PANJIM: It’s been 25 years since Indian armed forces successfully evicted the Pakistani intruders from the heights, where leave alone fighting, even breathing is almost impossible due to extremely low oxygen.
But our soldiers made the impossible possible with their sheer determination and courage.
Goa’s son of soil, Lt Col (retd) Austin Collaco, who along with Lt Col Jesus Furtado played a crucial role in the war, said, “The leadership, courage and integrity of the men was remarkable. Innovative ways were employed in tactics and operations.”
Lt Col Collaco, a trained mountaineer and instructor at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), in Kashmir, was responsible for helping Indian Army troops to climb the steep cliffs located between 15,000 and 18,000 ft above the sea level.
"The job was very challenging. There were horizontal and vertical pitons. One had to hammer it on the rock and fit the carabiner. I had to anchor the rope and help the soldiers to climb the cliffs," he said.
But it was easier said than done. Not only was the climb steep and treacherous, but a slight noise would also have alarmed the enemy.
"To camouflage the sound, the hammers were covered with rubber,” Lt Col Collaco said.
According to the Kargil hero, the biggest challenge was to successfully lay the ropes.
“It had to be anchored but at night time and it was very difficult to find the cracks. Moreover, we were not supposed to use torches. I had to feel the gaps with my fingers,” he said.
Speaking about his main takeaway from the operations, the veteran officer said, “I feel that if I could execute this task, I can do anything,” he asserted.
When asked about his memories of the war, Lt Col Collaco said, "There are good and sad memories as a war or battle is supposed to be that way. A task to be done and a battle to be won. It's not a memory to cherish – “Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do or die…”
About the country's defence preparedness in these 25 years, the Kargil hero said, "Our national security is evolving and is in a continuous updating mode. New technology has been considered and at the strategic level the army has seen a change. Demand for the latest weapons has increased and procurements are on a fast track. We are also pursuing the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy to reduce demand-supply gap of defence equipment and become self-sufficient."
Considering the combined threat of war with China and Pakistan is considered to be on the horizon, are we prepared for a two-front war?
"Yes, we are prepared for a two-front war and also the proxy war, which is entrusted to us. Troop deployment has been war gamed and readjustments done. Equipment, ordnance, stores and manpower have been infused with technology. It takes time as it involves finances and technology. I am confident that we are a force to reckon with," he said.
Speaking about the way forward for the armed forces to prevent another Kargil-like situation, Lt Col Collcaco said, "Synergy and coordination amongst the armed forces is the hour of the day. The Tri-service Theatre commands have to be fully operational. Cyber and space agencies have also to be fully operationalised. However at the same time, bilateral talks at the diplomatic level must continue with vigour."