The Kargil War: Recapturing the Heights

The Kargil War: Recapturing the Heights, is a gripping account of the operations of 8 Mountain Division, which was tasked to evict the enemy from the Drass-Mushkoh Sector during Op Vijay. Coming from the pen of Lt Gen (then Maj Gen) Mohinder Puri, who led the division during the operations, the book is as authentic an account of the operations as one can hope to have. Written in a racy style, the book vividly captures the emotions and sentiments of a soldier; the apprehensions and fears of the leaders, and finally the joy and ecstasy of a hard won victory. The book, covering a wide spectrum from attacks at platoon level to issues impinging on national security, will be of immense value to all military professionals.Civilian readers will find the accounts of various close quarters, hand to hand battles fought in the extremely challenging and hostile environment of rugged high altitude terrain, inclement weather and an entrenched enemy, very engrossing and moving. A very high casualty count of 268 killed and 818 wounded, coupled with a rich haul of gallantry awards – three Param Vir Chakras, eight Mahavir Chakras, and 42 Vir Chakras – operations of 8 Mountain Division are a saga of fortitude, exceptional bravery, and exemplary junior leadership, which will undoubtedly swell any Indian’s heart with pride. Lt Gen Mohinder Puri was commissioned int the Fifth Battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles in June 1966. He commanded his battalion in Mizoram and later an infantry brigade in the Akhnoor sector of J&K. In his command of the famous 8 Mountain Division, his formation spearheaded the Army's offensive in the Kargil sector and restored the sanctity of the Line of Control by capturing Tololing, Tiger Hill and Point 4875 which became household names during the war. Later he commanded a Corps in the Punjab-Rajasthan sector. Before superannuation, he was the Military Secretary and side stepped as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff. He is settled in Gurgaon with his wife Prita. They have a daughter Ayesha, married to Akhil who have a son, Kiaan and daughter, Samaara.…