KARGIL WAR

 KARGIL WAR

Why in News?

§  Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to pay tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country during the Kargil War (1999).

§  This event marks the conclusion of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan that started in May 1999.

What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?

§  Kargil Vijay Diwas, or Kargil Victory Day, is a significant day observed annually on July 26 in India.

§  The day commemorates India's triumph in the 1999 conflict with Pakistan and honours the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the war.

§  The Kargil war of 1999 was the first military confrontation in a nuclearized SouthAsia, and arguably the first real war between two Nuclear States.

Background:

§  India and Pakistan have a history of conflicts, including a significant one in 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

§  Post-1971, both nations faced ongoing tensions, particularly vying for control over the Siachen Glacier through military outposts on nearby mountain ridges.

§  In 1998, both countries conducted nuclear tests, escalating tensions. The Lahore Declaration in February 1999 aimed to resolve the Kashmir conflict peacefully and bilaterally.

§  During the winter of 1998-1999, Pakistani armed forces covertly trained and deployed troops across the Line of Control (LOC) to seize fortified positions overlooking NH 1A in the Drass and Batalik Sectors of Kargil, Ladakh.

§  Indian troops initially mistook the infiltrators for terrorists or 'jihadis,' but it soon became clear that the attack was a well-organised military operation.

§  It was fought in the summer of 1999 along a 170km mountain frontier, stretching from Mashkoh Valley to Turtuk in the Kargil sector,

§  In response, India launched Operation Vijay, deploying over 200,000 troops to the region to counter the incursion.

Key Facts about Kargil War:

§  It was fought between India and Pakistan between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC).

Cause:

§  In an effort to ease these tensions, India and Pakistan signed the Lahore DeclarationinFebruary 1999, which aimed for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.

§  However, during the winter of 1998-1999, Pakistani forces secretly infiltrated the Drass and Batalik sectors of Kargil in the Ladakh region.

§  Their objective was to capture positions that would allow them to monitorand potentially control movements along the vital NH 1A highway.

§  Initially, the Indian military mistook these infiltrators for insurgents. As the scale of the infiltration became apparent, India mobilized nearly 200,000 troops to counter the threat, leading to the onset of the Kargil War.

§  Operation Vijay: The Indian Army fought bravely and recaptured the famous 'Tiger Hill' and other important posts around under 'Operation Vijay' by evicting the Pakistanitroops in the 1999 Kargil War.

§  High Altitude Warfare: It was fought at extreme altitudes, with some of the battlegrounds reaching heights of over 18,000 feet.

§  Duration: It lasted for approximately three months.

Armaments:

§  The Indian Army employed heavy artillery, airpower, as well as major infantry operations during the Kargil War.

§  In a first, the Indian side used the Bofors FH-77B howitzers to shoot down enemy positions nested at the top of the mountains.

§  Israel provided their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to India during the conflict.

§  Live on TV: It was the first ever war to be broadcasted live on TV channels in India.

§  The End of Conflict: The war came to an end on July 26, 1999,when India successfullypushed back the Pakistani forces from the occupied positions.

§  Casualties: As per official figures, around 500 Indian soldiers laid down their lives while at least 1,000 Pakistani troops were also killed.

§  It was the last war that happened between India and Pakistan.