Operation Vijay

In May 1999, the Indian subcontinent was rocked by one of the most intense conflicts in the region’s history. The Kargil War, also known as Operation Vijay, was a military conflict that took place between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Genesis of Kargil War

The Kargil War started with the infiltration of Pakistani troops and terrorists deep inside Indian territory in strategic positions that overlooked the only road link between Srinagar and Leh. This caused a significant threat to India’s security as it was a highly strategic area. The Indian Army launched an all-out assault on the intruders and the conflict escalated quickly.

Pakistan’s then army chief General Pervez Musharraf was the brain behind the incursion into Indian territory, although the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that he was unaware of it. General Musharraf saw this as an opportunity to grab control of the Kargil region without attracting international attention.

Operation Vijay: India’s Response

The Indian Army, aided by the Indian Air Force, swiftly launched a counter-offensive against the intruders. Based on information from local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launched “Operation Vijay” to recapture the Kargil region. The operation was conducted in three phases: planning, mobilization, and execution.

The Indian Army launched a full-scale military operation, deploying over 250,000 troops, artillery, and tanks, to counter the intruders. The operation was not an easy one, as the terrain was mountainous and heavily fortified. The Indian forces had to overcome stiff resistance from the Pakistani troops, who were well entrenched in the high-altitude mountainous terrain.

The Triumph of Vijay Diwas

After a grueling two-month-long conflict, the Indian Army finally emerged victorious on July 26, 1999, when it successfully recaptured the Kargil region. The Army declared the mission successful, and since then, the day has been celebrated annually as Vijay Diwas. The victory was a major boost for India, which had managed to overcome a significant military threat to its security.

The Price of Victory

The victory in Kargil came at a high cost. The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, including 33 officers, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453. The conflict highlighted the need for better intelligence gathering and security measures along the border to prevent future incursions.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2017