26th July 1999 has gone down in history as the day when the great Indian armed forces uprooted from Kargil the demonic forces of Pakistan. True to their nature, the Pakistani government broke the bi-lateral agreement with India and in a clandestine manoeuvre invaded the high post in Kargil. The nature of Pakistan since 1947 has always been of dishonour, of breaking agreements and siding with criminality. So it was to be expected that regardless of how well meaning India is, and has been to Pakistan, that Pakistan just cannot help itself but betray everyone.
At the time, Pakistan made every attempt to disassociate itself by claiming that the Kargil attack was none of its doing. That it was an independent terrorist outfit. The world looked on, knowing all too well that this was a blatant lie. Lying of course has become Pakistan’s trademark, so nothing new on that front. It was not too long before details emerged that the whole attack was indeed orchestrated by the Pakistani government and led by General Ashraf Rashid who was their head of the paramilitary forces.
Over some 60 days of fighting that ensued, lives were lost on both sides. However, the inevitable happened on 26th July 1999 when Indian forces overwhelmed the Pakistani forces and ejected them out of Kargil. Operation Vijay was an outstanding success.
India had to learn some hard lessons quickly. It’s safe position of ignoring the wrongs of its neighbour had ultimately compromised national security and led to the loss of Indian lives. The public woke up to the ground zero realities as well. There was an upsurge of support for the Government to become very proactive in Indian defence and to ensure that the armed forces were adequately resourced. It made some difference, but not on the scale required.
Pakistan’s humiliating international climbdown became a national day of shame. One that lives on in their psyche even today. Mention Kargil to anyone in Pakistan, and everyone goes mad.
It took the arrival of PM Modi to change the narrative. The mandate given by the people to the BJP was astonishing. They wanted a government that would put India first. A government that was not ashamed to be Indian and to celebrate and rejoice it historical heritage of Bharat Varsh.
PM Modi has made great strides in building up Indian armed forces. Gradually our troops are being positioned in their tens of thousands along the LOC with both Pakistan and China.
By getting rid of the illegal A370, it opened up Jammu and Kashmir to the whole of India. By restructuring Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh it has created massive safe zones where life can thrive once more. Tens of thousands of Indians are beginning to move back and establish a thriving economy. The neglect of 70 years cannot be undone in a few years. It will take another decade of focus to change the local narrative and empower the population to reach for the stars.
So on 26th July, we celebrate the bravery of those who gave their lives for the nation. We mark the day when Pakistan was taught a lesson. We note the day when India started to awaken to the dangers it faces from all side. And whilst progress in the past 10 years has been significant, in my view this is still not enough.
PM Modi needs to raise his efforts by several notches and shorten the timeline for success. The nation comes first narrative must now become the very core for every Indian. There is no room for doubt, for the protection of Dharma, its time to stand tall.
