Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 20: Retired chief of Indian Army, Gen Ved Prakash Malik, pointed out that the Indian army won Kargil war without crossing the international boarder or line of actual control and without the backing of too many advanced weaponry. He said that the Jawans of the army deserve full credit for having overcome all odds that came their way and fighting this war with pure chivalry and determination.

He was speaking when making a power point presentation about Kargil war on Wednesday April 19 at Town Hall here. The programme was organized under the aegis of Dakhina Kannada District Retired Army Men's Association, Nitte Education Trust, Lions Club International District 317D as well as Shastava Bhootanatheshwara Temple Trust.

"When the Lahore Agreement was being executed between the two countries, encroachment of Kargil sector had begun. Initially the encroachment was attributed to Jihad. In fact, although Jihadists were blamed for this aggression, actually the Pakistani soldiers had infiltrated into India in their guise. Dark clouds of war had appeared in the horizon and the uncertainty about national security was experienced," he said in a narrative that was very impressive.

Gen Malik pointed out that soldiers had to fight with their Pakistani counterparts at heights measuring 14,000 to 16,000 ft above sea level, as Tiger HIll was located at around 18,000 ft. "After India conducted nuclear tests against the wishes of other countries, economic restrictions were placed on India then and the country was facing a situation in which it was not possible to acquire weapons. Without being aided by sufficient weapons at their disposal, our valiant soldiers won war more out of their patriotism and chivalry. Compared to Pakistani soldiers, our soldiers are the best," he stated.

Talking of heroes of the war, Gen Malik mentioned the names of Capt Vikram Batra, Maj Acharya, Jawan Sunil, etc. He also showed the letters written by them to their families without losing enthusiasm and interest in life in spite of the hardship they were facing.

Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, Dr K G Jagadeesh, superintendent of police, Bhushan G Borase, Lions Distrcit governor, Arun Shetty, managing trustee of Shastava Sri Bhootanatheshwar Temple, Vijayanath Vittal Shetty, president of Retired Army Men's Association, Vikram Datta, Balakrishna N and others were present.

Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary welcomed. Col N Balakrishna delivered introductory address.