Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: One of the most important events in the history of the country, the Kargil War is known as the highest battlefield in the world. Every year, July 26 marks the special occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour the sacrifices of the Indian soldiers in the Kargil War. Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the victory of Indian soldiers in capturing the mountain heights occupied by the Pakistani Army.
The Kargil War took place between India and Pakistan in the year 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. On this special occasion, people honour the courageous soldiers who have up their lives for the victory of the country. As this occasion is here, we have brought you some important facts about the Kargil War that you should know.
Facts About The Kargil War
1. Kargil was part of the Baltistan district of Ladakh before the partition of India in 1947 and was separated by the LOC after the First Kashmir War (1947-1948).
2. In 1971 that is before Kargil War, India and Pakistan fought a war that led to the formation of a separate country i.e. Bangladesh.
3. After the Indo-Pak War of 1971, there have been many military conflicts. Both countries conducted nuclear tests in 1998 which further escalated tensions.
4. About two lakh fifty thousand shells, bombs, and rockets were fired. Approximately 5,000 artillery shells, mortar bombs, and rockets were fired daily from 300 guns, mortars, and MBRLs while 9,000 shells were fired the day Tiger Hill was regained.
5. The Kargil War was one of its kind and was fought at high altitudes, with some posts situated at over 18,000 feet, making it one of the most challenging terrains for warfare.
6. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister of India at the time of the war.
7. The Kargil war was fought below the temperature of -10°C.
8. Over 500 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives in Kargil and Pakistan claims that more than 3,000 of their soldiers died.
9. Despite the Shimla Agreement signed between both countries on 2 July 1972, the Kargil war took place.
10. It is said that this was the only war after World War II in which such large numbers of bombings were carried out on enemy forces.