How Kargil was won back

In the summer of 1999, as the snow began to melt in Kargil’s heights, shepherds reported presence of intruders deep inside Indian territory, in strategic positions that overlooked the only road link between Srinagar and Leh. The intruders had occupied fortified posts, many routinely vacated by the Indian Army during winter. The intruders had artillery cover from Pakistan Army positions in the rear. On Kargil Diwas, here is the story as it unfolded. (Getty Images photo)

May 3: Shepherds report presence of Pakistani intruders on higher reaches. The Army sends out several patrols over the next few days. Reconfirm presence on May 7.

May Second Week: A patrol of the 4 Jat Regiment, led by Captain Saurabh Kalia, and five other soldiers: Sepoys Arjum Ram, Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Bhika Ram, Moola Ram and Naresh Singh, is taken captive by Pakistan troops. On May 15, the patrol is reported missing

June 9: The mutilated bodies of these soldiers are handed over to Indian authorities. (TOI illustrations)

Operation Vijay: Initial assessments that infiltrators are militants and number a few is proved wrong. Almost 200 sq km of Indian territory is now in the custody of Pakistani soldiers in the garb of jehadi militants. Over 1,700 men of the Northern Light Infantry of Pakistani Army, supported by Special Forces, and artillery, engineers elements are involved. Reinforcements are also on the way. (TOI illustration)

After initial burst of confusion and surprise, India launches Operation Vijay, mobilizing almost 200,000 troops. About 30,000 soldiers directly involved in the operation. (TOI illustration)

May 9: Two acclimatized battalions returning from Siachen are moved to Batalik sector, and over the next few days, another three battalions move from Kashmir Valley to Kargil sector.

May 24: Two additional brigades also move into the area. By May-end, an additional divisional HQ inducted, to take over command of a portion of Kargil sector from Leh-based 3 Infantry Division. (TOI illustration)

May 25: IAF authorized to launch “offensive air operations” under Operation Safed Sagar with strict instructions to not cross Line of Control. By now, India has lost around 35 soldiers. (TOI illustration)

May 26: MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighters go in waves to fire rockets at enemy fortified positions. Srinagar airport is shut to civilian flights, while armed MI-17 helicopters are deployed in Tololing sector May 27 | An MiG-27 fighter suffers an engine flame-out. Its pilot Flt Lt K Nachiketa ejects.

Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, flying a MiG-21, tries to trace the lost MiG-27 despite antiaircraft guns. Within minutes he is shot down by a Stinger missile. Ahuja’s body later returned with point-blank bullet wounds, indicating he probably was captured alive and shot dead. Nachiketa is paraded on Pakistan TV. (TOI illustration)

May 28: An Mi-17 helicopter shot down by Stinger missiles, killing all four crew members. IAF withdraws helicopters from offensive operations. (TOI illustration)

May 30: IAF inducts Mirage-2000 fighters armed with laser-guided bombs into battlefield. They launch strikes on Tiger Hill, Point 4388, Muntho Dhalo (a major ammunition and supply dump) among other targets. Launching Operation Talwar, Indian Navy sends submarines on patrols close to Karachi harbour. Entire Eastern Fleet moved to join Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea. About 250 Bofors artillery guns are inducted and play a crucial role in all major operations during the Kargil conflict.

June: Starting first week, Indian military launches aggressive operations to recapture key strategic heights, mounting operation after operation to evict the wellentrenched Pakistani soldiers. (Getty Images photo)

Aim to secure the highway, deny access to Siachen Glacier and drive out the infiltrators. (Getty Images photo)

July 4: Faced with determined Indian response and international pressure, Pakistani intruders begin to pull out. (Getty Images photo)

July 26: India Army announces complete eviction of Pakistani intruders. Over 520 Indian soldiers are killed in the entire conflict. Four Param Vir Chakras (PVCs), nine Maha Vir Chakras (MVCs) and 53 Vir Chakras, among other medals, are awarded for conspicuous bravery.

July 14: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declares Operation Vijay a success. (TOI illustration)