Kargil war: When Pervez Musharraf spent a night across LoC

They spent the night at 'Zikria Mustaqar', where Pakistani troops commanded by Colonel Amjad Shabbir were present, and returned the next day

In the year 1999, shortly before the outbreak of conflict between Indian and Pakistani forces in the Kargil region, General Pervez Musharraf reportedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC). Using a helicopter, he ventured 11 kilometers into territory controlled by India, where he allegedly spent the night.

This bold move occurred just weeks prior to the escalation of hostilities in the area. A former Pakistani colonel made these revelations on a TV programme aired a few years ago. Colonel (retired) Ashfaq Hussain, who was a senior officer in the Pakistan Army's media arm, revealed that on March 28, 1999, Musharraf flew across the LoC and travelled 11 kilometres into the Indian side.

Musharraf, who was then army chief, was accompanied by Brig Masood Aslam, then commander of 80 Brigade. They spent the night at 'Zikria Mustaqar', where Pakistani troops commanded by Colonel Amjad Shabbir were present, and returned the next day.

The war, which began in May 1999, was declared over on July 26 in the same year. The date is remembered as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' as the Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.

In his book 'Witness to Blunder: Kargil Story Unfolds' too, Colonel Hussain made a mention of Musharraf crossing the LoC.

Meanwhile, Hussain also mentioned that Pakistani forces first intruded into Indian territory along the LoC on December 18, 1998. During this incursion, Captains Nadeem and Ali, along with Havaldar Lalik Jan, were sent to conduct a reconnaissance mission.

"They were never told about the aims and objectives of their mission. Even for a recce, they were not provided any briefing or objectives," he said.

25 years down the line, India is all set to celebrate 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ladakh where he will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony followed by a visit to the 'Shaheed Marg' (Wall of Fame).

The prime minister would also interact with 'Veer Naris' (war widows).

(With PTI inputs)