Kargil, the sleepy looking idyllic heaven nestled in the lap of Himalayas, where it was reported that pure Aryans were still the inhabitants. A place which was hidden from the world, a Shangri-La, quiet peaceful, just a transit point for travellers moving from Ladakh to Kashmir via the Zojila Pass. Until 1999, other than the Army personnel and locals, the rest of the country was not even aware of this region, or its inhospitable and challenging terrain. Our friends across the border, having successfully fomented trouble in the neighbouring Kashmir valley and Siachen regions over the last two decades, were on the lookout for some action here as well. We Indians have proved to be gullible and hopeless romantics for peace, whether it was taking the Kashmir issue to UN in 1948, or returning Haji Pir in Tashkent in 1965, Simla Agreement in 1972 repatriating 93000 prisoners or the Lahore declaration of 1999. Hoping against hope that some day, good sense will prevail on this rogue nation and ‘we will live happily ever after’.
Pursuing everlasting peace is a noble agenda, no doubt, but not without keeping our guards on, for the inevitable stab in the back. Kargil too was to meet the same fate, where we were caught totally off guard. Then languishing in absolute denial, we kept ignoring the intelligence inputs about the incursions, which obviously did not happen overnight. Indian Army has proven its professionalism every time and has risen to the challenges posed, but we also have a history of overconfidence, recall the brash claims of Gen Sundarji of flushing the terrorists out in just 48 hours in OP BLUE STAR , or the OP PAWAN fiasco. Similarly Kargil too was initially perceived to be a minor incursion which could be addressed at local formation level itself.
It was only when we suffered casualties that the grimness of the situation facing us became evident. Having realised the gravity of the challenge posed and in the nuclear overhang with severe restrictions on trans Line of Control operations, it was akin to fighting with one hand tied behind our back. ‘Cometh the hour, cometh the man’, it was now the turn of the humble soldier to redeem his honour. Despite severe constraints in terms of weapons and ammunition, where he outdoes the adversary each and every time is in his ‘indomitable spirit’ and ‘abundance of courage’. Highly unfavourable terrain where the enemy was perched on top of the hills and he was faced with climbing up all the way under observed fire, as these hills were barren with no cover, other than the fieldcraft which he had honed his skills in, over the years.
Units also faced another major challenge, which was the change in tactics from Counter Terrorist operations to conventional ones. The last war having been fought in 1971, the troops had to reorient themselves without the luxury of any preparatory time. In fact, many units had to be launched into the battle even without the laid down acclimatisation period. This did not in any way deter him, undaunted he rose like a phoenix, vanquished not just the peaks physically but also the foe with such ferocity that at many places they scampered, despite enjoying the inherent advantage as defenders in mountains. Despite the barbarism on display by the nemesis, he maintained our age old ethos, honouring the traditions of respectfully burying the fallen enemies in marked contrast to the Pakis who refused to even acknowledge and accept the mortal remains of their own comrades.
There are many lessons which have been driven home in this war, the most important one being staying on guard against the skullduggery of our nemesis. While technology is playing a major role in the warfare today as evidenced in the recent OP SINDOOR, but it would be a grave mistake to undermine the prowess of the soldier, who has proven his mettle time and again. In our context given our geographical compulsions, “victory will still be measured by foot”
18 thoughts on “Kargil – Saga of the Soldier”
I disagree that victory will be measured by foot -‘as proved by Op Sindoor.
Lost a dear friend and coursemate – Vishwanathan from 18 Genadiers.
Feel proud of but sad for the boys just out of the academy and thrown to the wolves without any combat training.
Feel angry at the leadership that said – ” we will fight with whatever we have”. And we had very little.
And feel embarrassed that no General was held accountable.
And lessons learnt ? Tell me about it.
Sir remember Galwan or Doklam, our geography dictates that finally it all boils down to boots on the ground. We still have miles to go as far as technology good before we can come anywhere close enough to the Northern adversary.
