The celebrations are on for the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War in the trust sector of the Kargil district in Ladakh. The war memorial address has been all set to pay contributions to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War.

India remembers brave soldiers on Kargil Day Divas

India remembers brave soldiers who fought the Kargil war on Vijay Diwas

Victory in the Kargil war was decided the day civilians joined hands with the Indian army. Today as India honors its braves on Kargil's victory day, WION's correspondent Idris Loan getting us the story of the civilian soldiers of Kargil.

Story of Kargil's Civilian soldiers | From helping with Intel to providing food

<p>Commemorating India's 1999 Kargil War Victory (Kargil Vijay Diwas)&nbsp;over Pakistan on Tuesday, 26th July, an Indian Army Facility unveiled a special underwater portrait. Spanning 1500sqft, the portrait featured Kargil War Hero (Late) Captain Vikram Batra who was killed in action fighting Pakistani troops in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. Making the supreme sacrifice for the nation at the age of 24, Captain Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the Vijay Diwas celebrations, Pangode Military Station in the Southern Indian state of Kerala organized the special event. The Indian Army, in association with the Scuba team of Bond Water sports Pvt Ltd organized a demonstration, where the portrait of the War hero was installed on the swimming pool floor.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KargilVijayDiwas2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KargilVijayDiwas2022</a><br />
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Scuba divers worked 8hrs to create a 1500sqft underwater tile portrait of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> war hero (late) Capt Vikram Batra (Parma Vir Chakra) , at the Pangode Military station <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a><br />
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He made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 24! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KargilHeroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KargilHeroes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KargilWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KargilWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/SVUvkHDC8i">pic.twitter.com/SVUvkHDC8i</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1551907059502764037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Led by Artist Davinchi Suresh, the 1500sq feet portrait of Capt Batra took eight hours to complete, as it was entirely made using tiles. A Military Band Display was also organized as part of the event. A ceremonial wreath laying was also held at the Pangode War Memorial, on the occasion of the Indian military victory against neighbour and rival Pakistan.</p>

<p>Captain Batra is remembered for having using the slogan, Yeh Dil Maange More! (This Heart desires more) as his signal to communicate his mission success. The legendary soldier&nbsp;has been honoured with several landmarks being named after him: The historic capture of point 4875 led to the mountain being named ‘Batra top’ in his honour.</p>


Commemorating India's 1999 Kargil War Victory (Kargil Vijay Diwas) over Pakistan on Tuesday, 26th July, an Indian Army Facility unveiled a special underwater portrait.

Commemorating India's 1999 Kargil War Victory (Kargil Vijay Diwas) over Pakistan on Tuesday, 26th July, an Indian Army Facility unveiled a special underwater portrait. Spanning 1500sqft, the portrait featured Kargil War Hero (Late) Captain Vikram Batra who was killed in action fighting Pakistani troops in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. Making the supreme sacrifice for the nation at the age of 24, Captain Batra was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration of India. As part of the Vijay Diwas celebrations, Pangode Military Station in the Southern Indian state of Kerala organized the special event. The Indian Army, in association with the Scuba team of Bond Water sports Pvt Ltd organized a demonstration, where the portrait of the War hero was installed on the swimming pool floor. #KargilVijayDiwas2022 Scuba divers worked 8hrs to create a 1500sqft underwater tile portrait of #IndianArmy war hero (late) Capt Vikram Batra (Parma Vir Chakra) , at the Pangode Military station #kerala He made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 24! #KargilHeroes #KargilWar pic.twitter.com/SVUvkHDC8i — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 26, 2022 × Led by Artist Davinchi Suresh, the 1500sq feet portrait of Capt Batra took eight hours to complete, as it was entirely made using tiles. A Military Band Display was also organized as part of the event. A ceremonial wreath laying was also held at the Pangode War Memorial, on the occasion of the Indian military victory against neighbour and rival Pakistan. Captain Batra is remembered for having using the slogan, Yeh Dil Maange More! (This Heart desires more) as his signal to communicate his mission success. The legendary soldier has been honoured with several landmarks being named after him: The historic capture of point 4875 led to the mountain being named ‘Batra top’ in his honour.

Largest underwater portrait of Kargil War Hero Capt Vikram Batra - WATCH

India marks Kargil Vijay Diwas 2022: This is how Indian Army dragged Pakistani infiltrators out

NAVIC, India's satellite-based navigation system, has the potential of becoming one of India's biggest soft powers and technological exports. It can also contribute to Asia's regional security as China looks to flex its muscles. Palki Sharma brings you a story that dates back to the Kargil war.

Gravitas Plus: NAVIC: India's own satellite-based navigation system

Independence Day Special: India's finest hour - Kargil war to China standoff

<p>The 1999 Kargil war remains one of the most important political events in the subcontinent. Nearly two decades later, the memories of the war which was widely reported on TV and print media, remains fresh for a great number of people. One of the most iconic interviews of that time was when journalist Barkha Dutt had interviewed a young Captain Vikram Batra right after he and his men recaptured a crucial peak in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from the Pakistani army. Dharma Productions latest 'Shershaah' attempts to narrate the story of the braveheart, whose war cry 'Ye Dil Mange More' left an indelible impact on the country during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Featuring Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra, the film narrates the slain martyr's life and his passion to join the army right from a young age. Directed by Vishnu Vardhan, a greater part of the film captures the war and how the Indian army strategised to win pack crucial peaks from the Pakistani army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the Kargil war has been a topic for many Bollywood films before. Each trying to narrate the humane side of the soldier's life amid the war. 'Shershaah' is no different. Malhotra plays a rather impulsive, over-enthusiastic young man who harbours dreams of becoming an Army officer right from an early age. We are told that even as a child Vikram Batra was someone a daredevil of sorts who would pick a fight with boys double his size and age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film's narrative keeps going back and forth and it shows Batra's life before joining the army, his relationship with his classmate Dimple (Kiara Advani) and their subsequent years of being together before Kargil.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q0FTXnefVBA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Written by Sandeep Srivastav, the film adapts the usual tropes of a war film. There are several cliches and the narrative is sluggish and very predictable. I almost second-guessed a few scenes including the introductory scene of Kiara Advani's character. One could also predict which character would die next because of the predictability in dialogues and scenes. Srivastav never delves too deep with his writing as a result, 'Shershaah' - despite being a war film- is easy on the eyes and fails to stir you emotionally.</p>

<p>There is a lot of material available online on Captain Vikram Batra. Over the years, the Batra has gained hero status for his bravery and his family and friends have also been forthcoming with anecdotes on him. And 'Shershaah' just uses those materials in the film. It doesn't provide anything extra about the Captain's life. It only focusses on the war and how Batra's bravery led to recapturing of important peaks. The film doesn't mention anything on his IMA training days, or his equation with his twin brother- even though he is the narrator of the film. If one is making a biopic on a known figure, it is important to dig deeper and provide insights that is not commonly known. But 'Shershaah' mostly sticks to common knowledge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Among the actors, Sidharth Malhotra delivers an earnest performance. Sadly, the lazy writing doesn't let Malhotra excel in a role that could have easily been iconic in the coming years. A lot of the sequences of the film also seem to give the audience a sense of deja vu- as it seems to be borrowed from other similar films. Malhotra is ably supported by Shiv Pandit who plays a fellow Captain in the army. With limited screen time, Pandit manages to create an impression.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Malhotra and Advani also share a crackling chemistry. Advani has by now mastered the role of playing a Sikh woman in films. In film after film, the actress is cast in similar characters and even though she has the potential to stand out, directors and filmmakers never really tap it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ultimately 'Shershaah' is a very predictable film. It doesn't offer anything that has not been shown earlier on screen. Perhaps the film comes a few years too late - and at a time when Batra's life and valour has been widely known and discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Shershaah' is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.&nbsp;</p>


The 1999 Kargil war remains one of the most important political events in the subcontinent. Nearly two decades later, the memories of the war which was widely reported on TV and print media, remains fresh for a great number of people.

