On July 26, 1999, India took charge of the command outposts which were lost to Pakistani intruders. It was a long drawn battle that lasted for 60 days on the mountains above Kargil. On the 19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, here are some facts and moments from the war.
How it started
Pakistani army men placed themselves on the higher grounds of LOC, which gave them an advantage. This gave them a firing advantage too. It was local shepherds who alerted the Indian army about the infiltration and that led to the army launching 'Operation Vijay'.
Operation Safed Sagar
The Indian Air Force extended its support to the army by launching Operation Safed Sagar. The MiGs and Mirages launched their attack on the enemy with the help of fighter jets like MiG-21, MiG-27 and Mirage 2000. IAF attacked the key positions of Pakistani troops and continued their support from one side of the LoC.
Bone-chilling temperatures
Wars are difficult, but they are particularly challenging when fought on difficult terrain in subzero temperatures. The Kargil war took place on the higher grounds of Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir in minus 10 degree Celsius temperatures.
Pakistan's request
Pakistan requested the United States to intervene in the war, but President Bill Clinton declined to intervene till Pakistan withdrew its forces from the LOC.
Death toll
Both countries saw a large number of casualties. India had posted around 2 lakh armed personnel on LoC for the war. It saw a death toll of 527 along with 1300 Indian troops getting injured. Pakistan's death toll varied from 300 to 500.
The sound of final victory
India finally conquered the rest of the outposts in Kargil and the armed forces took control of the major positions of the Line of Control, capturing nearly all high ground of the area.The last of the outposts were overtaken by July 26, ending the Kargil war.