‘Operation Vijay’ was a fierce conflict rather than a war: Major CS Anand

Kargil War with the military operation code name of ‘Operation Vijay’ continues to haunt the countrymen for a variety of reasons despite the 24 years that have passed after the war. Pakistan Army and paramilitary troops were taught a lifetime lesson by the brave Indian Army and Indian Air Force on the high-altitude mountainous terrain. Yet, there looks to be no learning for better from the neighbouring country. Ceasefire violations by the Pakistani Army and infiltrations by independent Kashmiri insurgents from across the international borders along the Line of Control (LoC) continue to annoy the Defence Forces.

From May to July 1999: The unanticipated and unwarranted Kargil conflict which began May in 1999 continued till July with enough casualties on both sides. The Indian Air Force, jointly with the Army swung into aerial action under the codename ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ (White Sea) to flush out the enemy troops from vacated Indian positions along the LoC.

Pak troops disguised as Kashmiri militants: It is said that the main cause for the Kargil conflict was the infiltration of Pakistani troops in the guise of Kashmiri militants into strategic positions all along the Indian side of LoC. It may be recalled here that this LoC, to date continues to remain the de facto border between the two countries in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Involvement of Pakistan Army: Although, initially Pakistan tried in vain to dismiss its involvement in the high-altitude warfare and tried to put the blame squarely on Kashmiri insurgents the documents and casualties proved the same. Also, the later statements of Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff confirmed the active participation of Pakistani paramilitary forces led by General Arshaf Rashid.

Not a war; a fierce conflict: Major C S Anand (Rtd.) wishes to view the Kargil war from a different perspective-“In true sense Kargil was not a war; it was a conflict, a fierce conflict. It was planned and executed by the Pak Military in the disguise of insurgency activity. The initial reaction by us was in this perception and the beginning was very painful. Once it was realized that a fully-fledged professional army was out there, the equation changed…

…At an advantageous position: It was a very daunting task given the terrain and other conditions. Only the people who are aware of such ground realities can understand the severity of the challenges we faced. The mountain slopes have comparatively easy accessibility from the POK vis a vis steep deadly cliffs on our side. It is elementary knowledge that the troops occupying the heights in such terrains have always the dominating advantage. It is nearly impossible to shake them off. Our Artillery played a vital role in 'softening' the targets…

…Proper funeral; Soldier to Soldier: Entry of Indian Air Force was a game changer! Nobody thought that combat aircraft would enter the theatre. That's our IAF! The tactics, strategies, grit, and daredevil valour exhibited by our troops still remain significant case study material in mountain warfare. The regimentation and comradely were of the highest order. Even after the conflict was won, the conduct of our troops was exemplary. It was reported that when Pak refused to accept the bodies of their own dead soldiers, our men gave them proper funeral, soldier to soldier…

…It would have been a piece of cake: The young officers leading from the front manifested the quality of leadership and Esprit de Corps. Further, our Forces were restrained from crossing the LoC, otherwise, it would have been a piece of cake. This is how the largest army of a democratic nation functions, honouring the decision of the constitutional head”, signs Major C S Anand.

-Manohar Yadavatti