The 1999 Kargil war remains one of the most important political events in the subcontinent. Nearly two decades later, the memories of the war which was widely reported on TV and print media, remains fresh for a great number of people. One of the most iconic interviews of that time was when journalist Barkha Dutt had interviewed a young Captain Vikram Batra right after he and his men recaptured a crucial peak in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from the Pakistani army. Dharma Productions latest 'Shershaah' attempts to narrate the story of the braveheart, whose war cry 'Ye Dil Mange More' left an indelible impact on the country during the war. Featuring Sidharth Malhotra as Captain Vikram Batra, the film narrates the slain martyr's life and his passion to join the army right from a young age. Directed by Vishnu Vardhan, a greater part of the film captures the war and how the Indian army strategised to win pack crucial peaks from the Pakistani army. Now, the Kargil war has been a topic for many Bollywood films before. Each trying to narrate the humane side of the soldier's life amid the war. 'Shershaah' is no different. Malhotra plays a rather impulsive, over-enthusiastic young man who harbours dreams of becoming an Army officer right from an early age. We are told that even as a child Vikram Batra was someone a daredevil of sorts who would pick a fight with boys double his size and age. The film's narrative keeps going back and forth and it shows Batra's life before joining the army, his relationship with his classmate Dimple (Kiara Advani) and their subsequent years of being together before Kargil. Written by Sandeep Srivastav, the film adapts the usual tropes of a war film. There are several cliches and the narrative is sluggish and very predictable. I almost second-guessed a few scenes including the introductory scene of Kiara Advani's character. One could also predict which character would die next because of the predictability in dialogues and scenes. Srivastav never delves too deep with his writing as a result, 'Shershaah' - despite being a war film- is easy on the eyes and fails to stir you emotionally. There is a lot of material available online on Captain Vikram Batra. Over the years, the Batra has gained hero status for his bravery and his family and friends have also been forthcoming with anecdotes on him. And 'Shershaah' just uses those materials in the film. It doesn't provide anything extra about the Captain's life. It only focusses on the war and how Batra's bravery led to recapturing of important peaks. The film doesn't mention anything on his IMA training days, or his equation with his twin brother- even though he is the narrator of the film. If one is making a biopic on a known figure, it is important to dig deeper and provide insights that is not commonly known. But 'Shershaah' mostly sticks to common knowledge. Among the actors, Sidharth Malhotra delivers an earnest performance. Sadly, the lazy writing doesn't let Malhotra excel in a role that could have easily been iconic in the coming years. A lot of the sequences of the film also seem to give the audience a sense of deja vu- as it seems to be borrowed from other similar films. Malhotra is ably supported by Shiv Pandit who plays a fellow Captain in the army. With limited screen time, Pandit manages to create an impression. Malhotra and Advani also share a crackling chemistry. Advani has by now mastered the role of playing a Sikh woman in films. In film after film, the actress is cast in similar characters and even though she has the potential to stand out, directors and filmmakers never really tap it. Ultimately 'Shershaah' is a very predictable film. It doesn't offer anything that has not been shown earlier on screen. Perhaps the film comes a few years too late - and at a time when Batra's life and valour has been widely known and discussed. 'Shershaah' is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

'Shershaah' review: Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani's war drama is predictable

<p>Sidharth Malhotra will play Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra in the upcoming film 'Shershaah'. The film's first teaser was unveiled on Thursday and marks the first collaboratuon between Amazonn Prime Video and Dharma Productions.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Directed by Vishnu Varadhan and jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, 'Shershaah' is slated to be the biggest Bollywood war drama of the year and will release as a lead up to the Independence Day weekend. Fans in India and across 240+ countries and territories worldwide can enjoy this exciting film starting 12th August only on Amazon Prime Video.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in lead roles and Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himmanshu Ashok Malhotra, &nbsp;Nikitin Dheer, Ankita Goraya, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra in pivotal roles.</p>

<p>'Shershaah' is a story of valour, love and sacrifice, and is inspired by the life of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC). The film celebrates his valiant spirit, and honors his invaluable sacrifice in the Kargil War of 1999. Staying true to his codename ‘Shershaah’, Captain Batra’s valiant fight and ultimate sacrifice was instrumental in India’s victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At Amazon Prime Video, we have always strived to bring to our audience stories that have heart, soul and are grounded in the soil of this country, with narratives that find resonance world over,” said Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India in a statement. &nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NPQ71taZPN8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>“'Shershaah' is the true story of a war hero whose indomitable spirit and bravery brought victory to our nation. His sacrifices are invaluable and his life is an inspiration for generations to come. We are extremely glad to have found a home for what I believe is a true cinematic marvel, in Amazon Prime Video, and are excited to mark the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship with them. Shershaah is our homage to the valour of our soldiers and I hope every viewer's heart swells with pride watching this film,” said Karan Johar, Dharma Productions.</p>

<p>“We knew Shershaah would be a special film from the minute the Batra family approached Sidharth Malhotra and us to tell the story of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC).” said Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions. “We are glad to have found a brilliant partner with Amazon Prime Video to take this story to the world and there is no better time to premiere this film than the Independence Day weekend. We are proud to present Shershaah to the audience and we hope they too echo the sentiment."</p>

<p>'Shershaah' was in the making for sometime but its release got delayed due to the pandemic. It will be premiering directly on digital platform Amazon Prime Video on 12 August.&nbsp;</p>


Sidharth Malhotra will play Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra in the upcoming film 'Shershaah'. The film's first teaser was unveiled on Thursday and marks the first collaboratuon between Amazonn Prime Video and Dharma Productions.

Sidharth Malhotra will play Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra in the upcoming film 'Shershaah'. The film's first teaser was unveiled on Thursday and marks the first collaboratuon between Amazonn Prime Video and Dharma Productions. Directed by Vishnu Varadhan and jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, 'Shershaah' is slated to be the biggest Bollywood war drama of the year and will release as a lead up to the Independence Day weekend. Fans in India and across 240+ countries and territories worldwide can enjoy this exciting film starting 12th August only on Amazon Prime Video. The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in lead roles and Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himmanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Ankita Goraya, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra in pivotal roles. 'Shershaah' is a story of valour, love and sacrifice, and is inspired by the life of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC). The film celebrates his valiant spirit, and honors his invaluable sacrifice in the Kargil War of 1999. Staying true to his codename ‘Shershaah’, Captain Batra’s valiant fight and ultimate sacrifice was instrumental in India’s victory. “At Amazon Prime Video, we have always strived to bring to our audience stories that have heart, soul and are grounded in the soil of this country, with narratives that find resonance world over,” said Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India in a statement. “'Shershaah' is the true story of a war hero whose indomitable spirit and bravery brought victory to our nation. His sacrifices are invaluable and his life is an inspiration for generations to come. We are extremely glad to have found a home for what I believe is a true cinematic marvel, in Amazon Prime Video, and are excited to mark the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship with them. Shershaah is our homage to the valour of our soldiers and I hope every viewer's heart swells with pride watching this film,” said Karan Johar, Dharma Productions. “We knew Shershaah would be a special film from the minute the Batra family approached Sidharth Malhotra and us to tell the story of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC).” said Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions. “We are glad to have found a brilliant partner with Amazon Prime Video to take this story to the world and there is no better time to premiere this film than the Independence Day weekend. We are proud to present Shershaah to the audience and we hope they too echo the sentiment." 'Shershaah' was in the making for sometime but its release got delayed due to the pandemic. It will be premiering directly on digital platform Amazon Prime Video on 12 August.

Shershaah: Sidharth Malhotra's Kargil war drama to release on this date

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has pinned responsibility on "certain generals" in the army for dragging the country into Kargil war with India and highlighted how the country's soldiers were left without food and weapons during the clash.</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif, who was the prime minister during the 1999 India Pakistan war said, "People who were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of our soldiers in Kargil. It was a call by few generals. We were thrown into war. It was painful for me to learn when our soldier at peaks, let alone food, didn't have weapons. Lives were sacrificed. But what did the country or community achieve?"</p>

<p>The almost three-month long war ended with a decisive Indian victory and Indian forces were able to clear Kargil sector of the then state of Jammu and Kashmir -- that the Pakistani forces had attempted to occupy.</p>

<p>He said, "The forces behind Kargil were the same forces who, to save face on October 12, 1999 plotted coup in the country and martial law was declared. Pervez Musharraf and his cohort used the army for personal gains."</p>

<p>Sharif was speaking at a PDM rally in Quetta, Balochistan. This is the third such rally of PDM -- earlier being in Gujranwala and Karachi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also took on Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and DG of Pakistan's Spy agency ISI General Faiz Hameed -- a subject taboo in the country with no politician touching it.</p>

<p>Sharif said, "General Bajwa stole the mandate of 2018 Pakistani elections. He made Imran Niazi as Pakistan prime minister which goes against the mandate."</p>

<p>This is the second time Sharif has publically taken the name of country's powerful army chief, and has spoken about his involvement in Pakistani politics.</p>


Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has pinned responsibility on "certain generals" in the army for dragging the country into Kargil war with India and highlighted how the country's soldiers were left without food and weapons during the clash.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has pinned responsibility on "certain generals" in the army for dragging the country into Kargil war with India and highlighted how the country's soldiers were left without food and weapons during the clash. Nawaz Sharif, who was the prime minister during the 1999 India Pakistan war said, "People who were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of our soldiers in Kargil. It was a call by few generals. We were thrown into war. It was painful for me to learn when our soldier at peaks, let alone food, didn't have weapons. Lives were sacrificed. But what did the country or community achieve?" The almost three-month long war ended with a decisive Indian victory and Indian forces were able to clear Kargil sector of the then state of Jammu and Kashmir -- that the Pakistani forces had attempted to occupy. He said, "The forces behind Kargil were the same forces who, to save face on October 12, 1999 plotted coup in the country and martial law was declared. Pervez Musharraf and his cohort used the army for personal gains." Sharif was speaking at a PDM rally in Quetta, Balochistan. This is the third such rally of PDM -- earlier being in Gujranwala and Karachi. He also took on Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and DG of Pakistan's Spy agency ISI General Faiz Hameed -- a subject taboo in the country with no politician touching it. Sharif said, "General Bajwa stole the mandate of 2018 Pakistani elections. He made Imran Niazi as Pakistan prime minister which goes against the mandate." This is the second time Sharif has publically taken the name of country's powerful army chief, and has spoken about his involvement in Pakistani politics.

