A basic problem with Kargil conflict is that most of us are unaware of the military and political objectives which were set as parameters to declare it successful. Unless those are known, our analysis of the tactical level performance or higher level leadership will be in vain.
We all enjoy the benefit of hindsight while discussing past operations, that may be kept in mind. This makes our task much easier while discussing anything. Its always easier to pass a judgement this way.
I, based on my limited experience, always fail to understand the importance of FH-77 Bofors once Kargil is being discussed. It is nothing special, a normal artillery piece. Its extended range was of no use since the conflict dictated that artillery was already being fired over open sights, or direct fire. Rest it fired normal artillery shells which had the same effect as that of a normal artillery gun of its calibre. For Tiger Hill, Indians conducted a 200-gun pre-attack bombardment, followed by a Brigade level attack....even then what odds 8 Sikh, 18 Grenadiers and 2 Naga faced against a small body of NLI troops is pretty evident.
Do please keep in view the exact location of Zoji La pass vis a vis LOC, along with the indian deployments in the area. Its not that easy to reach Zoji La undetected.
@diligence
As far as planning is concerned, the objectives, their retainability and sustainability were all within limits if we had gone as per the ORIGINAL plan. If we would have stuck to the original plan, Indian response would not have been that big, and the scope of operation from both sides would have been within our acceptable limits.
You are right, disowning own troops is always detrimental to morale.
PAF support was originally not required as per the original plan.
Again, supply should not have been a problem if we would have followed the original plan.
You are also right that in the end, this operation did more damage to us than of any use.
You are also right that pre-hostilities diplomatic moves were missing which could have complemented our efforts.
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Cmon gentlemen, instead of discussing Kargil War in this thread (we can do it in its own thread) lets discuss our leaders, for this is what this thread is all about.
Leaders are not found in higher echelons, Pakistan Army has exemplary examples of leaders at all levels till General Officers. Just some examples (some, not all)
Gen Iftikhar
Gen Tajammal
Gen Bokhari (as Brigadier in FCNA)
Brigadier Ameer Hamza (105 Brigade)
Lt Col Raja Akram, FF
Lt Col Sultan, 31 Baluch
Brigadier Hayat, 107 Brigade, 1971
Gen A O Mitha
Gen Abrar, GOC 6 Armored Division
Gen Akhtar Malik
Brig Nisar, 25 Cavalry, Chengez Force
Brig Amjad Chaudhary
Brif A R Shami
our NH recipients
Capt Iqbal, SSG
Maj, later Brigadier Abdul Rehman, SSG
Brig T M
Above names may not be even 1% of our heroes, and then these are only from Army, we have many heroes from PAF and PN as well.....
Then, again, thousands of examples from the last two decades in our fight against terrorists.