Kargil Diwas 2024: The Story Of Indian Army’s First Encounter With The Pakistani Troops Disguised As ‘Jihadis’

The Kargil War officially ended 25 years ago, on July 26, 1999. Every year on this date, India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas to honor its victory over Pakistan and remember the brave soldiers who faced great challenges to win in Kargil. To honor this day today, let’s go down the lanes of 1988, when the deadly Kargil war was about to begin.

The Origins of Kargil War

The moment when Indian Army first encountered the Pakistani troops disguised as ‘jihadis’

In the year 1988, Brigadier Pervez Musharraf and the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto planned to separate Kashmir from India. They decided the best way to do this was to take control of the hills along the National Highway from Srinagar to Leh. The extreme cold, reaching minus 40 degrees, would make it tough to move through the snow-covered hills. There had been an understanding between India and Pakistan that troops would be pulled back from these hills during winter. However, when Musharraf became the army chief, he put the plan into action and sent soldiers disguised as militants into the Kargil region during the winter.

On May 3, 1999, a shepherd alerted the Indian Army that Pakistani troops had crossed the border and set up posts. Two days later, on May 5, the Indian Army sent a patrol led by Captain Sourav Kalia to check. When the patrol didn’t return, planes and helicopters were used to investigate. It was discovered that Pakistan had built many bunkers on the Kargil, Daras, and Batalik hills. In response, India mobilized 30 battalions to push the intruders out, with the Eight Sikh Battalion playing a crucial role in the operation.

Read more: Kargil Vijay Diwas: India Marks The Day with Tributes and New Infrastructure Milestone

What was the true intent of Pakistan to launch the kargil war?

The main goal of the Pakistanis in the Kargil area was to capture key hills like Tiger Hill and Tololing along the highway that runs through Mushkoh, Daras, Kaksar, Kargil, and Batalik, connecting to Leh. Their plan was to monitor and attack convoys using this road to block the route and cut off Leh from the Kashmir Valley.

Kargil is a hilly area on the main road from Srinagar to Leh in northern Kashmir and is usually covered with snow in winter. On July 26, 1999, India decisively defeated the Pakistani soldiers disguised as civilians and forced them to surrender.