Pak did not achieve anything from Kargil war, Nawaz Sharif says

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the valour of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War, saying enemy perched atop heights was defeated by brave soldiers.</p>

<p>In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, the prime minister also said that the threat of coronavirus is not over yet and we need to remain vigilant against the deadly virus.</p>

<p>The country is observing the 21st anniversary of the victory in the Kargil War on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Kargil war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil.</p>

<p>The prime minister added the focus on wearing masks and maintaining social distancing has to continue.</p>

<p>Modi also applauded the efforts of groups in various states including Bihar, Jharkhand and northeast to promote local products during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>He said this year's Independence Day will be celebrated amid the pandemic and urged youth to resolve to make India self reliant and free of the pandemic.</p>

<p>Modi also expressed solidarity with all those affected by floods and heavy rainfall across India.</p>

<p>The Centre, the state governments, local administrations, NDRF and social organisations are working to provide all possible assistance to those affected, he said.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the valour of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War, saying enemy perched atop heights was defeated by brave soldiers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the valour of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War, saying enemy perched atop heights was defeated by brave soldiers. In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, the prime minister also said that the threat of coronavirus is not over yet and we need to remain vigilant against the deadly virus. The country is observing the 21st anniversary of the victory in the Kargil War on Sunday. The Kargil war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil. The prime minister added the focus on wearing masks and maintaining social distancing has to continue. Modi also applauded the efforts of groups in various states including Bihar, Jharkhand and northeast to promote local products during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said this year's Independence Day will be celebrated amid the pandemic and urged youth to resolve to make India self reliant and free of the pandemic. Modi also expressed solidarity with all those affected by floods and heavy rainfall across India. The Centre, the state governments, local administrations, NDRF and social organisations are working to provide all possible assistance to those affected, he said.

In Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi touches upon Kargil War, coronavirus, floods

July 26 in history: Federal Bureau of Investigation founded, Kargil War and more

21 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas: How Indian Army dragged Pakistani infiltrators out

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<p>Indian Army today paid rich tribute to Kargil War hero Captain Vikram on his 21st death anniversary.</p>

<p>Captain Batra, who sacrificed his life for India while fighting Pakistani intruders in Kargil, was posthumously honoured with Paramveer Chakra, India's highest military award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commemorating 21 years of the Kargil conflict, the Northern Command tweeted, "#21YearsofKargil #MushkohDay, when most conspicuous bravery of Capt #VikramBatra, PVC(P) &amp; Rfn Sanjay Kumar, PVC in face of enemy facilitated the capture of Pt 4875 by 13 JAK RIF; both awarded #PVC, a rare &amp; distinct first in #IndianArmy history."&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUxUK0F__f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">'ऑपेरशन विजय' भारतीय सेना ने अदम्य साहस,पराक्रम व बलिदान का परिचय देते हुए प्वाइंट 4875 पर कब्ज़ा किया। जयघोष से द्रास की श्रंखलाएं गूंज उठी। मातृभूमि के प्रति अपनी निष्ठा और समर्पण से सदैव भारतीय वसुंधरा को गौरवान्वित करने वाले देश के वीर जवानों को हमारा नमन्। #सर्वदा #विजयी</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indianarmy.adgpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Indian Army</a> (@indianarmy.adgpi) on <time datetime="2020-07-07T02:43:59+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 6, 2020 at 7:43pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Captain Batra was born on September 9, 1974 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh and he started his military life on December 6, 1997 with the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of Indian Army. Captain Batra was posted in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh when he was summoned to join the troops in Dras sector of Jammu and Kashmir during Kargil war.</p>

<p>‘Chanakya …it’s Shershah reporting!! We’ve captured the post! Yeh Dil Maange More!’ Batra told his Commanding Officer after securing Point 5140 (Tiger Hill) on June 20.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/21YearsofKargil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#21YearsofKargil</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MushkohDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MushkohDay</a>,when most conspicuous bravery of Capt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramBatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramBatra</a>, PVC(P) &amp; Rfn Sanjay Kumar, PVC in face of enemy facilitated capture of Pt 4875 by 13 JAK RIF; both awarded <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PVC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PVC</a>,a rare &amp; distinct first in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> history.<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a><br />
Tribute "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAmBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAmBack</a>"- <a href="https://twitter.com/MajorAkhill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MajorAkhill</a> <a href="https://t.co/w3vvyIJ73w">pic.twitter.com/w3vvyIJ73w</a></p>
— NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthernComd_IA/status/1280345295730036736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On July 7, 1999, in another operation in the area of Point 4875, Batra sustained bullet injuries and later died. Inspired by his bravery, his troops, however, fought bravely and captured Point 4875.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Army today paid rich tribute to Kargil War hero Captain Vikram on his 21st death anniversary. Captain Batra, who sacrificed his life for India while fighting Pakistani intruders in Kargil, was posthumously honoured with Paramveer Chakra, India's highest military award.

Indian Army today paid rich tribute to Kargil War hero Captain Vikram on his 21st death anniversary. Captain Batra, who sacrificed his life for India while fighting Pakistani intruders in Kargil, was posthumously honoured with Paramveer Chakra, India's highest military award. Commemorating 21 years of the Kargil conflict, the Northern Command tweeted, "#21YearsofKargil #MushkohDay, when most conspicuous bravery of Capt #VikramBatra, PVC(P) & Rfn Sanjay Kumar, PVC in face of enemy facilitated the capture of Pt 4875 by 13 JAK RIF; both awarded #PVC, a rare & distinct first in #IndianArmy history." View this post on Instagram 'ऑपेरशन विजय' भारतीय सेना ने अदम्य साहस,पराक्रम व बलिदान का परिचय देते हुए प्वाइंट 4875 पर कब्ज़ा किया। जयघोष से द्रास की श्रंखलाएं गूंज उठी। मातृभूमि के प्रति अपनी निष्ठा और समर्पण से सदैव भारतीय वसुंधरा को गौरवान्वित करने वाले देश के वीर जवानों को हमारा नमन्। #सर्वदा #विजयी A post shared by Indian Army (@indianarmy.adgpi) on Jul 6, 2020 at 7:43pm PDT × Captain Batra was born on September 9, 1974 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh and he started his military life on December 6, 1997 with the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of Indian Army. Captain Batra was posted in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh when he was summoned to join the troops in Dras sector of Jammu and Kashmir during Kargil war. ‘Chanakya …it’s Shershah reporting!! We’ve captured the post! Yeh Dil Maange More!’ Batra told his Commanding Officer after securing Point 5140 (Tiger Hill) on June 20. #21YearsofKargil#MushkohDay,when most conspicuous bravery of Capt #VikramBatra, PVC(P) & Rfn Sanjay Kumar, PVC in face of enemy facilitated capture of Pt 4875 by 13 JAK RIF; both awarded #PVC,a rare & distinct first in #IndianArmy history.@adgpi Tribute "#IAmBack"- @MajorAkhill pic.twitter.com/w3vvyIJ73w — NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) July 7, 2020 × On July 7, 1999, in another operation in the area of Point 4875, Batra sustained bullet injuries and later died. Inspired by his bravery, his troops, however, fought bravely and captured Point 4875.

