Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra (Retd)
On 26th July every year, as the nation bows in tribute to its fallen heroes, the mountains of Kargil echo with silent salutes and proud remembrance. Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a commemoration of military victory-it is a solemn reminder of what courage, unity, and sacrifice truly mean.
The 1999 Kargil War was one of the most testing episodes in India’s post-independence military history. It was not just the altitude or the terrain that made it difficult. It was the betrayal-the audacity of Pakistan to violate the trust and understanding of winter vacated posts, and the determination of our troops to reclaim every inch of our motherland that made it unforgettable. And reclaim they did-inch by inch, peak by peak-with sweat, steel, and sacrifice.
The Spirit Behind the Victory
The bravery of our soldiers has been well acknowledged. But what also deserves recognition is the exceptional leadership, camaraderie, and operational synergy that defined the Indian Army’s response. From commanding officers to young lieutenants, leadership flowed through ranks-not through orders alone but through example.
Unit cohesion, regimental bonding, and the unshakeable brotherhood among soldiers created an invisible yet indomitable force on the ground. Battalions didn’t just fight-they fought together as families, each man covering the other, each unit drawing strength from the next. The spirit of mutual trust between officers and men was as vital as the weapons they carried.
The coordination between infantry and artillery was another cornerstone of this success. The intelligent and bold use of precision artillery fire to soften enemy positions, followed by daring infantry assaults, demonstrated tactical brilliance and joint-manship of a high order. The synergy among arms and services made the difference in the hostile heights of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batalik.
And above all, the morale-undaunted, unyielding. Even in the face of certain death, our troops moved ahead. Not once, but again and again, until the final bunker was cleared.
The Grit of the People: Unsung Yet Vital
While the uniformed fraternity led from the front, the resilience of the people of Jammu & Kashmir formed the silent backbone of national effort. In 1999, the region was one state-its population endured daily shelling, displacement, and uncertainty. But instead of fear, they displayed faith-faith in the nation, and solidarity with the soldier.
Border villages like Drass, Kargil, and others lived under the shadow of enemy fire. Yet, local communities provided shelter, assistance, and crucial information. In fact, the first detection of Pakistani intrusion in Batalik was made by local shepherds, whose alertness and courage played a key role in initiating the military response.
Moreover, a large number of the brave soldiers who fought and fell were sons of the soil-soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir itself, proudly wearing the Indian uniform. Their sacrifice reflects the deep-rooted sense of patriotism in the people of this region-a fact that must never be forgotten. Their role was not peripheral-it was pivotal.
The Betrayal and the Lesson
The Kargil intrusion was not a result of negligence. At the time, certain high-altitude posts were routinely vacated during winter with a mutual understanding between both sides. It was this trust that Pakistan shamelessly broke, by occupying vacated heights and attempting to change the status quo through deception and force.
India’s response, however, remains a case study in restrained yet resolute retaliation. We refused to cross the LoC. We respected international boundaries. But within our side of the line, we ensured every peak was reclaimed-at great cost, but with greater honour.
The lesson is clear: while our forces remain alert and prepared, the real key lies in ensuring such intrusions never happen again. Prevention, aided by surveillance, trust-but with verification-must be the mantra.
The New Frontiers of Conflict
Today, even as our territorial borders remain vigilantly guarded, the nature of intrusion has evolved. No longer is the enemy only a soldier with a gun across the LoC. Modern warfare is stealthy, psychological, and corrosive-targeting minds, values, and the national fabric.
* Drug infiltration in border states is not just a criminal concern-it is a strategic weapon aimed at destroying our youth. Narcotics are being pushed deliberately to weaken our future generations and hollow our societal core.
* Information warfare is on the rise. Fake narratives, propaganda, and misinformation on social media are designed to manipulate public perception, fuel internal conflict, and erode national unity.
* Cyber intrusions now target banks, defence networks, and infrastructure. A single breach can paralyze systems and endanger lives.
* Cultural and ideological subversion seeks to divide Indians along communal, linguistic, and regional lines, undermining the very idea of India.
These intrusions are not fought with rifles. They are fought with awareness, values, unity, and vigilance. And in this war, every citizen is a soldier.
Our Role as Citizens: The Call to Duty
The Kargil War showcased what the uniformed soldier can do. The war of today asks what every Indian can do. It is time to realign our national character towards responsibility, resilience, and unity. The duty to protect our nation no longer lies with the soldier alone. It lies with every household, every teacher, every youth, every leader.
Parents must become the first line of defence-by educating their children against drugs, extremist ideologies, and digital traps. Schools and colleges must go beyond curriculum to instill values of service, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship.
Communities must not fall prey to hate and division. Instead, they must become bulwarks of unity and shared heritage. Religious and social leaders must act as bridges-not barriers.
Governments and administrations must ensure development with security-inclusive, equitable, and rooted in trust. The people of Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, must be empowered as the first protectors of the land and its dignity.
And most importantly, the youth of India must step forward-not just to join the forces-but to become doctors who serve in villages, entrepreneurs who uplift communities, and tech minds who safeguard the digital frontier.
This is the new bonhomie that India must build-between soldier and citizen, between past and future.
Kargil: A Legacy Beyond War
Kargil was not just a battle. It was a test of character-and India passed gloriously. But remembering Kargil is not enough. We must live Kargil-its spirit, its lessons, its legacy.
Let this Vijay Diwas be more than a salute. Let it be a pledge-to defend not just territory, but the values and vision of India. To ensure no enemy, seen or unseen, ever succeeds in dividing or weakening us.
Because true victory is not in reclaiming lost peaks. It is in ensuring they are never lost again-not to the enemy outside, not to the weaknesses within. Let us honour our heroes by becoming worthy of their sacrifice.
Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.
(The author later commanded the “For Ever in Operations” Division responsible for Kargil)
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