Having driven out enemy forces from all captured territories in Kargil – Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army declared mission Kargil officially successful on July 26 1999.

This day has been officially celebrated as Vijay Diwas, the joyous moment of success – and observed as Vijay Diwas as well, in honor of those who laid down their lives fighting for the nation. It was the efforts of the tremendously motivated and enthusiastic Indian armed forces that led to the enemy beating a hasty retreat and resulted in victory for India.

As is well known, the operation is believed to have been planned by the then Pakistan Army chief and erstwhile President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, without the knowledge of the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif.

Note that Indian PM Vajpayee had held discussions with Nawaz Sharif just before the conflict started and of course, this infiltration on the part of Pakistan came as a surprise. Pakistani troops and terrorists infiltrated into Indian territory at the behest of General Musharraf.

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May 3, 1999: Local Shepherds in Kargil hills report intrusion by Pakistan to Indian Army

May 5, 1999: Five Indian soldiers of Army patrol martyred while attemting to confirm the intrusion reports

May 10, 1999: Pakistani troops noticed for first time in Dras, Kaksar and Mushkoh areas of Kargil. Intrusion by Pakistan now confirmed.

May 26, 1999: IAF figther juets launch massive strikes on infiltrators after Indian Air Force was called in.

June 5, 1999: Pakistan Army involvement is confirmed as Indian Army gets access to documents recovered from three Pakistani soldiers.

June 9, 1999: Two key positions in Betalic sector released from enemy infiltrators.

June 29, 1999: Points 5060 and Point 5100 near Tiger Hill captured by Indian Army.

July 4, 1999: 11 hours of long and tedious battle – Indian Army re-captures Tiger Hill

July 5, 1999: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announces Pakistan Army withdrawl from Kargil as Indian Army takes control of Dras.

July 26, 1999: Complete eviction of enemy intruders announced by Indian Army Operation Vijay ends

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The enemy troops and terrorists positioned themselves in positions that gave them a strategic advantage. Local shepherds and villagers informed members of the Indian Army of the positions of the infiltrators, which then prompted the Army to launch Operation Vijay.

On attack from India, Pakistan forces shot down two fighter jets and another jet crashed. On getting the feelers of the strong counterattack by India, Pakistan asked US for help; it was refused and Pakistan was asked to withdraw. Indian forces attacked the outposts of the Pakistan Army as the main forces began to withdraw. The operation was marked successful on 26 July.

527 soldiers of the Indian Armed forces were martyred in the cause. The Indian Government had mobilised 2lakh troops under Operation Vijay.

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

UdaipurTimes takes this opportunity to pay its homage to the martyred and salute the Indian Armed Forces for their exemplary display of patriotism.