Indian Army's Kargil War hero Captain Vikram Batra remembered

Indian Air Force (IAF) bids farewell to its swing-wing MiG-27 fighter jets that played a key stellar role in the 1999 Kargil War. The MiG-27 fighter jets have the backbone of the IAF's ground-attack fleet for several years, but the fighter plane flew for the last time on December 27. #Kargil #MiG27 #IAF #WION

IAF bids farewell to MIG-27, took it's last flight yesterday

<p>Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world.</p>

<p>"Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his nationalistic thinking, impeccable image and dedicated his life to the nation. In the life of Atal Ji, based on ideology and principles, there was no mere fascination of power. Under his leadership, the country saw good governance," Shah tweeted in Hindi.</p>

<p>"Atal Ji, on the one hand, strengthened the party as an efficient organiser, while on the other hand, decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War created a strong image of India in the world. On the occasion of Atal Ji's birth anniversary, heartiest tributes to him," he said in a follow-up tweet.</p>

<p>Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.</p>

<p>Known for his eloquence, oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009.</p>

<p>The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.</p>

<p>During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999.</p>

<p>Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health.</p>

<p>In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour.</p>

<p>The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day'&nbsp;in honour of Vajpayee.&nbsp;</p>


Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War in the late 1990s created a strong image of India in the world. "Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji left an indelible mark in Indian politics with his nationalistic thinking, impeccable image and dedicated his life to the nation. In the life of Atal Ji, based on ideology and principles, there was no mere fascination of power. Under his leadership, the country saw good governance," Shah tweeted in Hindi. "Atal Ji, on the one hand, strengthened the party as an efficient organiser, while on the other hand, decisions like Pokharan nuclear tests and Kargil War created a strong image of India in the world. On the occasion of Atal Ji's birth anniversary, heartiest tributes to him," he said in a follow-up tweet. Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Known for his eloquence, oratory, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009. The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004. During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999. Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health. In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour. The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' in honour of Vajpayee.

Decisions like Pokhran tests, Kargil War made India stronger globally: Shah hails Vajpayee on birth anniversary

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-attend-commemorative-function-of-kargil-vijay-diwas-today-238788">commemorative function of Kargil Vijay Diwas</a> at Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/remembering-kargil-why-prevention-is-better-than-cure-238813">Remembering the bravehearts</a> who gave away their lives for the nation 20 years back, the prime minister said that he bows his "head to the brave soldiers".</p>

<p>"On this occasion, I pay tribute to all those bravehearts who foiled the conspiracy to take down the tricolour from the peaks of Kargil by sacrificing their blood. I also pay respect to those brave mothers who gave birth to these bravehearts," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi: On this occassion, I pay tribute to all those bravehearts who foiled the conspiracy to take down the tricolour from the peaks of Kargil by sacrificing their blood. I also pay respect to those brave mothers who gave birth to these bravehearts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KargilVijayDiwas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KargilVijayDiwas</a> <a href="https://t.co/2pA2c13KyD">pic.twitter.com/2pA2c13KyD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1155124374590164997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is not the government that fights wars, the entire nation does," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi: I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks. Death was staring in the face yet our jawans carrying the tricolor wanted to reach the valley before anyone. <a href="https://t.co/woz1ayuMOW">pic.twitter.com/woz1ayuMOW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1155126311079337985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The nation owes an eternal debt to the valour of our soldiers," the PM stated.</p>

<p>He added that the victory of the Kargil war was India's dream which was a result of discipline and honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kargil victory was the victory of the bravery of our sons and daughters. It was the victory of India's strength and patience. It was the victory of India's sanctity and discipline. It was the victory of every Indian's expectations," PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Indian Army celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War on Friday to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.</p>

<p>July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil conflict.</p>

<p>On the 20th anniversary of the conflict, Modi had tweeted, "During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation during a commemorative function of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation during a commemorative function of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in Delhi. Remembering the bravehearts who gave away their lives for the nation 20 years back, the prime minister said that he bows his "head to the brave soldiers". "On this occasion, I pay tribute to all those bravehearts who foiled the conspiracy to take down the tricolour from the peaks of Kargil by sacrificing their blood. I also pay respect to those brave mothers who gave birth to these bravehearts," he said. PM Narendra Modi: On this occassion, I pay tribute to all those bravehearts who foiled the conspiracy to take down the tricolour from the peaks of Kargil by sacrificing their blood. I also pay respect to those brave mothers who gave birth to these bravehearts. #KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/2pA2c13KyD — ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2019 × "It is not the government that fights wars, the entire nation does," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi: I had gone to Kargil 20 years ago when war was at its peak, the enemy was playing its games sitting on high peaks. Death was staring in the face yet our jawans carrying the tricolor wanted to reach the valley before anyone. pic.twitter.com/woz1ayuMOW — ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2019 × "The nation owes an eternal debt to the valour of our soldiers," the PM stated. He added that the victory of the Kargil war was India's dream which was a result of discipline and honour. "Kargil victory was the victory of the bravery of our sons and daughters. It was the victory of India's strength and patience. It was the victory of India's sanctity and discipline. It was the victory of every Indian's expectations," PM Modi said. × Indian Army celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War on Friday to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil conflict. On the 20th anniversary of the conflict, Modi had tweeted, "During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable."

'I bow my head to brave soldiers,' says PM Modi in tribute to Kargil bravehearts

<p>Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kargil-war-shepherd-who-informed-indian-army-of-pakistan-infiltration-still-awaits-recognition-238499">Kargil war</a> hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable.</p>

<p>Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion.</p>

<p>Singh, who has been managing traffic as a senior constable in the state police, was given the double promotion after chief minister read a news report about him on Friday morning.<br />
<br />
"Within hours of discovering that a hero of the Kargil war was managing traffic as a mere senior constable, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an immediate double promotion for the Vir Chakra awardee, whose credentials were completely ignored by the erstwhile SAD-BJP government at the time of his recruitment in 2010," read a statement issued by the Punjab government.<br />
<br />
"As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an Assistant Sub Inspector, in relaxation of Rule 12.3 of Punjab Police Rules by the DGP, who has been so authorized by the Chief Minister," the statement added.</p>

<p>Satpal Singh is Vir Chakra awardee who served as an Army captain during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was part of India's Operation Vijay and one of the important figures in the Battle of Tiger Hill which took place between India and Pakistan during the Kargil war in 1999. He killed Pakistani army Capt Karnal Sher Khan and three others during close encounters.</p>

<p>Singh had earlier complained that apathy of the government forced him to "salute" people who were junior in rank and position to him. "I am forced to salute people who are junior to me in rank and position. I was not given the appropriate rank by the Punjab police due to which I working as a traffic constable," Singh told news agency ANI.</p>

<p><br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted Kargil war hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable. Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday promoted Kargil war hero Satpal Singh to the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector from Senior Constable. Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police in 2010 after his discharge from the Army, has been promoted to the new post after the chief minister authorised the DGP to grant the required relaxation in age for the promotion. Singh, who has been managing traffic as a senior constable in the state police, was given the double promotion after chief minister read a news report about him on Friday morning. "Within hours of discovering that a hero of the Kargil war was managing traffic as a mere senior constable, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an immediate double promotion for the Vir Chakra awardee, whose credentials were completely ignored by the erstwhile SAD-BJP government at the time of his recruitment in 2010," read a statement issued by the Punjab government. "As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an Assistant Sub Inspector, in relaxation of Rule 12.3 of Punjab Police Rules by the DGP, who has been so authorized by the Chief Minister," the statement added. Satpal Singh is Vir Chakra awardee who served as an Army captain during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He was part of India's Operation Vijay and one of the important figures in the Battle of Tiger Hill which took place between India and Pakistan during the Kargil war in 1999. He killed Pakistani army Capt Karnal Sher Khan and three others during close encounters. Singh had earlier complained that apathy of the government forced him to "salute" people who were junior in rank and position to him. "I am forced to salute people who are junior to me in rank and position. I was not given the appropriate rank by the Punjab police due to which I working as a traffic constable," Singh told news agency ANI. (With inputs from ANI)

