Though the nation still strongly remembers the Kargil War, which ended with India's victory on July 26, 1999, the lesser-known events that preceded the significant war are just as important to understand the origins .
The secretive Pakistani military effort, known as Operation Badr, established the conditions for the eventual conflict.
Operation Badr: A Brief History
The Kargil conflict did not develop out of thin air. Operation Badr was a carefully planned military operation carried out by the Pakistani military. This secret mission was created with the intention of:
- Strategic Advantage: Occupying key heights along the Line of Control (LoC) to gain a tactical advantage over India.
- Territorial Gains: Encroaching upon Indian territory to alter the status quo in Kashmir.
- International Pressure: Creating a situation that would compel India to accept Pakistan's terms on Kashmir.
- The Pakistani Army, under the leadership of General Pervez Musharraf, carefully selected and trained troops for this mission. The infiltration was carried out during the harsh winter months when the high-altitude posts were vacated by the Indian Army, providing a window of opportunity for the Pakistani forces.
The Gallantary Awards website mentions: “In 1999, shortly after the signing of the Lahore Declaration, India and Pakistan fought the Kargil war. The war began when Pakistani forces disguised as Kashmiri terrorists infiltrated on the Indian side of the LC and took over the Indian Army's winter vacated posts, as part of an operation, code-named "Operation Badr."
Source: Pakistan Army
READ| Pakistan’s Strategy and Objective in the Kargil War
The Pakistani troops infiltrated the Indian side of the LoC under the cover of darkness. They occupied strategic mountain peaks, establishing fortified positions. These heights offered a significant military advantage, as they overlooked vital Indian supply routes and communication lines.
The occupation was executed with remarkable stealth. The initial Indian patrols were unaware of the intrusion due to the inhospitable terrain and adverse weather conditions. Further, the It was only when the snow began to melt and the mountains became accessible that the full extent of the Pakistani infiltration became apparent.
The initial reports of Pakistani troops occupying various positions came from a shepherd named Tashi Namgyal. In response to this information, the Indian military sent out patrols to assess the situation.
Source: DNA India
The Gallantary Awards website mentions: “On 3 May 1999, the local people first reported of the presence of unidentified personnel at an army unit at Banju Headquarters of Kargil sector. Reconnaissance patrols were expeditiously despatched to investigate the presence of infiltrators. Over the next few days, extensive patrolling and aerial reconnaissance were conducted. The magnitude of Pakistan's invasion and preparation was quickly revealed, and plan was prepared to evict Pakistani troops from the Indian side of the LC. This was to be done as soon as possible and with least possible casualties. To avert escalation of the conflict, the Indian government stipulated that the LC should not be crossed by the Indian armed forces.”
The Indian Response: Operation Vijay
The infiltration triggered a massive Indian military response, codenamed Operation Vijay. The Indian Army, supported by the Air Force, launched a counter-offensive to dislodge the Pakistani intruders. The operation was characterised by intense combat, with Indian soldiers displaying unparalleled courage and determination.
READ| Operation Vijay: Planning and Execution
Key Strategies of Operation Vijay
- Tololing and Tiger Hill: These peaks became the focal points of the conflict. The capture of Tololing in June 1999 by the Indian Army marked a significant turning point. Following this, the battle for Tiger Hill saw some of the fiercest fighting. The eventual capture of Tiger Hill provided a strategic vantage point and boosted Indian morale.
- Use of Artillery and Air Power: The Indian Army relied heavily on artillery bombardment to dislodge the entrenched Pakistani positions. The Indian Air Force played a crucial role with precision strikes, despite the challenges posed by the high altitude and the threat of Pakistani surface-to-air missiles.
Operation Vijay! 🇮🇳#25YearsofKargilVijay pic.twitter.com/oOwBYsY1dU
— BJYM (@BJYM) July 25, 2024
The Gallantary Awards website mentions: “All three services came together to launch the tri-service joint plan. The Indian military leadership included the use of all the elements of military power in the joint plan. It was decided to use the Indian Air Force to target the entrenched positions of the infiltrators, on the high ridges, in the region and the artillery, to not allow the intruders any rest.”
“Meanwhile the Navy, unencumbered by the constraint of not crossing the LC deployed proactively in full strength to signal that any expansion of conflict would result in the full might of our military being brought to bear upon Pakistan. The plan was a departure from the strategic restraint that India has generally shown against the sub-conventional provocations by Pakistan,” it adds.
The Kargil War, which lasted for over two months, was a critical fight for India. It showcased the nation's military prowess and the indomitable spirit of its armed forces. The sacrifices made by the soldiers during this conflict will forever be etched in the nation's memory.
As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas, it is essential to remember the events that led to this historic victory. Operation Badr serves as a stark reminder of the challenges India has faced and the resilience with which it has overcome them.
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