As the nation commemorated the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the valiant soldiers who safeguarded our borders in 1999, a haunting silence surrounded the plight of another group of bravehearts – the Kargil porters. For over two decades, more than 200 such individuals, once hailed as indispensable to the war effort, have been left grappling with broken promises and official indifference. Their long struggle for justice is not merely a tale of administrative oversight-it is a profound reflection of how we, as a nation, sometimes fail to uphold the very ideals of honour, dignity, and commitment that we celebrate each year.
In the crucible of war, when Indian soldiers were fighting tooth and nail to reclaim the icy heights of Tololing, Tiger Hill, Batalik and Drass, the Army turned to civilian porters to provide critical logistical support. Collectively known as the “Tanda Tiger Force”, civilians answered that call. These men, unarmed and unequipped for battle, nonetheless risked everything, ferrying ammunition, food, and supplies to the frontlines. Seven porters were martyred in this effort, and dozens were grievously injured. Their role, though not glamorised, was crucial. Without them, the supply chains that sustained our soldiers could have crumbled under the weight of terrain and war.
And yet, 26 years later, these very porters remain forgotten in the margins of history. While the next of kin of the seven martyred porters were justly given Government jobs, and 225 others were absorbed into Army recruitment drives or other services, more than 200 porters continue to await justice. Despite carrying certificates of commendation from the Army, and despite repeated assurances – both written and verbal – their appeals have met the proverbial red tape and apathy. Some of them have written to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Defence Minister, only to be redirected to various commands, with no conclusive outcome.
For most of them, however, time is running out. They are no longer in the prime of youth; they are ageing, burdened by poverty, and fatigued by a quarter-century of appeals. Their dreams of securing stable jobs are dim. The only viable options left – given their age and health – are either a lump sum ex gratia payment or a monthly pension, as suggested by recommendations from the Northern Command to the Ministry of Defence years ago. This is not about creating a new entitlement class. Nor is it an overwhelming financial burden. It is for a few hundred men, whose lives were irrevocably altered by their wartime service. Many live in substandard conditions, without proper housing or healthcare. Several were injured during the war and now suffer permanent disabilities. Some have had their applications for welfare schemes, including the PM AwasYojana, repeatedly ignored. The systemic neglect of auxiliary personnel in conflict zones is not new, but that does not make it acceptable. These porters were not merely contractual labourers; they were essentially frontline war contributors. To ignore them now is to dishonour their sacrifice. Their demand is not solely for financial assistance; it is for acknowledgement, for dignity, and for the nation to honour a commitment made in its hour of need.
It is not that the Government has done nothing. But doing something for a few and ignoring the rest undermines the very spirit of equity and justice. When the nation relies on citizens to step forward in times of crisis, it must also be prepared to stand by them when peace returns. That is the foundation of trust between a country and its people. The Kargil porters’ case is not a mammoth logistical or financial task. It is a matter of political will and moral clarity. Providing them with a reasonable pension or lump sum compensation is both just and feasible. The porters of Kargil may have remained unsung, but their sacrifices echo through the icy winds of Drass and the stony trails of Tiger Hill. It is time for the nation to listen and respond with justice, recognition, and gratitude.
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