MY KARGIL WAR HERO Kargil War is of great importance in the history of our nation. India and Pakistan faced each other a lot of times, sometimes the result were in favor of India but sometimes Pakistan overpowered it. Among them, Kargil War has greater significance as it was the first ground war between the two countries after they had developed nuclear weapons. After the victory, India took control over the high outposts which were once captured by Pakistan. Keeping this victory aside, both the countries have lost many lives of their soldiers. A long running dispute over Kashmir and Cross-border terrorism have been the predominant cause of conflict between the two countries. In 1998, India carried out nuclear test and a few days later, Pakistan by more nuclear tests giving both countries nuclear deterrence capability, although India had exploded three hydrogen bombs which Pakistan lacks. However the cause of the Kargil War in regarded as the infiltration of Pakistan soldiers and Kashmir militants into positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control, which serves as the de facto border between India and Pakistan. India launched Operation Vijay to clear the posts in the Kargil sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators on the Indian side of the LoC. The Indian Army, with the help of the Indian Air Force (IAF), wrested back the glaciated heights of Kargil, in the Ladakh sector, from the Pakistan army. the conflict began after Indian forces detected infiltrations by Pakistani troops and terrorists into Indian territory. The Pakistani side had a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict as they positioned themselves in key locations and could fire at advancing Indian troops. The Indian Army launched its final attacks in the last week of July; as soon as the Drass subsector had been cleared of Pakistani forces, the fighting ceased on 26July. By the end of the war, India had resumed control of all territory south and east of the Line of Control, as was established in July, 1992per the Shimla Accord. Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenedier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Riflemen Sanjay Kumar have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra for their gallantry services during the Kargil war. Captain Batra and Lt. Pandey have been awarded posthumously for their supreme sacrifice. The sacrifices of the Indian army to safeguard the sovereignty and unity of India have been great for which the whole nation is proud of, but I really look up to Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey for his bravery and great sacrifices for the nation. According to sources, on the night of 2/3 July 1999, Capt Manoj along with his troops marched off for the Pahalwan Chowki located at a height of 19700 feet on his way to Khalubar. As the assault team moved ahead, it faced heavy and intense enemy fire from both sides of the hillock. Capt Manoj quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and he proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. Capt Manoj fearlessly charged ahead with the booming battle cry, “Jai Mahakali, Aayo Gorkhali” clearing two enemy bunkers. While clearing the third bunker a barrage of bullets hit him on the shoulder and legs. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth bunker and destroyed the same with a grenade. As he hit his target he himself got hit in the forehead with a bullet. Capt Manoj later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred at the age of 24 years. The troops under the command of Capt Manoj gained control over six bunkers and killed eleven enemy soldiers besides getting a good stock of arms and ammunition including an air defense gun. Khalubar was eventually captured and Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey with his supreme sacrifice not set an example of unparalleled bravery but changed the course of Kargil war. His one of the most famous quote was “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail” and “Na chhodu” were his final words. NAME – BIPASHA BHOWMICK REG. NO. – WB20SWA100075 RANK - CDT UNIT – 1 BENGAL ARMOURED SQUADRONN NCC GROUP – KOL-B DIRECTORATE – WB AND SIKKIM .