Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: 10 facts about Kargil War you must know

The Kargil War stands as a poignant chapter in Indian history, forever etched in the collective memory of the nation. It pays tribute to the bravery and valor of the Kargil War heroes who spearheaded Operation Vijay, culminating in the triumph of the Indian Armed Forces, albeit at a heavy cost. Each year, on July 26, India commemorates this victory as Kargil Vijay Diwas, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their motherland. Here are 10 compelling facts shedding light on the Kargil War:

1. Timeline: The Kargil conflict took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
   
2. Origins: The war was a result of infiltration and incursion by Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into the Indian-controlled territory of Kargil.
   
3. Operation Vijay: This term refers to the Indian military's campaign to recapture the occupied Kargil heights.
   
4. High Altitude Warfare: The Kargil War was unique in that it was fought at high altitudes, with some posts situated at over 18,000 feet, making it one of the most challenging terrains for warfare.
   
5. Casualties: The conflict took a toll on both sides, with around 500 Indian and over 700 Pakistani soldiers losing their lives.
   
6. Military Tactics: The war involved the extensive use of artillery, air power, and infantry operations.
   
7. Air Force Role: The Indian Air Force played a pivotal role in providing aerial support during the conflict, conducting crucial airstrikes to dislodge the enemy from strategic positions.
   
8. Heroic Acts: Captain Vikram Batra, an Indian Army officer, became a national hero for his bravery and daring acts during the war. His famous words, "Yeh dil maange more," have become iconic.
   
9. Strategic Peaks: The Indian Army recaptured the strategic peaks of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, among others, during the war.
   
10. International Attention: The Kargil War marked the first time since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 that the two countries engaged in direct military conflict, garnering international attention and prompting various countries to urge Pakistan to withdraw its troops from the region.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is a reminder of the sacrifice and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces and a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation.