Kargil. When someone utters that name, the listener’s mind goes back to 1999 when Pakistan had intruded into the Indian territory and the Indian soldiers responded firmly to recapture the heights from the enemy. However, much of the public discourse regarding Kargil revolves around that war. Similarly, when it comes to Ladakh, of which Kargil is a district, public discourse revolves around 1962 war and recent 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China, and road and trekking expeditions. But, when one visits Ladakh in general and Kargil in particular, one gets to know that both these have a very very long history. As India braces up to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Kargil war of 1999 next year, ‘The Hitavada’ embarked on a visit to Kargil, Drass, Leh and other areas to present to the readers a picture in context. As far as history is concerned, the name Kargil is said to be derived from ‘Khar Kil’, which means in local language a place between castles/kingdoms.

 

Interestingly, Kargil was an important staging post on the routes of the trade caravans before 1947, being more or less equidistant from Srinagar, Leh, Skardu, and Padum. The languages spoken in Kargil indicate the rich blend of cultures there. Purgi, Balti, Dardic, Ladakhi, Zanskari, Sheena, Urdu, and Hindi are the main languages spoken there. The town on the banks of river Suru is not only picturesque but also has been Buddhist ecclesiastical home of learning. One also finds Khamenei Chowk here, reflecting the deep Iranian and Shia cultural influence here. In fact, Kargil is inhabited mostly by Shia Muslims and Agas are the religious heads and preachers. Hence, it is also referred to as the ‘Land of the Agas’. In the modern context, the region of Ladakh as a whole had only one district headquarter town of Leh. Later on, the huge region was given another district -- Kargil. Since 1947, Pakistan has been keeping an evil eye on Western Ladakh region comprising Kargil and trying to dominate the icy heights. China has been actively needling in Eastern Ladakh.

 

Thus, India has to keen a vigilant eye on both the fronts in Ladakh region. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it has been making efforts to capture heights dominating Kargil, Drass, and Batalik so that it could sever the link between Kashmir (Srinagar) and Ladakh (Leh), and then force India to withdraw from the dominating positions in Siachen Glacier. Another goal of Pakistan has been to force India into a negotiated settlement of Kashmir dispute in Pakistan’s favour. The brave Indian Armed Forces officers and personnel have fought fierce battles to recapture the icy peaks occupied by Pakistan by deceit and in contravention of the convention for winter season. As far as Kargil region is concerned, there are several places that saw hard battles fought by brave Indian soldiers to wrest vantage positions from Pakistan. In some cases, like Pt 13620 or Yoma Post, hard won points were handed back to Pakistan at political negotiation tables or in ceasefire agreements, but only to be won again. In public perception, though Kargil is associated with 1999 conflict with Pakistan, there is a longer history starting from 1947-48. In this series, ‘The Hitavada’ will shed light on some part of this long history.

 

At the same time, one must take into account the fantastic changes that are sweeping not only Kargil but also Leh and other parts since Ladakh became a Union Territory. In the past some years, a lot of Government effort and funds are being invested here. One can see the changes in terms of wonderful tar roads connecting important towns, infrastructure development benefiting the military and civilians both, honouring of local heroes, holding G20 meeting in Leh, buzzing markets, increased transport, tourist spots and facilitation centres being constructed, new hotels coming up in Kargil, Government Degree Colleges, new sports facilities including under-construction ice hockey indoor stadium and football ground and synthetic track being developed on the outskirts of Kargil, push to greening, employment generation, and what not.

 

Obviously, the locals are happy with these developments. At the same time, some express concerns about those from outside Ladakh buying properties and lands in the region. For, they fear that this would affect their culture preserved over the ages. Barring this concern, the overall feeling is extremely positive. The atmosphere is upbeat. At Drass, buzz of tourists tells the story of how people from various parts of India are getting more and more connected with Ladakh region. When a place is taking a turn in history for the better road ahead, isn’t it an occasion for the countrymen to know it even better? Knowing military history, at least in some part, is the first step in that direction. Of course, in modern context, this starts from 1947-48 with the tale of a lesser-known hero... (To be continued)