Kargil among most challenging wars: Maj Gen Hooda (Retd)

PUNE: Major Lt General (Retd) DS Hooda, who spearheaded the surgical strike in 2016, termed Kargil as one of longest and most challenging wars, while speaking at an event in the city recently.

He was present as chief guest at ‘Kargil Gaurav Award’ organised by Sarhad to commemorate 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Hooda said, “Kargil was one of the longest wars. It was a bloody war and to capture each and every inch of Kargil was challenging, but the love for the country had motivated soldiers to fight.”

Hooda mentioned that the Indian Army was taken aback with the infiltration of Pakistani Army. He said, “Kargil war was one of the most challenging wars for Indian Army since 1971. It was extremely shocking, as we never imagined that Pakistan will enter Kargil. We had no idea of how many infiltrators had entered. The first patrolling team of six people which went to check, was caught and killed.”

He further said, “By the time we got some clarity about infiltrators, Pakistani soldiers had occupied more than 100 posts. It was extremely difficult to remove them.”

He also mentioned that the only way to bring arms, ammunition, and rations was NH1, which was also occupied by the Pakistani Army during the war. He said, “Every convoy that used to come from NH1 had to face the firing of Pakistani Army.”

Former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said the war happened due to the failure of intelligence agencies and local police. “However, a shepherd provided us with correct information, which was the game changer,” he said.  

Actor Vikram Gokhale, who was also present, said common people of Kashmir want peace. A coffee table book ‘The unseen beauty of Kargil’ was also launched at the event.