The podcast episode titled “Kargil War Hero Captain Akhilesh Saxena on Kargil War @25.” was hosted by Forum For Global Studies, a Delhi based multidisciplinary thinktank. Dr Sandeep Tripathi moderated the session and the talk featured distinguished guest Captain Akhilesh Saxena(Retd),Indian Army. The podcast focused on the nuances of the historic Kargil war of 1999.
Dr Tripathi began the discussion by highlighting the day of 21st February 1999, when two major countries of Asia, India and Pakistan signed a Lahore Declaration at Lahore.He highlighted the irony of engaging in peace talks with Pakistan while, at the same time, Pakistan was planning a conflict at the Line of Control (LOC). He further stated that Pakistan was planning infiltration along Indian borders, which led to a full fledged war between two nations, immediately after 2 months of signing Lahore Declaration.Dr Tripathi later set the stage for the discussion by introducing Captain Akhilesh Saxena(Retd), Kargil War Veteran.
Captain Akhilesh Saxena gave an overview of the prevailing conditions at the time of Kargil War. He explained that the Kargil War was unique in that it was the first of its kind where theenemy held a significant strategic advantage by occupying high-altitude bunkers. This elevatedposition gave them a crucial edge over the Indian Army. He also noted that these positions were captured by the Pakistani Army through deceitful means in Winter.He explained the advantage of capturing high altitude bunkers in mountainous warfare. Captain Akhilesh illustrated the importance of mountain ranges in Kargil region ranging from Drass, Kargil up to Siachen through Leh Ladakh, highlighting the control over NH1 highway by the troops acquiring these strategic zones. He further elucidated ‘Operation Badar’ by Pakistan, which aimed to block the NH1 highway. The operation sought to cut off supplies of arms, logistics, and other essential items to the region, effectively isolating it from the rest of India. He further highlighted the increasing pressure from international actors to de-escalate the conflict, as well as the directions issued by the Indian government to take action within the Line of Control (LOC) to prevent further escalation between two Nuclear armed countries. This was in response to Pakistan’s denial of responsibility, claiming that the enemy troops were not part of the Pakistani Army but were instead affiliated with militant groups.
Captain Akhilesh later discussed how the Indian forces were initially unaware of the true situation on the hills. They sent a small unit led by Captain Saurabh Kalia to confront what they believed were militants, only to discover that the enemy was, in fact, the Pakistani Army in civilian clothing, controlling the posts. Moving ahead, he highlighted the primary aim of the Indian Army to acquire ‘Tololing’ peak which was strategically important due to its steep geography and ability to control NH1 highway. The Battle of Tololing, which took place from June 13 to July 5, 1999, was a pivotal confrontation during the Kargil War. Indian forces fought fiercely to capture Tololing Hill, a key strategic position held by the Pakistani Army. The intense battle, marked by challenging terrain and determined resistance, ended with the Indian Army securing the hill, significantly impacting the war’s momentum and strategic landscape.
Moving ahead, Dr Tripathi talks about the challenges the Indian Army faced during the Kargil War.The Kargil War presented numerous challenges, including the rugged high-altitude terrain that severely tested the endurance and capabilities of Indian troops. The harsh weather conditions, with freezing temperatures and difficult visibility, compounded the difficulties of warfare. Additionally, the Pakistani Army’s use of elevated positions and civilian clothing to blend in with the landscape created significant tactical obstacles. The conflict also involved complex logistics and supply issues, as well as the need for precise and coordinated responses to the evolving situation on the ground. He further asked about the changed nature of the war after capturing Tololing peak.
Captain Akhilesh described that after capturing Tololing Peak, the nature of the Kargil War would have shifted significantly. The strategic advantage gained from holding this high-altitude position would have allowed Indian forces to gain better visibility and control over the surrounding area. This victory would have disrupted the Pakistani Army’s supply lines and communication, thereby weakening their position. The success at Tololing would have boosted Indian morale and enabled more effective operations to reclaim other key positions, shifting the momentum of the war in India’s favor and leading to a series of successful offensives that would eventually result in the conflict’s resolution.He described how the death of his fellow comrades was more heartbreaking for him than his personal injuries, and the profound grief he experienced as a soldier in losing his brothers in arms.
Later, Captain Akhilesh also talked about ‘ The attack on Area Three Pimples’, launched by the 2 Rajputana Rifles in the early hours, faced the formidable challenge of a full moonlight.The bright moon illuminated the battlefield, providing the enemy with enhanced visibility and complicating the Indian forces’ attempts to approach and capture the position covertly. This unexpected lighting condition not only exposed the advancing troops but also made it more difficult to execute surprise maneuvers, forcing the soldiers to adapt their strategies under challenging conditions. Despite the challenge posed by the full moonlight, which illuminated the battlefield and made stealth difficult, the 2 Rajputana Rifles successfully won the attack on Area Three Pimples.
Moving ahead Dr Tripathi spoke about the valor, bravery, and patriotism of the Indian Army, highlighting how these qualities were vividly demonstrated during the Kargil War. He emphasized the exceptional courage and dedication of the soldiers, who faced immense challenges with unwavering resolve. Their commitment to defending the nation’s honor and their readiness to sacrifice for the country exemplified the highest ideals of military service and national pride.
Later, Dr. Tripathi concluded the roundtable discussion by offering a vote of thanks to the panelists. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable insights shared, which were grounded in actual experiences and incidents from the Kargil War. The discussion highlighted the remarkable valor and bravery of the Indian Army, shedding light on the personal and strategic challenges faced during the conflict. Dr. Tripathi acknowledged the profound lessons learned from the panelists’ accounts, emphasizing how these reflections deepen our understanding of military courage and patriotism.Captain Akhilesh Saxena concluded his thoughts by emphasizing that Independence Day is not merely a time for hoisting the tricolor and celebrating. He spoke about the deeper responsibilities of citizenship, stressing that it involves honoring and supporting martyred soldiers, their families, and those who have been physically disabled in the war. Captain Saxena underscored that it is our duty as citizens to serve and support these individuals, reflecting the true spirit of patriotism and national responsibility.