The Kargil War, which started on May 3, 1999 came to an end on July 14, during the same year. Atal Bihar Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister, in view of India’s victory, declared July 26 as Vijay Diwas to be celebrated each year. Vijay Diwas is the day to recall the courage and sacrifices made by the Indian Army and Air Forces. It shows a display of leadership by the Indian army in a battle of pride, honour and inspiration.
The Kargil War took place at around 16000-18000 feet, and it holds the honour of being highest battlefield in the world. It was the weather though, which was the biggest enemy of the Indian Soldiers. While it was the summer season, temperatures remained sub zero letting soldiers fight in freezing conditions.
The Indian Soldiers were also at a disadvantage because of the enemy being on the top at the Tiger Hill and Tololing, with no eye contact from the Indian side. Both these parts are in Dras, which is one of the coldest places in the world.
On June 13, despite inclement weather, disadvantage of being at a the bottom and rugged terrain of the peak, the Indian Army finally took back Tololing on June 13.
It had all started when on May 3, Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd went to look for his missing yak and saw Pakistani intruders who were camouflaged and were digging bunkers. He then went on to inform the nearest Army post. On May 5, after finding the information correct, a 5-member patrolling party went on to the said area but were killed by the Pakistanis. Finally in the fag end of May itself, air strikes carried out from the Indian side.
On July 4, the Tiger Hill was also taken back, after which on July 5, Dras came under the Indian forces. The Kargil war was over on July 14 and was full of honour and valour by both the Indian Army and the Air Forces.
There are several names who showed courage, valour and became martyrs for the country including Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Major Vivek Gupta, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Capt Vijayant Thapar
These soldiers along with the other bravehearts received the maximum gallantry awards, i.e. the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir chakra. All these soldiers who lost their lives were in their 20s during the time of the war and were not even given adequate training and not acclimatization on such terrain due to short notice.
Otherwise, there is a Kargil battle school of acclimatization and training. But no training could be given to these soldiers. On the other hand, The Indian Air heroes of the Kargil War were Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa and Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, both of them had ejected from the aircraft wherein Ajay Ahuja was killed by the Pakistanis. Nachiketa was a Prisoner of War and released later.
Image Credit: Zee News