Kargil war hero Satpal Singh gets double promotion

<p>Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy. By official counts, some 527 officers and men were martyred in this undeclared war. This year too, led by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, we mourned our martyrs and celebrated our victory. General Rawat warned Pakistan that if it dared to infiltrate again, it will have to “take back bodies.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Without sounding a negative note, it is important to observe how practically none of the many experts and dignitaries that were a part of the hundreds of hours of media coverage spoke of how Pakistan gained the Kargil heights in the first place. How were we caught napping? How did we lose so many peaks, if not posts, before we began to retaliate? Was there a failure on our part? If so, who was responsible? It was precisely to answer such questions that the government set up the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) on July &nbsp;29, just three days after the end of the war on July 26. As per its “Terms of Reference,” the KRC was to “to examine the sequence of events and make recommendations for the future.” The chairman of the KRC was the noted security expert, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam, Secretary for Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, who also served as director of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). His son, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is our current Minister of External Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The KRC completed its report on December 15, 1999, after meetings and interviews with over a hundred military and intelligence officers, politicians, diplomats, and journalists. Though parts of the KRC are still classified, there is enough in the public domain to indicate that the Kargil war began with serious lapses on India’s part: “the Pakistani armed intrusion in the Kargil sector came as a complete and total surprise to the Indian Government, Army and intelligence agencies as well as to the J&amp;K State Government and its agencies.” In fact, the KRC found that no individual or agency “was able clearly to assess before the event the possibility of a large scale Pakistani military intrusion.” This despite the fact that such an invasion or incursion had been spoken of in Pakistani defence and political circles for the prior two decades. The KRC concluded that there was a “critical failure in intelligence” in addition to “many grave deficiencies in India’s security management system.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>An anonymous Pakistani soldier’s account, published in Time magazine on July 12, 1999, shows that the systematic infiltration had started by February 1999, possibly earlier. Yet, according to the KRC, it was detected only as late as May 3, some three months later, by “shepherds.” The KRC also admits that by this time there were “around 140 posts and pickets established by regulars of Pakistan Army, over a frontage of 100 km up to a depth of 8 km inside Indian territory over months in 1999.” Even after these facts came to the attention of the top brass of the Indian army were still in a damage control mode, asserting that “the situation was local and would be dealt with locally.”</p>

<p>There are other accounts of the Kargil war in the public domain, such as in former foreign minister, Jaswant Singh’s book, A Call to Honour. His son, Manvendra Singh, then a Territorial Army officer and defence reporter for a leading English daily, recalls that our then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, was himself unaware of “unusual happenings” in the Drass-Kargil sector. Apparently, “local Army formations had kept the Army Headquarters in the dark even as they were discovering the truth about the intrusions in the Drass-Kargil-Batalik sectors.” During a briefing on May 17, after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had personally taken charge of the situation, the Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) assured him that the incursions would be cleared in “two or three weeks or so.” In retrospect, it seems clear that Kargil, as Lt General DB Shekatkar conceded, “was the outcome of intelligence failures.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet, thanks to the KRC, many important changes were made to improve our combat readiness in the region and prevent such costly mistakes in the future. Among these, the National Technical Reconnaissance Organisation (NTRO) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are considered positive outcomes. One other sidelight of the conflict, which few care to mention today, is that it was the Bofors howitzer that actually helped dislodge the Pakistanis. The gun was good though its purchase was tainted by the scandal and corruption.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-remembering-kargil-why-prevention-is-better-than-cure-2776138">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em></p>


Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy.

Every year, July 26 is marked as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Since that fateful day twenty years ago when we pushed out the Pakistani infiltrators and recaptured the Kargil heights, we commemorate the brave soldiers who triumphed over our enemy. By official counts, some 527 officers and men were martyred in this undeclared war. This year too, led by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, we mourned our martyrs and celebrated our victory. General Rawat warned Pakistan that if it dared to infiltrate again, it will have to “take back bodies.” Without sounding a negative note, it is important to observe how practically none of the many experts and dignitaries that were a part of the hundreds of hours of media coverage spoke of how Pakistan gained the Kargil heights in the first place. How were we caught napping? How did we lose so many peaks, if not posts, before we began to retaliate? Was there a failure on our part? If so, who was responsible? It was precisely to answer such questions that the government set up the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) on July 29, just three days after the end of the war on July 26. As per its “Terms of Reference,” the KRC was to “to examine the sequence of events and make recommendations for the future.” The chairman of the KRC was the noted security expert, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam, Secretary for Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, who also served as director of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). His son, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is our current Minister of External Affairs. The KRC completed its report on December 15, 1999, after meetings and interviews with over a hundred military and intelligence officers, politicians, diplomats, and journalists. Though parts of the KRC are still classified, there is enough in the public domain to indicate that the Kargil war began with serious lapses on India’s part: “the Pakistani armed intrusion in the Kargil sector came as a complete and total surprise to the Indian Government, Army and intelligence agencies as well as to the J&K State Government and its agencies.” In fact, the KRC found that no individual or agency “was able clearly to assess before the event the possibility of a large scale Pakistani military intrusion.” This despite the fact that such an invasion or incursion had been spoken of in Pakistani defence and political circles for the prior two decades. The KRC concluded that there was a “critical failure in intelligence” in addition to “many grave deficiencies in India’s security management system.” An anonymous Pakistani soldier’s account, published in Time magazine on July 12, 1999, shows that the systematic infiltration had started by February 1999, possibly earlier. Yet, according to the KRC, it was detected only as late as May 3, some three months later, by “shepherds.” The KRC also admits that by this time there were “around 140 posts and pickets established by regulars of Pakistan Army, over a frontage of 100 km up to a depth of 8 km inside Indian territory over months in 1999.” Even after these facts came to the attention of the top brass of the Indian army were still in a damage control mode, asserting that “the situation was local and would be dealt with locally.” There are other accounts of the Kargil war in the public domain, such as in former foreign minister, Jaswant Singh’s book, A Call to Honour. His son, Manvendra Singh, then a Territorial Army officer and defence reporter for a leading English daily, recalls that our then Defence Minister, George Fernandes, was himself unaware of “unusual happenings” in the Drass-Kargil sector. Apparently, “local Army formations had kept the Army Headquarters in the dark even as they were discovering the truth about the intrusions in the Drass-Kargil-Batalik sectors.” During a briefing on May 17, after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had personally taken charge of the situation, the Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) assured him that the incursions would be cleared in “two or three weeks or so.” In retrospect, it seems clear that Kargil, as Lt General DB Shekatkar conceded, “was the outcome of intelligence failures.” Yet, thanks to the KRC, many important changes were made to improve our combat readiness in the region and prevent such costly mistakes in the future. Among these, the National Technical Reconnaissance Organisation (NTRO) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are considered positive outcomes. One other sidelight of the conflict, which few care to mention today, is that it was the Bofors howitzer that actually helped dislodge the Pakistanis. The gun was good though its purchase was tainted by the scandal and corruption. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Remembering Kargil: Why prevention is better than cure

In a warning to Pakistan on the 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat asked the neighbouring country not to repeat any such misadventure, saying they will face even worse consequences. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat paid tribute at the war memorial in Dras, where in his message to Pakistan, he said, "Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time." This came a day after the Army Chief ruled out Kargil-like misadventure by Pakistan saying the Indian Armed Forces were much more powerful than they were in 1999. "It was a big misadventure undertaken by the Pakistan army in 1999. They did not appreciate the will and the intent of the Indian political establishment and the Indian armed forces that we will never allow them to succeed, General Rawat said as he addressed the media a day ahead of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Army Chief warns Pakistan on 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas

Nineteen years ago on this day, the Kargil War or the Kargil conflict that took place between May 3 and July 26, 1999, in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC), officially came to an end. The Indian soldiers successfully reclaimed all the peaks that had been seized by our nuclear-armed neighbor Pakistan. India is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas on Friday, July 26. PM Modi pays tribute to Kargil war martyrs by plantation at Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Lok Sabha Secretariat: PM Modi pays tribute to Kargil war martyrs by plantation

Army commemorated 'Vijay Diwas' or Victory Day, the anniversary of Kargil War with Pakistan with a demonstration of the Bofors gun in Kashmir on Wednesday. Nearly 500 Indian soldiers died on the snow-capped peaks of Kargil in the campaign to oust hundreds of infiltrators from Pakistan in the summer of 1999.

Indian Army commemorates 20th anniversary of Kargil War

India remembered its fallen soldiers killed in 1999 war with Pakistan in northern Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil on its 20th anniversary on Friday (July 26).

