Kargil Vijay Diwas: 15 intriguing facts about the Kargil War

The Kargil War was a significant armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place in 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. It lasted for approximately three months.
The war is considered a victory for India. Despite facing a surprise attack by Pakistani forces in the Kargil region, the Indian military responded with determination and successfully pushed back the intruders, reclaiming the occupied positions.
Here are 15 intriguing facts about the Kargil War:
Surprise Attack: The Kargil War was an unexpected intrusion by Pakistani forces into Indian territory.They occupied key vantage points in the Kargil region, leading to intense military engagements.
Strategic Location: The Kargil district is situated along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Infiltration of Regular Soldiers: Unlike previous conflicts, Pakistan's army was directly involved in the Kargil War, rather than supporting irregular forces or militants.
Codename Operation Vijay: The Indian military's response to the Kargil intrusion was codenamed "Operation Vijay." It aimed to push back the Pakistani forces and reclaim the occupied positions.
High Altitude Warfare: The war was fought at extreme altitudes, with some of the battlegrounds reaching heights of over 18,000 feet. This presented unique challenges to both sides due to the harsh weather and terrain conditions.
Sacrifice of Brave Indian Soldiers: The Kargil War saw tremendous bravery from Indian soldiers. The conflict led to numerous acts of valor and sacrifice, with soldiers often engaging in hand-to-hand combat.
Air Force's Role: The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in providing air support to ground forces. They conducted several successful airstrikes to dislodge Pakistani positions.
Use of Heavy Artillery: Both sides used heavy artillery, including howitzers and rocket launchers, to gain an advantage during the conflict.
International Involvement: The international community played a significant role in defusing the situation. The United States and other countries urged Pakistan to withdraw its forces from Indian territory.
Return of Captured Soldiers: During the war, India captured some Pakistani soldiers. In a humanitarian gesture, they were later released and handed back to Pakistan after the conflict ended.
Media Coverage: The Kargil War was one of the first conflicts in the region to receive extensive media coverage. Journalists reported from the front lines, providing real-time updates to the public.
Diplomatic Efforts: Amid the escalating tensions, diplomatic efforts were made to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Lahore Declaration, signed in February 1999, aimed at improving relations between India and Pakistan but was eventually undermined by the war.
The End of Conflict: The war came to an end on July 26, 1999, when India successfully pushed back the Pakistani forces from the occupied positions. The day is celebrated annually in India as "Kargil Vijay Diwas" to honor the soldiers' bravery.
Casualties: The Kargil War resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Exact figures vary, but it is estimated that hundreds of soldiers lost their lives during the conflict.
Aftermath and Peace Process: The Kargil War had a lasting impact on the India-Pakistan relationship. Following the conflict, both countries made efforts to engage in peace talks and reduce tensions in the region.