The definitive account of the 1999 Kargil war - the strategy, the effects, the heroism - from the man in charge. In February 1999, Pakistani Army personnel, disguised as jehadi militants, infiltrated into mountainous Kargil and occupied key vantage points. Their intrusion triggered off a limited war between the world's newest nuclear states. It was a bitter battle, and one that throws up important lessons for India's defence preparedness, as also its responses to flare-ups such as this. This book is also a reminder of the unparalleled heroism that was on display during those grim weeks, heroism that has become a benchmark for bravery.

In February 1999, Pakistani Army personnel, disguised as jihadi militants, infiltrated into mountainous Kargil and occupied key vantage points. Their intrusion triggered a limited war between the world's newest nuclear states. It was a bitter battle, and one that threw up important lessons for India's defence preparedness, as also its responses to conflicts such as this. This incisive book by General V.P. Malik, former Chief of the Army Staff, analyses the reasoning behind the Pakistani Army's moves and tactics and reviews crucial issues such as the extent of intelligence and surveillance failure on the Indian side and the measures necessary to redress these failings. Away from questions of strategy and tactics, however, Kargil is also a reminder of the unalloyed heroism that was on display during those grim weeks, heroism that become a benchmark for valour.

An Incisive And Hard-Hitting Narrative That Reveals The Behind-The-Scenes Activities Affecting The Kargil War. In The Garb Of Jehadi Militants, Pakistan Army Personnel Infiltrated Into The Indian Territory Of Kargil And Triggered Off A Limited Conventional War Between The World S Newest Nuclear Weapon States.The Pakistan Army Achieved A Tactical Surprise But Failed At The Strategic Level. The Outbreak Of War In Kargil Also Revealed That Pakistani Political Leadership Was Out Of Synch With The Thinking And Planning Of Its Military Brass. The Author Seeks To Analyse The Reasoning Behind The Pakistani Army S Strategy And Tactics And Also Focuses On The People Responsible. This Volume Seeks To Answer Questions Such As: What Was The Rationale For India S Grand Strategy Of Restraint Despite Being A Victim Of Aggression? How Was The War Managed? How Were Battles Planned, And Executed, To Recapture The Strategically Important High Altitude Mountaintops?

Kargil: Turning the Tide, is a gripping account of the operations of 8 Mountain Division, which was tasked to evict the enemy from the Drass-Mushkoh Sector during Op Vijay. Coming from the pen of Lt Gen (then Maj Gen) Mohinder Puri, who led the division during the operations, the book is as authentic an account of the operations as one can hope to have. Written in a racy style, the book vividly captures the emotions and sentiments of a soldier; the apprehensions and fears of the leaders, and finally the joy and ecstasy of a hard won victory. The book, covering a wide spectrum from attacks at platoon level to issues impinging on national security, will be of immense value to all military professionals. Civilian readers will find the accounts of various close quarters, hand to hand battles fought in the extremely challenging and hostile environment of rugged high altitude terrain, inclement weather and an entrenched enemy, very engrossing and moving. A very high casualty count of 268 killed and 818 wounded, coupled with a rich haul of gallantry awards – three Param Vir Chakras, eight Mahavir Chakras, and 42 Vir Chakras – operations of 8 Mountain Division are a saga of fortitude, exceptional bravery, and exemplary junior leadership, which will undoubtedly swell any Indian’s heart with pride.

Why does a group of stranded paratroopers call for Bofors' fire upon its own position? Why is an old man in Palampur fighting for justice for his dead soldier son? What makes a martyr's father visit a young Kashmiri girl every year? Kargil takes you into the treacherous mountains where some of Indian Army's bloodiest battles were fought. Interviewing war survivors and martyrs' families, Rachna Bisht Rawat tells stories of extraordinary human courage, of not just men in uniform but also those who loved them the most. With its gritty stories of incomparable bravery, Kargil is a tribute to the 527 young braves who gave up their lives for us-and the many who were ready to do it too.

A unique account of military conflict under the shadow of nuclear escalation, with access to the soldiers and politicians involved.

TBA