NEW DELHI: The Army on Tuesday marked a key moment in India’s military history, recalling July 14, 1999, as the decisive turning point of the Kargil War. It was the day India’s military campaign gained a decisive edge, forcing Pakistan to announce the withdrawal of its forces after suffering major setbacks.In a post on X, the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army said, “Operation VIJAY: India Declares Victory, Pakistan Announces Withdrawal. By 14 Jul 1999, the Indian Army had regained control of most of the strategic heights in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors through exceptional courage, relentless determination and meticulously coordinated operations.”It added that the enemy’s plans had collapsed under the sustained offensive of the Indian Armed Forces, backed by “devastating artillery fire and determined infantry assaults.”Recalling the events of July 14, 1999, the Army said, “On 14 Jul 1999, the then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed the Nation and declared Operation Vijay a success, paying tribute to the valour, supreme sacrifice and unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces.”The Army further mentioned that on the same day, “under mounting military setbacks and increasing international diplomatic pressure, Pakistan announced the withdrawal of its forces.”It added that although operations continued to remove the remaining intruders, “14 Jul 1999 marked the decisive turning point that affirmed India’s victory in the Kargil War. India remembers with pride and gratitude.”The Army also commemorated the day by honouring “the gunners who turned the tide.”As part of the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay, the Army also organised an expedition to Gun Hill (Point 5140), a strategically important peak overlooking Dras. The event was held to honour the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War.Point 5140 was one of the most important objectives during Operation Vijay because it was a major enemy position and observation post. Capturing it was crucial for regaining control of the Dras sector and stopping the enemy from dominating the surrounding heights.The Battle of Point 5140 is considered one of the most important battles of the Kargil War. Before the main assault, Indian Army troops captured nearby positions, including ‘Hump’, which was secured by 18 Grenadiers during the night of June 13-14, 1999. Another key feature, ‘Rocky Knob’, was captured by 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles with support from direct Bofors gun fire, which destroyed enemy bunkers and helped clear the way for the final assault.Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to mark the successful completion of Operation Vijay, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic heights from Pakistani intruders and protected the country’s territorial integrity.
