Kargil Vijay Diwas (War): Know The Facts About Operation Vijay 1999

The Kargil War was fought between India and Pakistan in 1999. It began when Pakistan’s army entered Indian-administered Kashmir and occupied strategic heights in the Kargil district, confining Indian military forces to lower elevations. The war is a consequence of a Pakistan strategy named “Operation Badr,” aimed at penetrating the Indian-administered boundary in Jammu and Kashmir. The aim was to cut off the strategic Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1A) and isolate the region of Ladakh.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas translates as the Kargil Victory Day! The day is celebrated every year to monumentalize India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999. The day honors the bravery and sacrifice made by Indian soldiers during the Kargil War. The successful operation against Pakistan was named Operation Vijay. Today, it’s the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War. The day’s motive is Honoring the soldier on Kargil Diwas on Kargil Diwas 2023. The Kargil War was pivotal for both Pakistan and the Indian army.

The Indian military, under the leadership of General Ved Prakash Malik, planned a counter-attack named “Operation Vijay“. The Indian army’s move was thundering, and the courage made an unbeatable resistance. The war ended when the Indian army acquired control of Kargil. The war is the result of more than 500 lives of Indian soldiers and officers.

Facts Of Kargil War

Operation Badr: The codename given by Pakistan to its military operation in Kargil was “Operation Badr,” named after the Battle of Badr fought by Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE.

Infiltration by Pakistani Soldiers: Unlike previous instances of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, where militants and irregulars were involved, the Kargil War saw the direct involvement of regular Pakistani soldiers disguised as militants.

Role of Local Shepherds: The Indian Army’s efforts to push back the infiltrators were often supported by local Ladakhi shepherds who provided crucial information about enemy positions in the difficult terrain.

High Altitude Combat Aviation: The Kargil War was one of the first high-altitude combat aviation instances, where India and Pakistan employed attack helicopters in mountainous regions.

MIG-27 Upgrade: During the Kargil War, the Indian Air Force upgraded some of its MIG-27 fighter jets with laser-guided bombs to enhance precision targeting in the mountainous terrain.

India’s First UAV Attack: The Kargil War saw the Indian Air Force’s first usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and target acquisition, paving the way for their greater use in future conflicts.

Operation Safed Sagar: “Operation Safed Sagar” was the codename given to the Indian Air Force’s airstrikes during the Kargil War. It was launched to target enemy positions and provide support to ground forces.

Naval Blockade: In response to Pakistan’s actions in Kargil, India imposed a naval blockade on Pakistan’s port city of Karachi to put additional pressure on the neighboring country.

Ceasefire Violations: Even after the official end of the Kargil War, sporadic ceasefire violations have continued along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan.

Casualties Due to Artillery Shelling: Many casualties during the Kargil War were attributed to the use of artillery shells in the mountainous region, as shelling caused avalanches and unpredictable terrain conditions.

Burial of Pakistani Soldiers: Some of the Pakistani soldiers who died in the Kargil conflict were initially denied proper burials by Pakistan. They were buried secretly in unmarked graves in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and their families were not informed.

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