The Kargil Conflict

Also known as the Kargil War, was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan. The war lasted from May to July 1999 in Kashmir (the northernmost region of the Indian Subcontinent). The war was caused by the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers into the Indian side of the Line of Control (line which demarcates the boundary between the territories controlled by two militaries or political entities). Nevertheless, Pakistan blamed the whole war on Kashmiri Rebels. The Indian Military campaign tried to repel the intruders, but it left approximately 524 Indian soldiers dead and 1,363 wounded (according to the statistics by Defence Minister George Fernandes). Figures stated that 624 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and it was said that 40 civilians were killed on the Pakistani line of control.

 

 

On May 26^th 1999, India launches air strikes against militants in Indian-administered Kashmir for the first time in 20 years. There was no sign of ending the conflict when on June 3^rd, India promises to continue ground and air strikes against infiltrators, a senior Indian minister warns there is little point in peace talks with Pakistan. Already by the 30^th of June 1999, the Indian military were already prepared dominant high-altitude against Pakistani posts along the boarder of Kashmir. The total Indian troop strength in the region had reached 730,000.

The terrain in Kargil is one of the most beautiful in the world; nevertheless, it is also one of the most difficult to conduct military operations in. Precipitous mountains around the region range in height from 13000 feet to 18000 feet. After a belated political realization of the extent of the problem, the Indian military had to literally fight an uphill battle against a well entrenched and well supplied Pakistani military in hostile terrain. You can say, terrain played a huge role in the Kargil war. 

 

Pakistan received widespread world condemnation for its failure to patrol its borders and prevent insurgents from crossing over onto its soil. Some Nations believed the Pakistan attempted at plausible deniability by linking the invasion to the rebels. Analysts argued that the battle was being fought at heights where only seasoned troops could survive, so poorly equipped, informal fighters would neither have the ability nor the wherewithal to seize land and defend it.

The aftermath of the war saw the rise of the Indian stock market by over 1500 points. From the end of the war until February 2000, the Indian economy was optimistic.  After the war, the Indian military severed all ties with Pakistan, and increased it defence preparedness. Faced with the possibility of international isolation, the Pakistani economy tumbled and Pakistan was shunned as a global hotbed for terrorism. For nearly three months, the Kargil conflict threatened Southern Asia with the prospect of the first nuclear deployment against humans since Hiroshima in World War II and the first mutual nuclear exchange in history.

Originally posted by Rajput As far as the Pakistanis being able to 'patrol their borders', it is claimed that they actually pay money to have the tribals raise up their flags in some parts of the country   The Siachen Glacier is also a hot spot when it comes to border disputes between the two countries.  Time Magazine Asia did a whole coverage on this area and of particular mention was Tim McGirk's article on it.    Originally posted by War at the Top of the World Lieut. Colonel Pundir claims that the Pakistanis still don't control any part of the glacier. "Not even an inch," says Pundir. With an air of contempt, he adds: "They can't even show their faces near it." Pakistani Lieut. Colonel Saeed Iqbal concedes that the Indians control the heights. But he insists that the Indian success comes at a price. "It's costing them far more than us," says Iqbal. "We can deliver our men and supplies to the front line using roads, while the Indians have to bring in everything using helicopters and snowmobiles."

Edited by TeldeInduz - 02-Aug-2006 at 20:23

Rajput, I'd perfer, and the rest of AE, for you to not call Muslims "stinky rats." Anuj will deal with this when he comes online.

Originally posted by Rajput Originally posted by TeldeInduz Pakistan does control about a third of Siachen   **cough** bullsh*t  **cough**    stinky muslim rats polluting the siachen glacier...lol   Originally posted by Washington Times The Indian Army controls all of the glacier and the three main passes of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the Siachen glacier, Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La, thus holding onto the tactical advantage of high ground. Gyong La Pass itself is at 35-10-29N, 77-04-15 E; that high point is controlled by India. The Pakistanis control the glacial valley just five kilometers southwest of Gyong La, however.

Edited by TeldeInduz - 02-Aug-2006 at 22:26

Originally posted by rules+regulations By registering, you understand that AE is an international forum and that we do not tolerate any form of disrespect toward any national, religious, or cultural group. Failure to comply will result in termination of membership.

Rajput you cant call muslims stinky rats here. This is an official warning.

If you want to add more I suggest you write a little bit more from the Pakistani perspective. After all, there were two armies involved in the conflict (+ mujahidin).

Yeah, if your going to post it I suggest presenting both sides of the argument. Currently it is only showing the Indian side.
Pakistani troops other than spotters and special forces, never crossed the LOC. Niether did we use our airforce.
It shouldn't be called a war either. It never spread outside the Kargil region and pakistani airforce was never used.

How about this. The main peaks are still in Pakistani hands per that Indian general.

Originally posted by Anujkhamar Originally posted by Jay. Anuj and Omar, I've read over my article more, and I realize what you're saying, and I agree. It is a little one-sided, and for that I am sorry. I will edit it with the Pakistani perspective. If any of you have resources on both perspectives I will be glad to look over it. Thanks. No need to apologise, search Kargil in our forums. You'll find a discussion between me and Telde, which i think it is safe to say he won due to lack of decent sources on my part. Very last post on AE for 2 weeks! :S

Anuj,
 What do you mean he won? Pakis did not win. There army was routed and there ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in his latest book has confirmed the same.

-Digs

Originally posted by Jay. No, I beleive he ment that Tele won the arguement, not the actual war.

How can Telde win any argument?

-Digs

Originally posted by Omar al Hashim How can Telde win any argument? The problem is, when I read someones post and decided its too stupid to reply to, they don't know.

So far your buddy Telde and yourself have been the flagbearers of the stupid camp. Problem stems from having been brainashed into believing the madarsa line only and not accepting evidence at all.
Look at the kargil issue. Ex PM of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, is saying Pakistani army fought against the Indian army in Kargil war and suffered more casualties then Indian army and yet we should believe the version being spun by telde and Hashimi. 
And then these idiots have the temerity to call others stupid!

-Digs