CHANDIGARH 25 June 2024 Punjab Khabarnama : The high mountains of Kashmir are considered one of the toughest terrains to live in the world, with military outposts perched on summits above 16,000 ft.So, when the Kargil war broke out in May 1999, the bravehearts of Indian Army were in for a long summer ahead — one which saw several martyrdoms and acts of courage in conditions which are tough even for the battle-hardened.
This July 26, the country will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of its victory in the high-altitude conflict, but will also be mourning the men who were martyred — 527 of them in just three months. The loss of this pain will be felt most profoundly by those in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Comprising just 5.56% of the country’s population, the three states accounted for 28% of the casualties in the war, triggered by Pakistan Army intruding into Indian territory and capturing Indian posts along LoC during the winter while disguising as Kashmiri militants.
In all, the three states accounted for 144 casualties in the war, with the loses coming from across the hierarchical order — soldiers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks.
As far as state-wise figures are concerned, Haryana had suffered the highest number of 58 casualties, Punjab 45 and tiny Himachal Pradesh 41. Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh constitute just 2.09%, 2.9% and 0.56% of the total population of the country, respectively.