India pays homage to those killed in Kargil war with Pakistan on 20th anniversary

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shell-shocked-20-years-on-a-witness-recall-bloody-kargil-war-238138">20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War</a>.</p>

<p>''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned,'' President tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999.<br />
<br />
We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned.<br />
<br />
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1154564701700755456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembers his time during the Kargil War in 1999.</p>

<p>''During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&amp;K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable,'' PM Modi tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers.<br />
<br />
This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&amp;K as well as Himachal Pradesh.<br />
<br />
The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. <a href="https://t.co/E5QUgHlTDS">pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1154581533098795008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 20th-anniversary celebrations are being held at Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik participated in Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war victory at Kargil War Memorial.</p>

<p>Naik Deepchand from 1889 Missile regiment in Kargil War said, ''My battalion had fired 10,000 rounds during the war. I am proud of this fact. We had only one target in mind that is to defeat the enemy. I have come here to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil War.''</p>

<p>The war memorial has around 500 tombstones with the name of soldiers inscribed in them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;20 years of Kargil war</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-20-years-of-kargil-war-230138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ''Kargil Vijay Diwas''.</p>

<p>Air Chief on Thursday said that Indian Air Force has changed a lot since Kargil War and the biggest change is in its ability for reconnaissance and surveillance.</p>

<p>''Air Force has changed a lot in the last 20 years and the biggest change that I think had taken place is in our ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. We could not pick up the intrusion before the Kargil operation," said Dhanoa.</p>


President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. ''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. ''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned,'' President tweeted. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 26, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembers his time during the Kargil War in 1999. ''During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable,'' PM Modi tweeted. During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2019 × The 20th-anniversary celebrations are being held at Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Jammu and Kashmir. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik participated in Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war victory at Kargil War Memorial. Naik Deepchand from 1889 Missile regiment in Kargil War said, ''My battalion had fired 10,000 rounds during the war. I am proud of this fact. We had only one target in mind that is to defeat the enemy. I have come here to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil War.'' The war memorial has around 500 tombstones with the name of soldiers inscribed in them. Watch: 20 years of Kargil war The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ''Kargil Vijay Diwas''. Air Chief on Thursday said that Indian Air Force has changed a lot since Kargil War and the biggest change is in its ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. ''Air Force has changed a lot in the last 20 years and the biggest change that I think had taken place is in our ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. We could not pick up the intrusion before the Kargil operation," said Dhanoa.

President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-releases-12-indians-on-board-mt-riah-that-was-detained-in-july-238522">Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'</a></p>

<p>North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-stars-ozil-kolasinac-escape-unhurt-attempted-carjacking-by-knife-wielding-attackers-238508">Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers</a></p>

<p>Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-happily-go-to-iran-to-address-tensions-with-us-over-sanctions-pompeo-238507">Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo</a></p>

<p>US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-hails-soldiers-on-20th-anniversary-of-indias-victory-in-kargil-war-238526">President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War</a></p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.</p>


Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July. However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero. North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers' North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported. Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the only aim of the forces at the time of the 1999 conflict was to defeat the enemy.</p>

<p>Recalling India's first major triumph, Deepchand of 1889 Missile regiment said, "We won the Battle of Tololing. It was very cold that day. As many as 10,000 rounds were fired by our battalion. I have come here to pay tributes to martyrs. It is a matter of great pride for all the countrymen.''</p>

<p>In a message to his countrymen, he said, "A soldier should always be respected as a soldier leaves everything for the country. When we wear the uniform it is like our soul and we are ready to sacrifice our life for the country's sake."</p>

<p>Brigadier Khushal Thakur, Commanding Officer (CO) 18 Grenadiers, who lost 34 of his jawans during the Tiger Hill battle, also paid tributes at the memorial.</p>

<p>"Today on 20 years of Kargil war, we are paying tribute to our martyrs. Families of martyrs and brave soldiers are also present here to pay tributes," he said.</p>

<p>"We remember this day and we pay tribute to martyrs. My father lost his life in Kargil war, he used to say that this place is very beautiful. We feel proud and a bit sad as some of those who were responsible for victory in the war are not with us any more," added Aprajita Acharya, daughter of Maha Veer Chakra awardee Major Padmapani Acharya.</p>

<p>The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.</p>

<p>In Dras, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik paid tributes to the brave hearts at the memorial.</p>


Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday.

Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday. Speaking to ANI on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the only aim of the forces at the time of the 1999 conflict was to defeat the enemy. Recalling India's first major triumph, Deepchand of 1889 Missile regiment said, "We won the Battle of Tololing. It was very cold that day. As many as 10,000 rounds were fired by our battalion. I have come here to pay tributes to martyrs. It is a matter of great pride for all the countrymen.'' In a message to his countrymen, he said, "A soldier should always be respected as a soldier leaves everything for the country. When we wear the uniform it is like our soul and we are ready to sacrifice our life for the country's sake." Brigadier Khushal Thakur, Commanding Officer (CO) 18 Grenadiers, who lost 34 of his jawans during the Tiger Hill battle, also paid tributes at the memorial. "Today on 20 years of Kargil war, we are paying tribute to our martyrs. Families of martyrs and brave soldiers are also present here to pay tributes," he said. "We remember this day and we pay tribute to martyrs. My father lost his life in Kargil war, he used to say that this place is very beautiful. We feel proud and a bit sad as some of those who were responsible for victory in the war are not with us any more," added Aprajita Acharya, daughter of Maha Veer Chakra awardee Major Padmapani Acharya. The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. In Dras, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik paid tributes to the brave hearts at the memorial.

20 years on, Naik Deepchand recalls Kargil war victory

<p>In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict.</p>

<p>In this concluding part, I intend to bring to the public some aspects of conflict progression, the constraints on the Indian Army to clear the intrusion and, briefly, where we stand today with reference to a potential repeat of Kargil.</p>

<p>The relatively slow response in May 1999 towards the expulsion of the intrusion was due to the lack of intelligence on the actual spread and magnitude of the intrusion. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the mountains at higher altitudes, small infantry forces merge well with scraggy peaks and unless probing actions actually get into contact with intruding elements, it is difficult to ascertain the extent of ingress. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were gaps in the defences and with vacated winter posts yet unoccupied by the Indian Army, the exercise to ascertain the frontage and exact locations was a challenge. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The IAF activated and flew a number of missions, but found determination of pinpoint targets difficult due to heights it had to fly at to avoid Pakistani shoulder-fired missiles. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly thereafter came the restriction preventing both the army and the IAF from crossing the LoC. The implication was that the IAF had to fly parallel to the LoC while the Army’s operations could not plan to adopt rear, and sometimes even flanking approaches, to reach the occupied heights, which stood at 16,000 to 18,000 feet. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Troops had to be redeployed from the Kashmir Valley; in fact the entire 8 Mountain Division had to disengage from the counter-terror grid, acclimatise the troops and be prepared for high-altitude assault. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is one of the most hazardous operations infantrymen ever undertake, having to climb 6,000 to 7,000 feet from the Dras-Mashkoh valley floor to reach their objectives. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Each assault by a company of 80-100 men took the better part of a week or more to attain even a modicum of success with the threat of a counterattack always present. &nbsp;</p>

<p>En route they suffered severe privations, very limited logistical support and heavy casualties. Higher attrition occurred due to the decision not to cross the LoC and it remains a point of debate whether anything was achieved by this. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At higher diplomatic levels, it helped in securing international recognition of India’s sense of responsibility and perhaps put Pakistan on the mat. &nbsp;</p>

<p>That helped in the US decision to force Pakistan to vacate the territory not yet cleared by the Indian Army. Some may argue that it saved many more casualties that Indian Army may have suffered, if it had to recapture every single occupied post.</p>

<p>What needs to be remembered is that this was not a war fought by individual arms or services of the army. Logistics played a major role and the decisions to deploy 100 artillery guns for each battalion assault, along with direct firing by Bofors guns, were all game changers. It was the collective contribution of the Army and IAF, which ensured victory for the Indian forces. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At another level, the failure of the Pakistan Army to collect their dead, feigning that they were freedom fighters, left the Indian Army on a higher moral plane. Honourable burial of the enemy’s dead followed with full honours due to them.</p>

<p>The state of preparedness of the Indian Army to fight such a war was actually abysmal. Kargil was a relatively low priority sector with assessment of potential employment of just a brigade by Pakistan in the eventuality of a full-scale war. &nbsp;</p>

<p>That would have had different implications. A standalone operation is something else. Military wherewithal had to be collected from different locations and flown to Kargil, reserve formations had to move and acclimatise the troops. &nbsp;</p>

<p>All the while, the footprint of Pakistan-sponsored terror in Kashmir Valley and Jammu was increasing, taking full advantage of the attention focused on Kargil.</p>

<p>One of the earliest decisions after the conflict was to curtail the Srinagar-based 15 Corps’ responsibility to the area between Zojila and Jawahar Tunnel and hand over operational responsibility of Ladakh, including Kargil, to the newly raised Headquarters 14 Corps. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kargil Review Committee was set up as a consequence of the admission that all was not well with national security. The Committee did yeoman service with its recommendations and a Group of Ministers (GoM) was set up to examine the recommendations. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It’s unfortunate that even with as big a trigger as Kargil 1999, the implementation of identified recommendations of the GoM were never implemented in letter and spirit. Half-baked measures such as creation of HQ Integrated Defence Staff as against an integrated Ministry of Defence were made. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eighteen years down the line it has not happened. The fast-track acquisitions processed by the government in 1999-2001 have never been replicated and Indian troops yet fight with the same rifles they fought with in 1999. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India is definitely better equipped to handle crises of the Kargil type but no adversary repeats his strategy. It will be another plan and another place. National security capability demands a holistic ability to assess what, where and how an adversary may target India’s security. It also demands rapid response and appropriate capability to give our forces a more than equal chance to prevent the adversary achieving his aim. &nbsp;</p>

<p>All this can at no time be at levels of hundred per cent readiness, but optimisation is always possible and that is what we should be focused upon, without turfs and without personalities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It has to be an institutional approach, the start point of which is surely a National Security Strategy paper from the government followed by a serious debate in Parliament.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-kargil-99-conflict-termination-2775761">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict.

