vantage points, could lay down indirect artillery fire on NH1, threatening to cut off Leh, a key logistical and supply route for India. The Indian Army’s initial priority was to recapture peaks in the vicinity of NH1, including the Tiger Hill and Tololing complex in Dras.
Major Battles and Heroic Sacrifices
The battles for these strategic peaks were fierce and costly. The recapture of Point 4590 on June 14, although significant, saw the highest number of Indian casualties in a single battle during the conflict. Despite these losses, Indian forces gradually gained the upper hand. The capture of Tiger Hill, a heavily fortified position, marked a turning point. This victory was achieved through the extraordinary bravery of soldiers like Captain Vikram Batra, who famously declared, “Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.” He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his valor.
The Role of the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in the conflict through Operation Safed Sagar, launched on May 26, 1999. This marked the first instance of air warfare at such high altitudes, with targets situated between 1,800 to 5,500 meters above sea level. Despite the challenges posed by the rarefied air and adverse weather conditions, the IAF’s dominance in the skies provided essential support to ground operations. The Mirage 2000 fleet, in particular, proved instrumental in striking enemy positions and supply lines.
The Path to Victory
The final phase of the war saw relentless assaults by Indian forces, coordinated with sustained air attacks by the IAF. Despite the formidable defensive positions held by Pakistani troops, the Indian Army launched frontal assaults, often under the cover of darkness to mitigate the risk of exposure and freezing temperatures. The conflict culminated in late July, with India regaining control of the contested areas. The ceasefire was declared on July 26, 1999, now commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas.
A Call to Remember
Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day to salute the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their love for the motherland and unwavering courage ensured that India emerged victorious. It is essential for the younger generation to understand and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today, which were secured through the sacrifices of these heroes. Lighting a diya on Vijay Diwas serves as a poignant reminder of the soldiers who never returned home.
As we remember the lines, “Wo shakh udas hai dekhkar, laut aaye panchi kuch vida ho gaye,” we honor the memory of our fallen heroes and reaffirm our commitment to the values they defended. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!
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