The Beginning of War
On 3rd May 1999, some armed men were found digging bunkers in the small village of the Batalik region. They were suspected to be people from the other side of LoC. When the investigation was done, it turned out to be a well-planned attack by the Pakistani Army. They have occupied more than 130 posts and their aim was to block the important highway NH1.
This operation, named "Operation Badr", was actually a breach of the Simla Agreement 1972 signed between India and Pakistan where both countries have agreed that they would never violate the LoC. Unfortunately, the steps that were taken after the 1971 war, and the peace establishment by Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee between India and Pakistan, went in vain after this large-scale intrusion from the neighbouring nation.
Counterattack - Operation Vijay
Indian Army counterattacked against Pakistani soldiers and thousands of soldiers were mobilized and sent to the Kargil sectors. The Indian Air Force also started their operation and also planned to cross LoC and bomb some targets in Pakistan but it was later revealed that Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee was completely against it because of diplomatic reasons.
India didn't cross the LoC which showed the international public that Pakistani soldiers have crossed the LoC and Indian soldiers are pushing them out. This turned out as an international victory for India in the eyes of international media and helped India gain support from major countries like European Union, G8 Countries, the US, etc.
War and attempts to recapture
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| Main points to recapture for Indian Army |
Despite international pressure, the Pakistani soldiers were on top of the hills and mountains of Dras and Mashuk Valley which are considered to be the coldest regions of India. The battle of Tololing was the toughest task for Indian soldiers because Pakistani soldiers were at the height of 16,000 ft. with temperatures ranging from -5 to -11 degrees. Soldiers had to survive without food for a long period of time.
The situation became very bad at the top, where many soldiers, including Major Vivek Gupta who was awarded posthumously Mahavir Chakra, were martyred. Their sacrifice helped India successfully recapture Tololing hill. All the major areas around the hill were easily captured by the Indian Army and they moved towards the highest point, Point 5140.
Indian soldiers recaptured Point 5140 successfully on 20th June under the joint leadership of various Lieutenants of which one was Vikram Batra. He was promoted to captain after the recapture. After that, on the 3rd and 4th of July, Indian soldiers headed towards recapturing Tiger Hill and successfully fought against Pakistani soldiers. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, a 19-year-old soldier, fought bravely and survived brutal attacks. He received Param Vir Chakra for his bravery.
While recapturing Point 4875 on 7th July, Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Anuj Nayyar were martyred. The Pakistani Army started to withdraw on 11th July. "Operation Vijay" was declared a success by PM Vajpayee. The war ended on 26th July, which, to date, is celebrated as "Kargil Vijay Diwas".
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| Vajpayee's diplomacy and soldiers' bravery made us victorious |
Conclusion
Some years later, it was revealed that the whole plan of war was for Pakistan's Army General Pervez Musharraf to take over the government of Pakistan from the hands of Nawaz Sharif. This tells a lot about the internal politics of Pakistan. However, in India, various soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra for their bravery and sacrifices. 527 Indian soldiers were martyred while more than 1300 were injured.
Kargil war is a historic example of the Indian Army's bravery and sacrifices which show their immense dedication toward our motherland. The war was the result of Pakistan's bad intentions and undiplomatic approach which cost the lives of more than 700 soldiers. In addition, they also lose confidence in International media.