Brig Suyash Sharma’s account of the Kargil War is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Indian soldier. The author’s vivid descriptions of the challenging terrain and the enemy’s tactics make the reader appreciate the complexity of the operation.
The article highlights the soldier’s indomitable spirit and abundance of courage in the face of adversity. Despite severe constraints and unfavorable terrain, the troops rose to the challenge and vanquished the enemy with ferocity. The contrast between the Indian Army’s professionalism and the barbarism of the enemy is striking.
Kudos to the author for shedding light on this important chapter in Indian military history. The lessons learned from the Kargil War remain relevant today, and the article serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant against external threats. The writing is engaging, and the author’s admiration for the soldier’s prowess is evident throughout the piece. Well done!
Very nicely written, the person who is using all new technologies will be always important as the technologies are there but its right use makes the forces to win, so rightly written by you that the victory will be measured by foot is right.
Why is victory continuing to be measured by foot sir… times for the least…are changing…
Is it because we are unable to visualise a change or we don’t want to change the pecking order of the org… or simply because we haven’t prep for it…
A lesson that we learn again and again from the conflicts is that war is a multi domain organism. Tactical battles won take you only half way home to victory…this win reminds us that.
Remembering valour of our soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the honour of the ungrateful nation. Salute to these brave souls.
Lessons learnt but are they being used now, is the question. We are used to forgetting the past very soon, like Op Pawan is a forgotten story.
Always a good read reading.
NICE ONE. KEEP WRITING ON SUCH TOPICS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL. DO TRY AND COVER SOME OTHER SUCH OPS. RIP _ FOR ALL THE BRAVEHEARTS.
Fully endorse. Victory will be driven by ever changing technology but measured/final stamping by Foot soldier.! 👍
Warfare, Tactics and Strategies to be employed against the Adversary who has a penchant of taking our ” Surprise Test”, has to be dynamic, ever evolving,innovative and Decisive.
The Armed Forces have to be geared up Technologically with taped up Drills for the “Next Round”…the Bell may be sounded anytime for the “Next Bout”.
The Armed Forces have delivered against all odds with sheer grit, determination and the indomitable Fighting spirit.
VICTORY would have to be achieved by all Possible means( Training , Technology,by boots on Ground etc) at our Disposal,as there are no ” Runners Up” in War.
As saga of the Armed Forces in Kargil reminds us, it is the nation…the sovereign in its entirety…that wages war for peace and prosperity. For true power projection and enduring victory, every facet of national strength must align. However in that, our soldiers remain our sharpest edge.
May victory always walk with them. Jai Hind!
Vijay Diwas 26 July: Yep!
It is indeed a saga of grit and courage and sacrifice.
We lost a lots of young folks.
Sometimes even as we eulogise the brave, we also need to ask a lot of tough discerning questions, no?
Yes , plenty of inspirational stories and I am sure many unknown ones as well. There are heroes all around us. I often highlight the unknown soldier.
Despite the restrictions imposed the Armed Forces did well. Lives lost but a lot of Military Values highlighted and revealed. For example – Leading from the front that comes so naturally to all of us in the Military despite every generation questioning the attitude of the next Gen. Values always remain so – it depends on each of us.
Was a young Lt Cdr commamding a Missile Boat – and can relive our mood, enthusiasm, fervour…..one being let us sort this issue once and for all. Of course the decision not in our hands , but the feelings …
Many a tale to share – Salute to all our heroes , the known and the unknown. The Indian Armed Forces for the Values we uphold . Jai Hind. God Bless
A well written article Suyash !
Be it 47/48,65, 71,Kargil Pakistan has always surprised us. Sheer grit and courage has then saved the day for us. It means lessons were derived but not learnt. In Kargil had another front opened anywhere it would have turned into a very long drawn campaign. But the essense of your article is the guts and never say die attitude of our soldiers and that is a sure shot battle winning factor when driven by able junior leadership.
Nicely covered Suyash, yes the Army rose to the occasion, sacrificed a lot. Wish we had opened other fronts too , instead of fighting the enemy where he had an overwhelming advantage. Arun