Don't you think it is going to be a daunting task to man these heights under intensely bitter winter conditions? Are the soldiers prepared?
No, I don't think so, it is not new. Holding the heights in Kargil is an extension of what we have been doing in Siachen since 1984. The boys staying at these posts are trained and have served in similar sectors earlier. What is more important is that we have been able to do Advance Winter Stocking (aws) at these posts before the onset of winter.
What kind of aws has been done?
We have been able to stock almost 2 lakh tonnes of provisions for the troops in this sector. We had just two months to do this (September 1 to October 31) and moved as much as we could through mules and porters. This included fuel, clothing, special rations, fibre-glass reinforced plastics (for tents) as well as ammunition. But we had to increasingly use choppers for soldiers in higher altitudes because of paucity of time and also due to the road-close period.
But do you agree that the terrain in Kargil is vastly different from that of Siachen, which makes the task of wintering difficult?
That may be so but as I mentioned earlier, the soldiers are trained to stay at these heights. Some of them commanded heights in Sela and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Sure, there might be snow during peak months which might accumulate up to 30 feet, making movement difficult. But once you have acclimatised to the rarefied air on those peaks, half the battle is won.
Would these men remain all through winter?
No, not necessarily. We have a roll-over system. One-third of the group is rotated every two months and this has to be done through choppers. Further, it is not advisable on health grounds to keep a person there for so long.
What is the mood among the jawans about having to stay on at these heights under bitter conditions?
The Indian soldier is tenacious and resilient. As long as the logistical backup and leadership is there, there is absolutely no problem. Deficiencies in either could spell problems.
This is a huge cost we have to pay, both in terms of money and men...
That is something for the nation to judge. But we will be constantly reviewing our holding operations and devise strategies accordingly.
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