Observing Kargil diwas (English Version) Rakshak News 24 Jul 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/kargil-vijay-day-just-remember-their-sacrifice
Observing Kargil diwas (English Version) Rakshak News 24 Jul 19
Twenty years ago, India pushed back infiltrators of the Pak Northern Light Infantry, supported by their special forces from the Kargil heights. Heroism of those involved in the battles for the peaks was evident. Despite casualties, officers led from the front, men moved alongside and one by one, each peak was recaptured. The army paid a heavy price with over 500 dead and 1100 injured.
These were operations which succeeded only by grit, determination and self-sacrifice of the Indian soldier. Stories of heroism have become folklore. Fire support by the artillery and air force was unrelenting and ensured victory. Never has the artillery fired so many rounds in such a short duration anywhere in the world and in any war. It was also the first war which was telecast live into homes across the country.
Musharraf’s misadventure, where he even kept his own leadership in the dark in the initial stages, was doomed for failure. As Indian operations progressed successfully, fear and uncertainty grew within Pak. It was aware that its plans of surprising India and cutting off access to Kargil, Ladakh and Siachen were doomed while its casualties kept mounting. It sought a face-saving exit, while still attempting to hide from its own population, its true losses. This face-saving came through Washington. Subsequently, the Pak deep state changed its history books and over the years sought to project Kargil as a victory, whereas it was a resounding defeat.
Musharraf was individually responsible for thousands of Pak casualties, which he could ignore as they were mainly Shia’s from the Northern Areas, many of whom remain buried in the icy mountains of Kargil. His actions also lowered the military reputation of Pak in the international arena. For him as an individual, it was defeat onto victory, when he overthrew the political leadership and assumed dictatorship, soon after the Kargil defeat. Never in the history of the world has a failed military leader become a dictator and then President. It ‘happens only in Pakistan.’ Till date Pakistan repents Musharraf’s leadership, as he like all other military dictators before him, pushed the nation into near bankruptcy.
The Indian army is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the historic Kargil war this year with events spread across the nation including where main battles were fought. A victory flame relay has been launched from Delhi, which will culminate at Kargil where the nation will pay homage to its martyrs.
It is an occasion for all of us to remember those who fought, laid down their lives in sacrifice of the country and even those who suffered injuries and loss of limbs. The nation needs to be reminded of the harsh terrain in which battles took place, the hard conditions in which the soldier fought and the determination of the Indian soldier.
To pay homage to their comrades and close relatives who sacrificed their lives, many participants of the war, alongside family members of fallen heroes, are trekking upto where the actual battles took place. On these icy heights, remnants of the war are still being found.
The President of India would lead the nation in paying homage at Kargil, while other political leaders would join the armed forces in similar gestures across the nation. This is an apt manner of the national leadership paying tribute to our valiant soldiers.
This should also be the occasion when we as a nation take stock of the families of our fallen brethren, interact with them and resolve to ensure their welfare. While the units in which their loved one’s fought would be upto the task, we as a nation need to chip in. State governments have a major role in this regard.
If the message of the army’s determination and sacrifice is to be spread across the country, then the government must instruct all educational institutions and corporates to organize talks on the subject and observe a minute’s silence for those who laid down their lives on Kargil Diwas, 26th July. Remembrances must be spread through the country, not alone in war memorials by the army and some political leaders, after all those who laid down their lives, did so for the country and were common citizens, who donned the uniform. It would also serve as a platform for building national spirit.
Over decades the Indian armed forces have never let the nation down, always willing to be at the forefront, no matter what the call. Kargil is an example of the sacrifice of the common soldier in regaining what was intruded upon, despite all odds. Its heroes have been made immortal by their sacrifice and valour. We as a nation have our role in caring for their families and never forgetting our brave hearts.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army