Kargil War: The Events of 1999

May

In early May 1999, the Pakistan Army decided to occupy approximately 130 posts in the Kargil region. They strategically established covert and overt bases in advantageous positions within the India-controlled region. Initially, their infiltrations went unnoticed due to heavy artillery fire by Pakistan across the LoC, which provided cover for the infiltrators.

By the second week of May, an Indian patrol team was ambushed, revealing the infiltration. Initially, underestimating the extent of the encroachment, Indian troops believed they could expel the infiltrators within a few days. However, reports of infiltrations along the LoC unveiled the larger scale of the attack. The infiltrators were estimated to have seized an area ranging from 130–200 sq km.

The Indian Government launched Operation Vijay, mobilising 2,00,000 troops to counter the infiltration in the Kargil conflict. Approximately 30,000 Indian soldiers, supported by the paramilitary and air forces, were deployed in the conflict zone. The infiltrators numbered around 5,000, including troops from Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Protecting National Highway No. 1A was a crucial objective for India, as it served as the main supply route. India focused on capturing the hills overlooking the highway, particularly near Kargil. The recapture of infiltrated posts expanded territorial gains and secured the safety of the highway.

By the third week of May, disturbing reports revealed that the enemy had seized strategic positions in the desolate heights of Kargil, necessitating urgent air support for the Indian Army. The Air Force also embarked on reconnaissance missions, providing vital intelligence that exposed the enemy's fortified bunkers and large numbers of well-armed intruders. With the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Operation Safed Sagar was launched on 26 May. Fighter aircraft took off to target the occupied positions held by the Pakistan Army's infantry units masquerading as terrorists and intruders. Despite encountering challenging terrain and high altitudes, the IAF adapted their tactics. However, they faced initial setbacks in their operations.

27 May reports revealed a grim fate where two of its aircraft were lost. To address losses, the Indian Air Force (IAF) altered tactics.

June

June 6 witnessed Indian Army’s launch of major offensive operations in Kargil. On June 9, Indian Air Force launched air campaigns in the Kargil and Batalik sectors. By June 13, the talk between the two countries yielded no result but Indian Army secured Tololing in Dras. The rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations caused global unrest. To help ease the tensions, US President Bill Clinton, on June 15, in a telephone conversation, asked Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to pull out from Kargil. By June 29, Indian Army had captures two vital posts — Point 5060 and Point 5100 near Tiger Hill.

July

July was the story of Tiger Hill. 4 July commemorates the heroic efforts of the soldiers that led to the capture of Tiger Hill after an 11-hour battle, a pivotal moment that significantly altered the course of the Operation Vijay campaign.

On July 5, Indian Army took control of Dras. Sharif announces the Pakistani Army’s withdrawal from Kargil following his meeting with Clinton. On July 11, Pakistan began pullout and India captured key peaks in Batalik. By July 14, PM Vajpayee had declared Operation Vijay a success and the Government had set conditions for talks with Pakistan. By July 26, Indian Army announced the complete eviction of Pakistani Forces.

Kargil saw the Indian troops engaged in direct frontal assaults on well-entrenched Pakistani positions, enduring harsh conditions and heavy casualties. The arduous ascent on peaks as high as 5,500 m demanded sacrifice and resilience. The wind chill factor magnified the frigid atmosphere. After two gruelling months, the relentless determination and sacrifice of the Indian forces tipped the scales in their favour, inching closer to reclaiming what had been seized by the infiltrators.