Author: Srinjoy Chowdhury
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 231
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0140285245
Description
Unforgettable tales of the Kargil war.
The Kargil war in the summer of 1999 was a tale of brutality and courage. Here was war in its essence: barren, icy peaks held by a strongly entrenched enemy, and the only way to dislodge the intruders was to climb up in the face of overwhelming fire.
In despatches from Kargil, the author, who covered the war for the Statesman, recounts what it was like for journalist to battle against deadlines, shellfire to transmit their reports. He draws graphic pictures of the major assaults, such as in Drass and Batalik, relying heavily on the first-hand accounts of those who took part in the action. There are memorable portrayals of the soldiers and officers too - sometimes of the other side as well.
This is war reportage at its best: observant, objective, and ultimately for all the wry understatement, extremely moving.