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Indian Army's Triumph in the Kargil War: A Retrospective
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Context
Twenty-five years ago, the Indian Army achieved a near-impossible feat by recapturing the Kargil heights, despite an intelligence failure. The valor and sacrifice of 527 soldiers underscored the Army's resilience and capability in overcoming extreme challenges.
Controversy Surrounding Intelligence Failure:
- Introduction to the Issue: The Kargil War highlighted significant intelligence lapses, with the Indian Army initially blamed for the failure. However, it was not the Army's mandate to gather strategic intelligence.
- Debate Over Responsibility: The intelligence agencies failed to discern Pakistan’s strategic moves and internal divisions, leading to the intrusions. The Army's role was reactive, focused on operational success rather than intelligence gathering.
- Government Response: The Kargil Review Committee, led by K Subrahmanyam, identified systemic failures and proposed structural reforms to enhance national security and prevent future lapses.
Challenges and Heroism in Recapturing the Heights:
- Logistical and Tactical Challenges: The military was restricted from crossing the Line of Control, necessitating direct infantry assaults on well-defended high-altitude positions. Despite these constraints, the Army successfully recaptured key positions like Tololing and Tiger Hill.
- Leadership and Morale: The success was driven by exceptional leadership and high morale, with leaders like Major General Mohinder Puri and visits from then-Chief General VP Malik bolstering the troops' determination.
- Media's Role: For the first time, responsible media coverage played a crucial role, providing real-time updates that boosted national morale and contributed to the strategic success of the operations.
Valour and Sacrifice:
- Unmatched Sacrifice: The valor of soldiers like Captain Vikram Batra and others, who fought under extreme conditions, remains unparalleled. The war saw the supreme sacrifice of 527 soldiers, including 26 officers, who upheld the honor of their units.
- Legacy of the Heroes: The stories of war heroes like Manoj Pandey, Sanjay Kumar, Yogendra Yadav, Anuj Nayyar, and Vijayant Thapar continue to inspire the nation. Their bravery and dedication are etched in the annals of military history.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q. Discuss the role of intelligence in modern warfare, using the Kargil War as a case study. What reforms were suggested by the Kargil Review Committee to improve intelligence gathering and national security?
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