Five Years Ago ...

We are nearing the 5th anniversary of the Kargil dispute. Five years ago, intruders from across the Line of Control occupied Indian positions in Kashmir while the Indian Army had retreated for the winters. This apparently was Phase One of a Pakistani Army plan hatched way back in 1989 which envisioned Pakistani troops wresting strategic control of the Jammu-Srinagar-Leh highway and by extension a major chunk of Kashmir.

I just read an article on Rediff extolling the valor of six soldiers, one among them Amar Shaheed Lt. Saurabh Kalia - the first Indian Army officer to be martyred in the conflict. He and his men were brutally tortured for 22 days before their hideously mutilated bodies were returned to the Indian Army. His father has since then been trying to bring to public attention this gross violation of human rights (see his appeal) by the Pakistani Army. However, considerations of real politik have prevented the Indian Govt. from taking a strong stand on the matter. I wonder what message this sends to our soldiers. That apart, there was tremendous outpouring of support for the family of Lt. Kalia. Thousands of letters, many written in blood are today displayed in a museum dedicated to the memory of Lt. Kalia. Another Indian, who would have celebrated his birthday on the day Lt. Kalia met his fate, decided not to ever celebrate his birthday in honor of Lt. Kalia's memory. Such support must have surely helped Lt. Kalia's family wade through its gravest hour. The sad truth, however is that Lt. Kalia's father is still trying to get justice for his son's death. At the very least, some of the so called human rights organizations in India should take this cause up and highlight it at a national and international level.

Operation Vijay was nothing but a two month long story of bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. As many as four armymen were awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award. Nine Mahavir Chakras were also awarded along with 56 Vir Chakras and 106 Sena Medals, making this the most decorated operation in Indian military history. I doubt any military campaign, with the possible exception of Normandy during WWII was fought against such extreme odds. The Indian soldiers had to ascend 60 degree slopes - often with direct enemy fire above them and 5-6 feet of snow below them. May God bless their souls!

I don't remember where I picked these from, but the following lines almost made me cry when I first read them: "They died for a stranger ... and that stranger is you!"

Jai Hind!