History:- Kargil Vijay Diwas
The Kargil Vijay Diwas, also known as Kargil Victory day is celebrated on 26 th July, i.e. today, every year in India. In order to honour the Kargil War heroes. It can be said that it marks the successful conclusion of the war between India and Pakistan, where India won. Kargil is a small district that was located in Jammu and Kashmir back then, and now it is located in Ladakh.
This famous war was fought for two months, three weeks, and two days i.e. from 3rd May to 26 th July in the year 1999. This conflict is also referred to as Operation Vijay in India, as it was the codename of the Indian military operation in that region.
Conflict was a result of Pakistan’s unauthorised infiltration of soldiers:-
This conflict was a result of Pakistan’s unauthorised infiltration of soldiers and militants across the Line of Control (LOC). Where they captured the key vantage points of the Kargil region, leading to a full fledged armed conflict with the Indian forces in that district. This sudden infiltration caught India by surprise as this infiltration was
seen as a violation of the Shimla Agreement. Which was signed in 1972 to maintain peace between the two neighbouring countries.
This intrusion aimed to cut off the crucial highway that was connecting Srinagar and Leh. Posing a significant threat to India’s security and a free access to Ladakh. Pakistan’s infiltration provided them with advantageous positions to target Indian infrastructure and positions along with the LOC.
After the Indian army discovered this infiltration:-
After the Indian army discovered this infiltration, they launched a secret team called Operation Vijay’ to deal with the Pakistani aggression and reclaim the occupied territories. During this operation, the Indian forces executed well- coordinated and meticulously planned military manoeuvres. That included strategical and positioning and planning, tactical assaults, precise logistical support.
All aimed at regaining the peaks and posts that had been seized by Pakistani forces. The conflict witnessed intense fighting, with both of the sides engaging in intense battles to gain or regain of these crucial positions.
On July 26, 1999:- Kargil Vijay Diwas
On July 26, 1999, after two months of battles. The Indian armed forces successfully captivated all the seized and occupied peaks and posts. The pivotal and special moment of victory came with the recapture of Tololing Peak. After the recapture of these key positions. The Pakistani forces were forced to retreat, and the great Kargil War, came to an end on the same day.
This operation showcased exceptional skills, bravery, enthusiasm, and determination of the Indian soldiers in this successful mission to reclaim the occupied territories and restore the nation’s territorial integrity. Amid the rising tensions, both the countries engaged in healthy and sensitive diplomatic talks to resolve the conflict peacefully.
the situation remained highly sensitive:-
However, the situation remained highly sensitive, and the international community closely monitored the developments in the region. This war was one of the major military conflicts that took place between two South Asian countries. Which resulted in a great loss of life and resources. Other countries heavily criticised Pakistan for initiating and the cause of this war.
It is said to be the last war that happened between Pakistan and India. After the Kargil War, there was
a sudden rise in patriotism, with celebrities and intellectuals expressing support for the cause. The death of the pilot Ajay Ahuja, along with the unexpectedly high casualties for the Indian military, angered Indians. After the war, the government severed ties with the Pakistani government and increased the defence security and
preparedness.
Forces used by the Indian army:-
The Kargil War involved a combination of aerial warfare, conventional warfare, and mountain warfare. The Indian army also used a variety of weapons to counter the infiltrations and defend its positions. Some of the weapons that were used in the war included:-
- Small arms: Infantry units such as Rifles, machine guns and other smaller arms were used for close-quarter combat.
- Artillery guns: Various types of artillery guns were used by both the sides such howitzers and mortars for long-rage bombardments and support fire
- Mortars:- Different type of mortars such as heavy and medium mortars were used to target various enemy positions in mountainous terrains.
- Tanks: Armoured and special units tanks to provide firepower and support during offensive operations
- Aircrafts: The Indian Air Force played a crucial role by using fighter jets and helicopters for airstrikes. The Indian and Pakistani Air Force also engaged in aerial combat using fighter
jets such as the MiG-29, MiG-21, Mirage (India) - Helicopters: Both the countries employed helicopters for troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support.
- Bofors Guns: Bofors howitzers were used for their accuracy and effectiveness against enemy positions. The armies also used Grenade Launchers, Laser-guided bombs, Mirage 2000H, INSAS, SAF Carbine, AK-47, The Mikyogon MiG- 27, FH77, etc.
Movies and remakes:-
This conflict also opened the gates of dramatic material for filmmakers, directors and authors in India. Some documentaries of the war were used by the ruling party called Bhartiya Janata Party. In furthering and promoting its election campaign. Many movies, short films, documentaries, etc were released after the war. That either stated the conditions during and aftermath of the war, or about the martyrs. Or about the people who were a part of it. LOC: Kargil, is a Hindi movie that was launched in 2003.
That depicted the majority of events that happened in the war. It is also said to be the longest Indian movie running for more than four hours. Pentagram’s single, Price of Bullets, which was released in 1999, dealt with the Kargil War. Lakshya was another Hindi movie that portrayed a fictionalised account of the conflict.
Dhoop was a movie released in 2003:-
Dhoop was a movie released in 2003 that depicted the life of a great soldier, Anuj Nayyar’s parents after his death. Fifty Day War was a theatrical production on the war. It was claimed to be the biggest production in Asia, which involved real aircrafts and explosions in an outdoor setting. Laag was a Pakistani film that was based on the army struggles of the Pakistani soldiers in the conflict.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas:-
Moreover, This year marked the 24 th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Divas. Rajnath Singh. The defence minister paid his homage to the honourable soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil War. By going to the Kargil Battle Memorial. The Kargil War/Battle Memorial is built by the Indian army, and is located in Dras. Which is in the foothills of the Tololing Hills. A poem by Makhanlal Chaturvedi, ‘Push ki Abhilasha’, is written on the gateway of the memorial place.
The memorial is located
However, The memorial is located from about 5kms away from the city centre across the Tiger hill. Which commemorates the martyrs of the Kargil War. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his respect to the Kargil War martyrs. I giant national flag, weighing about 15kg is also hoisted at the Kargil War memorial to pay respect to the martyrs. The Kargil Divas is a special and solemn occasion for the nation to pay tribute. To the valiant soldiers who dispatched utmost unwavering courage and sacrifice in defending India’s sovereignty during the Kargil War.
