The Forgotten Faces of Kargil War

New Delhi, July 31: As the nation revisits the memories of the 25th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil War, the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought bravely on the icy peaks is being revisited.

Army officials share their stories of tactical genius, and the country commemorates the victory with pride.

However, amid these recollections, the contributions of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes often fade into obscurity.

These individuals, whose efforts ensured the smooth functioning of logistics, transportation, and daily necessities, played an indispensable role in the war effort when there were no mobile phones and even scattered landlines were hardly functional.

Highway to Hell

In early May 1999, as the first signs of Pakistani intrusion were detected on the peaks of Kargil, local shepherds in Kargil were the first to notice unusual activity and unfamiliar individuals building bunkers on the hilltops.

Their observations proved more valuable than local intelligence inputs, significantly aiding the country in thwarting the plans to paralyse the Drass-Kargil Highway.

The Srinagar-Leh Highway, a vital lifeline for the region, was officially closed due to heavy snow and the harsh winter.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), tasked with maintaining and repairing the roads, sprang into action.

They brought in massive numbers of labourers from different parts of the State to clear the highway and ensure its functionality amid heavy shelling from across the border.

These workers, toiling day and night in freezing temperatures, faced not only the wrath of nature but also the constant threat of shelling from across.

It was through their great efforts of keeping the road open in difficult times that troops were able to wheel in additional heavy artillery and machinery into the Kargil sector.

The highway became a perilous route, with passenger and military vehicles becoming frequent targets of Pakistani artillery.

Journalists travelling this snakelike, treacherous road often had narrow escapes.

In some places, the main highway was diverted to travel on the newly constructed passage by the military engineers for the safety of the vehicles and passengers.

Crawling Through Darkness

I recall a harrowing journey with an Army PRO and a German television team. We were travelling in two cars on the highway when massive shelling from across the border began. The stretch of road between Drass and Kargil was particularly exposed to Pakistani vantage points. The situation was so dire that we were instructed to wait until nightfall to continue our journey.

As darkness enveloped the landscape, all lights – head, tail, and parking - were switched off.

In some cases, the electric wires of the tail lights were cut to prevent even the slightest glimmer that could attract fire from across.

Special instructions were given to drivers not to use brakes, as the red backlights, headlights, or even parking lights could betray our position and make the vehicle a target of the shelling from across.

Local Police and BRO personnel, and some local drivers to help in case along with paramilitary and Army officers, drove passengers through the dark. Instructions were to maintain a 50 to 60-meter distance and gaps between the two vehicles on the vulnerable stretch of the road.

It was a nerve-wracking experience, crawling alongside a river on one side and naked mountains on the other in darkness, with fear and silence hanging thick in the air. The patience and bravery of these drivers, who risked their lives to ensure our safety, are commendable.

The Silent Guardians

Among the unsung heroes were the local taxi drivers from Srinagar and Kargil who ferried journalists, contractors, and suppliers to and from the conflict zones. Drivers like Fayaz and Babloo, who have since passed away, were more than just drivers; they became family to the journalists. Fayaz, with his brothers, operated taxis and would be at our service any time of the night. They often brought home-cooked food and provided a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos.

The Siachen Hotel in Kargil served as a sanctuary for many journalists. The waiters and cooks went to extraordinary lengths to keep the establishment running. Rashid, a waiter, and manager, was a pillar of support. He travelled miles to procure raw vegetables, oil, and other food items, ensuring we were well-fed. His local knowledge was invaluable, advising us on safe routes and natural shelters from enemy shells.

The other local taxi drivers, from Kargil and Srinagar like Ali, Shafi, Yousuf, and Chacha, were not just chauffeurs but also guides and porters, helping journalists carry heavy equipment and navigate the treacherous terrain. These drivers, with their intimate knowledge of the region, ensured that we reached our destinations safely.

The waiters and cooks at the Siachen Hotel, along with the drivers and local Police, were the backbone of our efforts. They provided not only logistical support but also moral support. Their courage, dedication, and willingness to risk their lives for us cannot be overstated and we salute them for their support.

Courage Under Fire

One vivid memory that stands out is of Harinder Baweja from India Today. While covering the assault on Tiger Hill, she had to take shelter under her taxi during intense Bofors shelling and the driver of the taxi was like a guardian. The earth trembled, and the night was icy cold. Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, posed additional challenges. The villagers, cut off from the rest of the world for months, stacked supplies to survive the harsh winters, with temperatures plummeting to minus 25 degrees Celsius.

Honouring Heroes

As we commemorate the Kargil War, it is essential to remember and honour these unsung heroes. Their contributions may have been indirect, but without their unwavering support, the journalists’ coverage and the Army and paramilitary operations would have faced insurmountable challenges. Their stories of bravery and sacrifice are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people who stood firm in the face of adversity.

We salute the taxi drivers, local shepherds, civilian labourers, hotel staff, and countless others who played a critical role in Kargil. Their legacy is etched in the annals of history, and we must ensure that their contributions are never forgotten.