EDITOR'S NOTE

This is the fourth article of MVI coverage of Kargil 99 War Silver Jubilee. It is well articulated by Brig Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal who is all praise for the victory earned by our gallant soldiers led by young officers that stormed enemy fortifications of strongly held gun positions after overcoming steep ,near vertical climbs up treacherous mountain terrain . He has severely criticized our senior officer leadership whose lapses landed our armed firces and nation in a grim and precarious situation . He feels that we must learn lessons from such reverses.

https://www.missionvictoryindia.in/post/similarity-between-the-kargil-war-1999-the-charge-of-the-light-brigade

INTRODUCTION

I remember General Krishnarao saying that " It is important for the senior leadership of the Army to ensure that soldier's lives are not lost excessively in achieving military aims and victories ". This counsel was debunked in Kargil-99, where there were 527 KIA. Why and Who?

On 26 July 2024, India will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its victory in Operation Vijay, known as the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan from 3 May to 26 July 1999. This significant milestone celebrates the indomitable courage and perseverance of the Indian Armed Forces, who triumphed in one of the most challenging terrains on Earth. The conflict took place in the treacherous, inhospitable mountains of Kargil District, with elevations ranging from 13,000 to 18,000 feet. For over 85 days, Indian soldiers displayed remarkable valor, turning what seemed destined to be a defeat into a resounding victory.

In recent weeks, military journalists and podcasters have revived the memories of this monumental battle, allowing citizens to vicariously experience the triumph and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. The victory at Kargil is a testament to the relentless determination, patriotism, and resilience of the Indian soldier, who faced overwhelming odds against an enemy that held the dominating heights.

Military experts and historians agree that few armies in the world could have accomplished what the Indian Armed Forces did during the Kargil War. The credit for this extraordinary feat goes primarily to the young and mid-level officers and the front-line soldiers who executed their duties with unparalleled bravery. However, the same cannot be said about the senior leadership of the Army during this conflict.

The failure of senior officers in the 3 Infantry Division and the XV Corps to prevent and adequately assess the enemy intrusions into Indian territory is a glaring dereliction of duty. This oversight created a situation that necessitated a rushed and reactionary response to evict the enemy from the occupied heights. The panic and disarray among the senior leadership, who struggled to comprehend the tactical and operational realities on the ground, was reminiscent of the debacle experienced by the Indian Army during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The human cost of these leadership failures was significant. India lost 527 soldiers, and 1,363 were wounded during the Kargil War. While it is true that soldiers are expected to face casualties in war, the deaths and injuries resulting from strategic blunders by senior leaders are unacceptable. These leaders, intolerant of differing opinions from those in the field, contributed to unnecessary loss of life and suffering.

Veterans and serving soldiers, who were either present in the Kargil conflict zone or who have analyzed the verified information, understand the gravity of these leadership failures. While some junior officers and brigade commanders were held accountable and faced career-ending consequences, no senior general officer, including the Division and Corps Commanders, was held responsible for ignoring the numerous warnings of enemy build-up within the Line of Control (LoC).

Despite efforts to attribute the situation to intelligence failures, many believe that the then Chief of Army Staff also bears responsibility for the crisis. His absence during the critical early days of the enemy intrusion, due to an official visit to Poland, and his delayed return, compounded the problem. This oversight at the highest levels of command led to a national crisis and the unnecessary loss of lives.

It is crucial to recognize that the deaths and injuries of soldiers due to command failures are not trivial matters. Accountability should extend to those responsible for such lapses. However, in the case of the Kargil War, this accountability was conspicuously absent. One must question why the senior leadership was not held to account for their actions.

Firsthand accounts from those involved in Operation Vijay highlight the massive oversight and failure of duty by the commanders of the 3 Infantry Division and the XV Corps. The Chief of Army Staff at the time also bears constructive responsibility. The persistent warnings of enemy build-up were ignored, leading to the tragic outcomes witnessed during the conflict.

As we celebrate the valor and sacrifices of our soldiers during Operation Vijay, it is imperative to also acknowledge and learn from our failures. Honoring military victories must go hand-in-hand with a candid and courageous acceptance of our mistakes. This approach ensures that we learn from the past and prevent the repetition of such costly errors in the future.

India's greatest failure lies in its lack of institutional memory. This deficiency leads to repeated mistakes at a significant human cost. It is time for a cultural shift within the military to foster an environment where lessons are learned, accountability is upheld, dereliction of duty punished and the sacrifices of our soldiers are truly honored.