25 years ago, Colonel Sanjay Vaidya (Retd) was called to fall back immediately when he was visiting his parents. He recalls what followed.
Published Jul 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2024 | 7:05 PM
Artillery pieces at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. (Wikimedia Commons)
From a distance, they seemed like moving at a snail’s pace, the dreary, hilly landscape under the azure sky forming the background.
The countryside along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is familiar with military vehicles of various sizes and shapes passing by, but they were witnessing such a massive movement for the first time.
Those along the highway had an inkling of what was about to happen. Bofors gun units rattled along the rough patches on the road, their barrels, now covered, looking up at the sky as if daring to boom.
They did boom, spitting fire in response to a Pakistani misadventure, a misplaced ambition to occupy the heights of Kargil, and cut off Indian supply lines to frontline soldiers. The neighbouring country had drawn the blood of our brave soldiers, and the convoy that kept moving seemed determined to make the enemy answer for their misdeeds.
The misadventure was possibly a result of Pakistan undermining India’s might, the resolve of its officers and soldiers, and the collective determination of a population that would touch a billion in May next year.
A quarter of a century had passed since I was called to fall back immediately. I was then on casual leave, on a visit to my parents.
I was not the only one who was called back to duty. The leaves granted to troops were curtailed, and they were called back. None complained.
Aircraft continuously landed and took off from Srinagar and Avantipora airfields, delivering troops and supplies. India was on an overdrive. Pushing back the infiltrators who hid in advantageous heights was not the only aim. It also wanted the enemy to remember the bravehearts, Captain Saurabh Kalia, and five of his men, forever.
In May 1999, I watched the convey as I returned. The first thought that crossed my mind was who would take care of all the howitzers, other equipment and vehicles that kept pushing forward to higher altitudes. We had limited facilities after Srinagar. Whatever little facilities we had, they had limited capabilities.
The challenge looked insurmountable. But then, the Indian Army is facing the challenge. Nothing comes in the way of the Army, even the challenges of the tallest order — something the Indian Armed Forces proved as it recaptured its land after flushing out the Pakistan Army and paratroops.
The conflict that lasted close to three months — 3 May – 26 July 1999 — left Pakistan humiliated before the world. Kargil War showcased the Indian forces’ adaptability, valour, and determination in the face of adversities.
On reaching the headquarters in Srinagar, I got a call from the adjutant for an evening briefing of all officers. We were told about the equipment movement and we discussed the repair strategies to cater for any and every eventuality.
I took stock of my trained manpower, tools, spares and above all the motivation level of the troops under my command.
All were in full “Josh”, First, none of them had seen live action at such a large scale in life and second, they would remember their contribution to the nation till the last breath.
Bofors played a major role in the Kargil war with higher elevation accurate hits at infiltrators who had dug in at safe places from the direct aim of the infantry weapons. They had the advantage of taking potshots at all our movements and we were like sitting ducks waiting for the night to continue our movements.
We were one of the last units up north to provide the repair cover but with meagre capability since we had never expected such a large-scale exploitation of our
equipment. The Indian Army had equipped us with the best tools, and diagnostics equipment and with the vision of senior officers, and the units were fully prepared to
deploy effectively in their assigned roles.
The most important task at hand was to secure spares from the ordnance depot. They had opened the stores for moving out their inventory to units beyond the peacetime authorization of stocking. They were the replenishing spares from major depots located in peace locations.
I had never seen such a positive attitude during the eight years of service since commissioning. Everyone was charged and wanted to reach out without any inhibition. I remember one infantry battalion halting at our location for the night. The Commanding Officer approached us with a few issues with their night-vision devices.
They had only one night’s halt and were to move out to the operational area the very next morning. We repaired all their equipment and vehicles overnight and in the morning, they left cheerfully, rejuvenated and with confidence in their equipment. Our job was done.
I could sense the satisfaction level and pride in the eyes of my troops. War continued and we did what we could, without leaving any stone unturned and the result was for all to see. A soldier gets pride in achieving the impossible and we made the impossible possible.
Jai Hind!
(Colonel Sanjay Vaidya (retd) is an Indian Army veteran and entrepreneur. Views are personal. Edited by Majnu Babu).
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