Harsha Kakar
26 July is when the nation celebrates Kargil Diwas, in memory of our soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice regaining Kargil heights, illegally occupied by Pakistani troops. Loss of the heights would have impacted Indian deployment in Leh and Siachen as the heights permitted domination by fire of over twenty- five KMs of the Srinagar- Leh road. Post the discovery of Pakistani troops on the heights in May, India commenced operations to dislodge the invaders, which finally concluded on 26th July.
The basic fact is that Kargil is Indian territory, occupied by Pakistani troops, therefore had to be recaptured, irrespective of cost. Failure of recapture, would have only emboldened Pakistan in the future. It was Pakistan which accepted defeat and withdrew whatever few soldiers remained alive.
While it was a limited war, the nation was prepared for a complete spectrum operation. With the war going against them, Nawaz Sharif went with a begging bowl to the US, requesting them to broker peace while enabling Pakistan to save face. The reasons for thisarevaried. A warning from the US about an Indian threat to expand area of operations, Indian navy blocking shipping to Pakistan’s ports, hence restricting move of oil supplies to the nation, Indian army succeeding in recapturing the heights, irrespective of cost of lives, Indian air force joining operations and Pakistan casualties rising, are some of the reasons. In addition, was the fact, that once operations were launched and objectives secured, Pakistan army’s direct involvement came to the fore. However, as an irony of fate, the man who planned the operation and ultimately agreed to withdraw, thus admitting defeat, Pervez Musharraf, became the next president of Pakistan.
VIJAY DIWAS SPECIAL
By keeping the conflict confined to the area of Kargil, while enhancing deployment across the entire front, earned India international support, while Pakistan lost credibility. It brought the world closer to understanding Indian military and diplomatic power. The US moved closer to India, while alienating its staunch ally Pakistan. China remained neutral, only providing diplomatic support to Pakistan.
The period between Kargil and the present has witnessed positive improvements in some spheres and stalemate in others. At the Indian army level, the raising of a corps HQs at Leh, mainly to cater for Kargil, Siachen and the sensitive Chinese front, induction of additional forces, solely for Kargil and construction of defences which could be held all year around are some positive improvements. The raising of the corps also increasesthe availability of additional forces, which could enhance defence potential in any threatened sector. Induction of additional transport aircraft for the air force has enhanced the capability of rapid deployment of reserves.
A major shortfall which continues to remain is enhancing military capabilities. The artillery, which was a major battle winning factor during the Kargil war, has had no fresh inductions, post the Bofors scandal. While deals are presently around the corner, unless guns are inducted, this shortfall would remain.Similar is the case with the air force. It continues to be plagued by reduced squadron strengths. While induction of Tejas has commenced, discussions on the Rafale prolongs. The hunt for a personal weapon for the infantry continues to elude the army, as also is provision of night fighting capabilities at the grass root level. Ammunition is below the approved national holding.
A stalemate which continues to plague the Indian military then and now is its functioning in water tight compartments, leading to lack of coordination between various services. The blame game between the air force and the army over their participation in the Kargil war continues to this day. The appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was one of the major recommendations projected by the Kargil Committee headed by K Subrahmanyam, however it has yet to see the light of day. Management of defence at the national level continues to be adhoc with continuing inter-service rivalries leading to disjointed planning and procurements. The HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), created to be headed by the CDS, remains toothless. While action to integrate all intelligence agencies has been undertaken, its efficacyand central verses branch loyalties,remain in doubt.
Another fallout of the Kargil war has been the breakdown in trust between India and Pakistan. While Vajpayee was in Lahore, hoping to build relations, troops from the Pakistan army were moving into Kargil. The confirmation of the Pakistan army involvement broke the limited bonhomie which existed between the two countries. It took time before India even considered the thought of recommencing dialogue. This deficit continues even to this day. Post Pathankot, the government is hesitant to even contemplate a foreign secretary level meeting, knowing one more incident could push talks away. The insistence on visible action on the perpetrators of Pathankot is justified only based on past experiences. Thus resolution of dispute by talks is miles away from even commencement. India has thus begun looking beyond Pakistan.
Within Pakistan, accepting one more defeat after 65 and 71, only increased the alienation of their army against India. Its failure to accept even the bodies of its soldiers was a poor case of soldierly conduct, but it had no choice as it was forced to continue with the charade of only militant involvement. It firmed their belief that the only road to obtaining Kashmir was through increased militancy. They realized that military means would no longer be a solution and India would never accept defeat, irrespective of the cost. Thus beganincreased dependency on terrorist groups while enhancing the importance of the ISI. The support to the present Kashmir situation is a continuation of this policy. Simultaneously, their vulnerabilities in capabilities to deal with India militarily were highlighted, resulting in Pakistan resorting to altering its nuclear doctrine and developing tactical nuclear weapons to counter a major Indian strike.
The Indian army became a household name and the heroes of Kargil remain revered to date. This was the first televised war and the comments made by those who fought and died are forever etched in our minds. How can the nation ever forget, “Yehdilmaange more,” and “Either I will come back after hoisting the tri-colour or wrapped in it; but I will be back for sure.”
The Government on its part has been slow in implementing reforms to ensure that the response of the military in future wars is more coordinated and effective, as also in creating capacities to counter any future adventurism from across the borders. In the Indian context, management of defence always recedes into the background during peace only to be reconsidered when operations are imminent. Unless we look back, learn and plan for the future, we would continue to fight battles in past light with past errors. Internal reforms need to be pushed through early commencing with the appointing of a CDS while inducting much needed capabilities.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
Drass War Memorial
Drass War Memorial is a small monument that commemorates the historic success of Operation Vijay during the Indo-Pak war of 1999. This war memorial is dedicated to all those martyrs who lost their lives while safeguarding the country against intruders. Situated in the Drass village of Kargil district, this victory monument was built after the Indian Army pushed away the Pakistani troops and gained control over the region. This momentous victory in the battlefield was announced on 26th July 1999, which is celebrated as Vijay Diwas every year.
The memorial is made of pink sandstone and features an epitaph that is dedicated to the selfless sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Army emblems, war document archives and miniatures of Himalayan mountain range are kept in the museum of this memorial. A special war gallery, named after Captain Manoj Pandey, features photographs and seized Pakistani weapons from the war. At the entrance, visitors would find an elegy written by Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Names of soldiers and officers who sacrificed their lives are mentioned on the walls of this war memorial.
Courtesy : http://getawaytourandtravels.com
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