It was a war that continued for two whole months on the cold, rugged and mountainous regions of the Indo-Pak border, between two nuclear powers - the Kargil war was as if a test of power and patience. Tenacity took on a new name when the soldiers from both sides fought for their country.  India launched Operation Vijay against the infiltrating Pakistani soldiers in Kargil and remained locked in artillery clashes with Pakistan on the Line of Control. It was colossal and a battle that the entire world community woke up to with concern.

On July 3, 1999, the Indian Army began its final assault on the Tiger Hills. After liberating various sectors from the clutches of our neighbour, this was a decisive phase in the war. And as the whole nation waited with baited breath, the Indian flag firmly fluttered over Tiger Hills on the morning of July 4, 1999 and all of India celebrated. Operation Vijay was successful. This was 10 years ago - but the sounds of the battlefield still send jitters down memory lane.

(AFP PHOTO)