Pt 13620: Saga of a crucial but less-known feature of Kargil

Often, it is said, the bravery of soldiers is sacrificed at the altar of political negotiations. Pt 13620 dominating the Kargil region is a classic example of this. It has seen four wars with Pakistan. In 1965, it was captured thrice by India from Pakistani illegal occupation dating back to 1947-48. However, at the negotiating tables, with the United Nations intervention, it was returned to Pakistan. In 1971, the brave Indian soldiers finally captured the crucial vantage point high on the hill. Years later, this proved to be precious. During the Kargil War of 1999, India could secure Kargil town and a part of Srinagar-Leh National Highway because of firm control over Pt 13620. This Kargil Vijay Diwas, Indians must know the extraordinary saga of this less-known feature.