In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2019, the first of this two-part series focused on the initiation of the Kargil conflict. In this concluding part, I intend to bring to the public some aspects of conflict progression, the constraints on the Indian Army to clear the intrusion and, briefly, where we stand today with reference to a potential repeat of Kargil. The relatively slow response in May 1999 towards the expulsion of the intrusion was due to the lack of intelligence on the actual spread and magnitude of the intrusion. In the mountains at higher altitudes, small infantry forces merge well with scraggy peaks and unless probing actions actually get into contact with intruding elements, it is difficult to ascertain the extent of ingress. There were gaps in the defences and with vacated winter posts yet unoccupied by the Indian Army, the exercise to ascertain the frontage and exact locations was a challenge. The IAF activated and flew a number of missions, but found determination of pinpoint targets difficult due to heights it had to fly at to avoid Pakistani shoulder-fired missiles. Shortly thereafter came the restriction preventing both the army and the IAF from crossing the LoC. The implication was that the IAF had to fly parallel to the LoC while the Army’s operations could not plan to adopt rear, and sometimes even flanking approaches, to reach the occupied heights, which stood at 16,000 to 18,000 feet. Troops had to be redeployed from the Kashmir Valley; in fact the entire 8 Mountain Division had to disengage from the counter-terror grid, acclimatise the troops and be prepared for high-altitude assault. This is one of the most hazardous operations infantrymen ever undertake, having to climb 6,000 to 7,000 feet from the Dras-Mashkoh valley floor to reach their objectives. Each assault by a company of 80-100 men took the better part of a week or more to attain even a modicum of success with the threat of a counterattack always present. En route they suffered severe privations, very limited logistical support and heavy casualties. Higher attrition occurred due to the decision not to cross the LoC and it remains a point of debate whether anything was achieved by this. At higher diplomatic levels, it helped in securing international recognition of India’s sense of responsibility and perhaps put Pakistan on the mat. That helped in the US decision to force Pakistan to vacate the territory not yet cleared by the Indian Army. Some may argue that it saved many more casualties that Indian Army may have suffered, if it had to recapture every single occupied post. What needs to be remembered is that this was not a war fought by individual arms or services of the army. Logistics played a major role and the decisions to deploy 100 artillery guns for each battalion assault, along with direct firing by Bofors guns, were all game changers. It was the collective contribution of the Army and IAF, which ensured victory for the Indian forces. At another level, the failure of the Pakistan Army to collect their dead, feigning that they were freedom fighters, left the Indian Army on a higher moral plane. Honourable burial of the enemy’s dead followed with full honours due to them. The state of preparedness of the Indian Army to fight such a war was actually abysmal. Kargil was a relatively low priority sector with assessment of potential employment of just a brigade by Pakistan in the eventuality of a full-scale war. That would have had different implications. A standalone operation is something else. Military wherewithal had to be collected from different locations and flown to Kargil, reserve formations had to move and acclimatise the troops. All the while, the footprint of Pakistan-sponsored terror in Kashmir Valley and Jammu was increasing, taking full advantage of the attention focused on Kargil. One of the earliest decisions after the conflict was to curtail the Srinagar-based 15 Corps’ responsibility to the area between Zojila and Jawahar Tunnel and hand over operational responsibility of Ladakh, including Kargil, to the newly raised Headquarters 14 Corps. The Kargil Review Committee was set up as a consequence of the admission that all was not well with national security. The Committee did yeoman service with its recommendations and a Group of Ministers (GoM) was set up to examine the recommendations. It’s unfortunate that even with as big a trigger as Kargil 1999, the implementation of identified recommendations of the GoM were never implemented in letter and spirit. Half-baked measures such as creation of HQ Integrated Defence Staff as against an integrated Ministry of Defence were made. Eighteen years down the line it has not happened. The fast-track acquisitions processed by the government in 1999-2001 have never been replicated and Indian troops yet fight with the same rifles they fought with in 1999. India is definitely better equipped to handle crises of the Kargil type but no adversary repeats his strategy. It will be another plan and another place. National security capability demands a holistic ability to assess what, where and how an adversary may target India’s security. It also demands rapid response and appropriate capability to give our forces a more than equal chance to prevent the adversary achieving his aim. All this can at no time be at levels of hundred per cent readiness, but optimisation is always possible and that is what we should be focused upon, without turfs and without personalities. It has to be an institutional approach, the start point of which is surely a National Security Strategy paper from the government followed by a serious debate in Parliament. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Institutional approach is needed in defence preparedness

<p>Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures".<br />
<br />
"Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time," he said in a press conference when asked about his message to Pakistan on the 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil war.<br />
<br />
Talking about modernising the Army's inventory, Rawat said that the focus is on the Artillery weapon system.<br />
<br />
"We are looking at modernising our inventory. Our focus is on Artillery weapon system, by 2020 we will get the Howitzers, K-9 Vajra is being manufactured in the country now and two Bofors like guns are being manufactured locally," he said.<br />
<br />
The Army chief said that "peace" and "tranquillity" prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the situation is under control.<br />
<br />
Rawat further said that the soldiers will continue to man and guard the borders while assuring the countrymen about their security."I want to convey to our countrymen that you can be rest assured that any task given to defence services will always be accomplished no matter how difficult it is. Our soldiers will continue to man and guard our borders," Rawat said.<br />
<br />
Indian Army is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War today to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to mark India's triumph over Pakistan on this day in 1999.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures".

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday warned Pakistan of a "bloodier nose" if it chooses to go into another war with India while advising the neighbouring country of not repeating "misadventures". "Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time," he said in a press conference when asked about his message to Pakistan on the 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil war. Talking about modernising the Army's inventory, Rawat said that the focus is on the Artillery weapon system. "We are looking at modernising our inventory. Our focus is on Artillery weapon system, by 2020 we will get the Howitzers, K-9 Vajra is being manufactured in the country now and two Bofors like guns are being manufactured locally," he said. The Army chief said that "peace" and "tranquillity" prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the situation is under control. Rawat further said that the soldiers will continue to man and guard the borders while assuring the countrymen about their security."I want to convey to our countrymen that you can be rest assured that any task given to defence services will always be accomplished no matter how difficult it is. Our soldiers will continue to man and guard our borders," Rawat said. Indian Army is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War today to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year to mark India's triumph over Pakistan on this day in 1999.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army chief General Bipin Rawat warns Pakistan of 'bloodier nose' next time

On 26 July 2019, India is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Vijay against the infiltrating Pakistani troops. The anniversary is observed each year across the nation to show respect and gratitude to the brave servicemen of the armed forces who laid down their lives to re-capture all positions that had been seized by the Pakistan Army. #KargilVijayDiwas #KargilWar

20th Kargil Vijay Diwas: India celebrates Kargil victory day today

<p>On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak. This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side. The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is upset with the successive governments for failing to recognise his work. He is old now and no longer goes with his cattle. There is no mobile network in his village which is almost 70 kilometres away from Kargil city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION's Ieshan Wani travelled to meet him at his village located near a mountain ridge. Here's an excerpt from the interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: What did you see on that day? How old were you then?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: I was 30-years-old. I had lost my Yak and was looking for him in the mountains near Garkhun stream. I was carrying my binoculars with me and started scanning the area. While looking for my yak, I saw six people on top. The snow was everywhere and they were removing snow and looking for stones. I halted there for around 10 minutes and rushed back to my village. Army men from three Punjab used to be stationed here. First, I narrated the entire thing to a guard commander by the name Balbindar Singh, this was on May 2, 1999. He replied that the army patrolling party had just come from that area. I insisted them to investigate the matter as this was unusual.</p>

