Dr. Bharti Gupta
The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil Conflict, was an armed confrontation between India and Pakistan that unfolded in the high-altitude Kargil district of Ladakh. Initiated by Pakistan under “Operation Badr,” the conflict escalated from May to July 1999. By July 11, Pakistan, having suffered significant losses, began withdrawing its troops. India declared the success of its Operation Vijay on July 14, and the war officially ended on July 26. India lost 527 brave soldiers, with more than 1,300 wounded.
Today, on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil conflict, recognizing the sacrifices of the Kargil war heroes is crucial. It serves as a poignant reminder of the selflessness of those who risked their lives to protect the country. Honoring these soldiers provides emotional support, helping to mitigate the psychological toll of military service and aiding in their reintegration into civilian life. This recognition keeps the memory of past conflicts and their lessons alive, promoting the importance of peace and fostering national unity and patriotism.
However, the remembrance must also extend to the families of the war heroes, who endured separation, anxiety, and loss. It is a moral and ethical responsibility for citizens to acknowledge the services of these brave hearts. Expressing gratitude boosts the morale of soldiers and their families, demonstrating that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War and to express solidarity with the families of the Kargil war heroes, I interacted with families from Jammu.
Grenadier Udhay Maan Singh (Sena Medal) (18th GDR) from Shyama Chak, Akhnoor was Immortalized on 5th July in Kargil war. His mother narrates enthusiastically with tears in her eyes about her son. “During Kargil war, on Monday, 14th June, 1999 he went for his duty and never came back; he lost his life during the Kargil war on Tiger hill”.. I was in my room a person came and asked me where is uncle? I got worried and started running after him … and fell down when the news broke out to me that Udhay Maan is no more….Every shop of our village was closing on hearing this news that Udhay Maan was shot by a bullet … every night before sleeping I wish that one day he will come. At 8:45 am their regiment reached Tiger hill .. they were attacked by terrorists”. The care and support from the Government to the family in terms of Gas Agency is appreciable. The family shared about the respectful recognition which they have earned from the society just because of their son shows the positivity of our society.
Soldier Balwinder Singh from 8th Sikh Regiment, a Kargil war Hero was Immortalized on third July from Kotli, R.S Pura. His mother narrates, “He lost his life when he was just 19 years of age. After completing his training he came home for 28 days … then from Pathankot for 8 days.. when he came from Pathankot he was shot by bullet in his leg but he didn’t inform us.. he had become little weak and had pain in his knee.. later, he had to go for another operation in Kargil, I asked him to take warm clothes as it was very cold there…he said to me not to come outside the house to drop him… as he woud go alone … He lost his life during an operation in Kargil war in 1999 at Tiger Hill…he was shot by a bullet in his arm and a mortar shell on his head. After three days we got to know about his death” The family of the soldier has received both the emotional and financial support from the system post his sacrifice.
The family of Havildar Madan Lal (VRC) from Bantalab, a Kargil war hero could also support themselves after the martyrdom of the family head with the support of the Government in the form of a gas agency and a Government job for his children. The support reflects the goodwill of our army, Government and the society at large.
Rifleman Sansar Singh, 12 JAKLI from Jammu Khour, Chamb, shared his valour against the enemy in the Kargil war with sparking sound. He had come on holiday in April ,1999 but was called for duty through telegram to leave for Kargil. He with his team initially reached the Batalik sector for search of the Kukertang hill followed by the search of the China deewar where enemy had already deserted the area. Lastly, he and his team headed by Major Sunil Dutt was given the target of the 5203 hill to be recaptured from the enemy positions. The team was also under the command of Captain Amul Kalia. His other comrades from Jammu included Subedar Bhadur Singh (R.S. Pura), Hawildar Kuldeep Singh (Kunjwani), Lance Naik Kulwant Singh (Naushera), Hawildar Rajinder Singh (Paddu Blour), Rifleman Tarsem Lal (Bishnah), Rifleman Kulbeer Singh (Hamir pur), Hawildar Kartar Singh (Bhaderwah) and Lancenaik Sukhdev (R.S. Pura). Facing enemy direct and attacking them made them successful in neutralizing 5 to 7 of them. However, in the night they were attacked and in this attack Captain Amul Kalia was martyred. Rifleman Sansar Singh got four bullet shots at his chin, arm and hand. He rolled himself down from the hilltop and injured his legs too wherefrom he was taken to medical help by another comrade from Jammu. He got injured on 9th June and regained conscious on 18th June. He was then 22 year old and was already engaged. Even after his deadly injuries, his fiancée Raji Kumari and her parents were firm and proud to have been associated with the rifleman Sansar Chand. He got married at 25 with Raji Kumari who shared her proud feelings on the valour of her husband and for the respect and care that 12 JAKLI bestows on them.
The interactions with these brave families highlight the immense sacrifice and resilience they embody. While they have received support from the Government and society, their ongoing challenges remind us of our duty to continually honor and assist them. Commemorating the Kargil War and recognizing the sacrifices of both the soldiers and their families not only preserves the memory of their bravery but also strengthens our national unity and sense of patriotism. Their legacy serves as an enduring inspiration for future generations to uphold the values of courage, dedication, and service to the nation. Honoring soldiers and their families can serve as an inspiration, demonstrating qualities like courage, discipline, and resilience. It can motivate young people to serve their country and reinforce shared values such as bravery, dedication, and sacrifice, thereby strengthening the collective national identity.
(The author is Assistant Professor,
Central University of Jammu)
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