The Task That Remains

EXACTLY two months into the war in Kargil, all the speculation centres around the question of withdrawal by Pakistan and the diplomatic manoeuvres surrounding it. But as of July 8, a different kind of reality obtained on the ground. With Pakistani troops only redoubling efforts, the military stakes remain high as ever.

The latest gains-like Jubar hilltop in the Batalik sector, recaptured by 1 Bihar after fierce bunker-to-bunker fighting, or the progress made by 22 Grenadiers and 12 jak Light Infantry on adjoining peaks-topped army claims of 65 per cent success in the Kargil war. But given the fluid circumstances, it may be meaningless to quantify the remaining task in such terms. Officers say till a withdrawal actually happens, the war won’t be over for them.