<p>Around 8 in the evening, Balbindar came to my house and asked me to stay home the next morning, as a commanding officer was coming to meet me. After an hour, he came back, asking me to be ready at 5 in the morning, as an army vehicle will come to pick me up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At 5, I was taken to the Batalik sector where an officer asked me what I saw? I told him again that I saw six people breaking the stones and removing the snow. On this, he replied, we keep getting such reports but if this is true, we will gift you and if the information is wrong, we will see you.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then they sent 20 to 25 army men with me. I took them to the place where I saw the six men. On spotting them they went through the other area for the ambush. But there Pakistani army and militants were everywhere and ready. Just after eight days of my report, the war started. For three months continuously, the fighting was going on in this area.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: You are also a witness to this war. What did you do during that period?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: I took my kids towards Khalsi village and from this village, artillery was being fired like rain. Many army units came here with a lot of weaponry. For three months, local people helped the army in bringing the weapons. We even took the weapons to high mountains after shifting our families to safety. People volunteered and helped the army. We would just hear blasts for three months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: What has changed in this village?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: We don't even have a mobile tower, what change will I talk about?</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: How did you feel after giving your report which proved important for the country?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: I never got any civil award. My report was 100 per cent accurate. No one even enquires about me. I saved the entire Ladakh through my report. God knows what would've happened, had I not told the army. Modi is a good man, I hope he reads this report and gives me much deserved recognition. No one speaks about me, not even the local ministers. I still wait for the day when I get an award. Even my kids feel sorry for me.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: You are the hero of the Kargil war. Has your life changed?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: A little has but I am illiterate and I feel that's the reason why I couldn't reach anywhere in my life. India is my country, I was born here and will always stand for it. Pakistan was badly defeated and I'm sure there are many dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers in the mountains. They came like rats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: What's your message to the current government?</p>

<p><strong>Tashi</strong>: I just want to tell them that my work should be recognised. I am waiting for the day.&nbsp;</p>


On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak.

On May 2, 1999, a man called Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd living in a small village called Gharkon near mountainous Batalik town of Kargil spotted six men breaking stones and clearing the snow when he was looking for his list Yak. This was unusual for Tashi as he saw no footprints leading to the spot and it was clear that they had come from the other side. The men wore Pathani dress and army uniforms, few of them carried weapons too. Tashi was the first to report the infiltration in Kargil to the army and it was after his information that a team was sent to scan the area. What the group of 20-25 Indian army men found was surprising...men with arms and ammunition getting ready. On his information, the Indian army moved quickly and minimised the possible damage. He is upset with the successive governments for failing to recognise his work. He is old now and no longer goes with his cattle. There is no mobile network in his village which is almost 70 kilometres away from Kargil city. WION's Ieshan Wani travelled to meet him at his village located near a mountain ridge. Here's an excerpt from the interview. WION: What did you see on that day? How old were you then? Tashi: I was 30-years-old. I had lost my Yak and was looking for him in the mountains near Garkhun stream. I was carrying my binoculars with me and started scanning the area. While looking for my yak, I saw six people on top. The snow was everywhere and they were removing snow and looking for stones. I halted there for around 10 minutes and rushed back to my village. Army men from three Punjab used to be stationed here. First, I narrated the entire thing to a guard commander by the name Balbindar Singh, this was on May 2, 1999. He replied that the army patrolling party had just come from that area. I insisted them to investigate the matter as this was unusual. Around 8 in the evening, Balbindar came to my house and asked me to stay home the next morning, as a commanding officer was coming to meet me. After an hour, he came back, asking me to be ready at 5 in the morning, as an army vehicle will come to pick me up. At 5, I was taken to the Batalik sector where an officer asked me what I saw? I told him again that I saw six people breaking the stones and removing the snow. On this, he replied, we keep getting such reports but if this is true, we will gift you and if the information is wrong, we will see you. Then they sent 20 to 25 army men with me. I took them to the place where I saw the six men. On spotting them they went through the other area for the ambush. But there Pakistani army and militants were everywhere and ready. Just after eight days of my report, the war started. For three months continuously, the fighting was going on in this area. WION: You are also a witness to this war. What did you do during that period? Tashi: I took my kids towards Khalsi village and from this village, artillery was being fired like rain. Many army units came here with a lot of weaponry. For three months, local people helped the army in bringing the weapons. We even took the weapons to high mountains after shifting our families to safety. People volunteered and helped the army. We would just hear blasts for three months. WION: What has changed in this village? Tashi: We don't even have a mobile tower, what change will I talk about? WION: How did you feel after giving your report which proved important for the country? Tashi: I never got any civil award. My report was 100 per cent accurate. No one even enquires about me. I saved the entire Ladakh through my report. God knows what would've happened, had I not told the army. Modi is a good man, I hope he reads this report and gives me much deserved recognition. No one speaks about me, not even the local ministers. I still wait for the day when I get an award. Even my kids feel sorry for me. WION: You are the hero of the Kargil war. Has your life changed? Tashi: A little has but I am illiterate and I feel that's the reason why I couldn't reach anywhere in my life. India is my country, I was born here and will always stand for it. Pakistan was badly defeated and I'm sure there are many dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers in the mountains. They came like rats. WION: What's your message to the current government? Tashi: I just want to tell them that my work should be recognised. I am waiting for the day.

Kargil War: Shepherd who informed Indian army of Pakistan infiltration still awaits recognition

<p>Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have&nbsp;gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hailing from Srinagar, Abbas like many others has witnessed the deaths which occurred during the initial stage of the war. "It's not easy to forget dead bodies," he says while brushing the dust from the shoes which have been put on display.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A shell landed here in front of this market, people started running in all directions, as smoke filled the air," says Abbas.</p>

<p>He shivers as he recalls what he saw that day. "There was blood around my shop and the market, that's all I could see initially. Later, people were lying in pool of blood, all civilians," he says while pointing at the location where a shell had landed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We took injured people to the hospital but as we reached, shells landed near the hospital, it was just chaos everywhere," he says as rage fills his face.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six people died in the market, among them were Buddhist girls who were selling daily items, Abbas says as he takes a break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aroma of fresh apricots fill the market, there is a variety of dry fruits being sold by young and old. While young seem to have less knowledge about the Kargil war, the old haven't forgotten their struggle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The entire market and the city was deserted with no signs of civilians after shells started to land here, people left their homes and moved back to villages and safer locations," says Mohammad Shafi, now 78-years-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shafi runs a general store at the main market. His shop was shut for months as the war raged between India and Pakistan. "I moved with my children and cattle to a safer location. There was no ration for days and shops were shut," he recalls while sitting in his shop. Things have changed now," he adds.</p>

<p>Mohammad says that the government paid compensation to the families of those who lost their lives. &nbsp;There are many like them, who have stories to tell while some are afraid to recall, others just wish no such war repeats again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>20 years ago, the Indian army recaptured all the posts and positions in Kargil which were occupied by the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;</p>


Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999.

Mohammad Abbas is old now. His words are hard to understand as all his incisors have gone. Abbas glues his eyes on the incoming customers at a small shoe shop located inside an enclosed market in Kargil city, which witnessed heavy shelling by Pakistan Army during the war in 1999. Hailing from Srinagar, Abbas like many others has witnessed the deaths which occurred during the initial stage of the war. "It's not easy to forget dead bodies," he says while brushing the dust from the shoes which have been put on display. "A shell landed here in front of this market, people started running in all directions, as smoke filled the air," says Abbas. He shivers as he recalls what he saw that day. "There was blood around my shop and the market, that's all I could see initially. Later, people were lying in pool of blood, all civilians," he says while pointing at the location where a shell had landed. "We took injured people to the hospital but as we reached, shells landed near the hospital, it was just chaos everywhere," he says as rage fills his face. Six people died in the market, among them were Buddhist girls who were selling daily items, Abbas says as he takes a break. The aroma of fresh apricots fill the market, there is a variety of dry fruits being sold by young and old. While young seem to have less knowledge about the Kargil war, the old haven't forgotten their struggle. "The entire market and the city was deserted with no signs of civilians after shells started to land here, people left their homes and moved back to villages and safer locations," says Mohammad Shafi, now 78-years-old. Shafi runs a general store at the main market. His shop was shut for months as the war raged between India and Pakistan. "I moved with my children and cattle to a safer location. There was no ration for days and shops were shut," he recalls while sitting in his shop. Things have changed now," he adds. Mohammad says that the government paid compensation to the families of those who lost their lives. There are many like them, who have stories to tell while some are afraid to recall, others just wish no such war repeats again. 20 years ago, the Indian army recaptured all the posts and positions in Kargil which were occupied by the Pakistan Army.

Shell-shocked: 20 years on an eyewitness recalls bloody Kargil War 

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