Question

What were the key developments during the Kargil War in 1999?

1. The war broke out in May 1999 and continued for 40 days.
2. It was the Local shepherds reported the presence of Pakistani infiltrators in Kargil
3. On July 4, 1999, Indian forces captured Tiger Hill
4. The war officially ended on July 26, 1999

• A. i, iv
• B. All
• C. ii, iii, iv
• D. iv only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. ii, iii, iv

The Kargil War,

• It was also known as the Kargil Conflict, was a limited war fought between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.
• This conflict marked one of the most serious military confrontations between the two neighboring nations since their independence in 1947.

Background: 

• The conflict had its roots in longstanding territorial disputes and the broader Kashmir issue.
• In early May 1999, local shepherds reported the presence of armed infiltrators in the Kargil region.
• These infiltrators, later revealed to be Pakistani soldiers and militants, had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
• Upon receiving reports of the infiltrators, the Indian Army swiftly responded by setting up patrol units along the area. This marked the beginning of the military engagement.

The Battle

• During the early days of the conflict, five Indian patrolling soldiers, including Captain Saurabh Kalia, were captured alive by Pakistani forces. Tragically, they were brutally tortured to death.
• Pakistan initiated heavy shelling in the region on May 9. This shelling was intended to provide cover fire to facilitate the infiltration of Pakistani troops and militants into Indian territory.
• Infiltrations occurred in various sectors, including Dras, Mushkoh, and Kaksar.
• By the end of May, the Indian Air Force joined the conflict to provide air support to the ground troops.
• Despite initial setbacks, the Indian Army made significant gains through determined efforts and recaptured key strategic positions.
• Notably, on July 4, 1999, Indian forces captured Tiger Hill, followed by the recovery of Drass on the next day.
• The war officially ended on July 26, 1999, when both sides declared a ceasefire. The Line of Control (LoC) was restored to its pre-war positions.