Pakistan Army Chief: A quarter century after the Kargil War of 1999, Pakistan has finally owned up to its role in the war as part of a very major revelation by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Defence Day. The revelation has sent emotions running high across India, especially among the families of the soldiers who gave their lives during the conflict. The Kargil War involved the heaviest fighting on the high-altitude region of Ladakh and was long a bone of contention between the two countries, as Pakistan had invariably denied any direct involvement in the conflict-until now.
General Asim Munir’s Historic Admission
This was the first time that General Asim Munir issued a statement on behalf of the Pakistani military confirming the latter’s involvement in the Kargil conflict. During the Defence Day speech, Munir not only accepted the involvement of Pakistan but paid tribute to the Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in the war. “Pakistani community is a community of the brave people, who understand the importance of freedom and the way to pay for it,” said Munir, making reference to the sacrifices of Pakistani troops in various conflicts including Kargil.
Captain Vikram Batra’s Father Speaks Out
The acknowledgement has brought a sharp reaction from GL Batra, father of Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra, who was martyred during the war. Captain Batra’s bravery has attained folklore in India; the words of his father reflect the deep pain that still lingers within the rank and file of such families whose sons were among those fighting the war.
GL Batra says, “When they are saying that there was the involvement of the Pakistan Army in this, so it is clear that whatever torture was done on those soldiers was done by the Pakistan Army. It has been 25 years now since Dr. Kalia got justice, he is fighting for this in the International Law Court and is moving forward with the hope that he will get justice.”
He added, When the Pakistan Army Chief has accepted the fact that the entire Kargil war was initiated by the Pakistan Army, then if something can be done to give peace to the hearts of those old parents, it should be done…I want that both the neighbouring countries should live together in peace like good neighbours. This is the progress of both the countries…”
GL Batra Highlights Ongoing Struggle for Justice
Batra also spoke about the continuing struggle waged by the families of the martyrs, in particular mentioning the father of Dr. Kalia, who has fought a frontline battle for justice in the International Court of Law for 25 years. He prayed for necessary steps to be initiated to soothe the anguish of the bereaved families-the sorrow of their loss still festering.
Despite the wounds still fresh, GL Batra expected peace between the two countries, believing both needed to learn to live like good neighbors for the progress of the region. The sudden revelation from across the border by Pakistan may bring new frontiers of dialogue, yet it reminds one of the war which brought scars on both sides of the border.
