​Kargil Vijay Diwas: 15 Lesser-Known War Facts

NewsPoint

Jul 26, 2023

​Surprise Invasion

The Kargil War was an unforeseen intrusion by Pakistani forces into Indian territory, occupying strategic positions in the Kargil region, resulting in intense military confrontations.

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​Strategic Location

The Kargil district is positioned along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

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​Infiltration By Regular Soldiers

Unlike previous conflicts, Pakistan's regular army directly participated in the Kargil War instead of supporting irregular forces or militants.

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​Operation Vijay

India's military response to the Kargil intrusion was codenamed "Operation Vijay," with the objective of pushing back Pakistani forces and reclaiming the occupied areas.

Image Source: TNN

​High Altitude Warfare

The war was fought at extreme altitudes, with battlegrounds reaching heights over 18,000 feet, presenting unique challenges due to harsh weather and terrain conditions.

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​Bravery & Sacrifice

Indian soldiers displayed tremendous bravery, often engaging in hand-to-hand combat, resulting in acts of valor and sacrifice.

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Air Force's Vital Role

The Indian Air Force provided crucial air support to ground forces, conducting successful airstrikes to dislodge Pakistani positions.

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Utilization Of Heavy Artillery

Both sides deployed heavy artillery, including howitzers and rocket launchers, to gain an advantage during the conflict.

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International Involvement

The international community played a significant role in resolving the conflict, urging Pakistan to withdraw its forces from Indian territory.

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Return Of Captured Soldiers

During the war, India captured some Pakistani soldiers, and they were later released and handed back to Pakistan as a humanitarian gesture after the conflict's end.

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Media Coverage

The Kargil War was one of the first conflicts in the region to receive extensive media coverage, with journalists reporting from the front lines, providing real-time updates to the public.

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​Diplomatic Efforts

Diplomatic initiatives were made to find a peaceful resolution amid escalating tensions. The Lahore Declaration, signed in February 1999, aimed to improve relations between India and Pakistan but was undermined by the war.

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​Conflict Resolution

The war concluded on July 26, 1999, as India successfully pushed back Pakistani forces from the occupied positions. India celebrates this day annually as "Kargil Vijay Diwas" to honor the soldiers' bravery.

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Casualties

The Kargil War resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with hundreds of soldiers losing their lives during the conflict.

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Aftermath & Peace Process

The Kargil War had lasting implications on the India-Pakistan relationship. Following the conflict, both countries engaged in peace talks and efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

Image Source: iStock

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