OP VIJAY – CHALLENGES

LT COL MANOJ K CHANNAN, VETERAN

 

India celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the victory of the operations that started in May 1999 and was declared over by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Very often even this day, the question often asked is how prepared the Indian Defence Services were those days and how well prepared are the Indian Defence Forces these days?

The quote by the then Indian Army chief, Gen VP Malik was “we will fight with what we have”.

In 1999, during the winter months, the posts at high altitudes were vacated as logistical support was an arduous task. To maintain a check, winter surveillance sorties were undertaken by the Indian Army Aviation as well as the Indian Air Force.  These were further supported by long-range patrols.

The troops in Siachin were well equipped and occupied the oxygen-starved heights after pre-induction training and acclimatisation.

121 (Independent) Infantry Brigade, was holding a frontage of approximately 160 km and had a more significant complement of units.

Nevertheless, this only augmented the boots on the ground, ISR resources were negligible and the peaks could be seen as well as the activities around them from the line of sight.

These shortcomings were known and well exploited by Gen Pervez Musharaff, who inducted the Northern Light Infantry with the support of Mujahedeen.

The ambush of the 4 JAT long-range patrol under late Capt Saurabh Kalia, was captured and tortured with eyes gouged out and cigarette burn marks.

The operation by the Indian Defence Forces after prolonged battles captured the peaks back. Bofors which had been under clout delivered by its devastating fire assaults.

Since then, this day the Indian Army has not only taken a forward posture by deploying troops at key heights, duly augmented by Battle Field Surveillance Radars and UAVs. The Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy to have better capabilities for ISR including the Boeing P8I with its on board electronic surveillance suites.

Satellite imagery and the resolutions are an added bonus as ISRO has the indigenous capacity to monitor the areas of interest 24x7. Personal weapons, habitats, clothing, and equipment have ensured that the troops are equipped to face the enemy and the inclement weather.

The border roads have done a wonderful job of building roads as well as making tunnels at the base of the high passes to cut down on travel time as well as ensure logistical support even during the winter months. The aero bridge remains the lifeline. Trials have been carried out to use drones to supply war-like stores at high altitudes as well as logistics to ensure sustenance.

The Chinese intrusions along the LAC have ensured that the Indian Government and the Indian Army in particular remain poised to meet the challenge and will never be short of resources to fight a coordinated defensive / offensive battle.