Kargil Vijay Diwas | 'No One Thought We Could Do It, But We Did': Retd. Major General Sanjay Soi

New Delhi:  As India celebrates 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas today, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of its soldiers during the Kargil War, retired Major General Sanjay Soi shared his poignant memories and reflections in an exclusive interview with Republic TV. Major General Soi, who served with the 2 Naga units, emphasized the indomitable spirit and professionalism of the Indian Army that led to their historic victory.

"I would say that my unit, 2 Naga, played a crucial role in the operations. I joined immediately after the operation and commanded the battalion in the Drass area for two years," Major General Soi recalled. 

‘Memories Are Still Fresh’

“When Pakistan thought that they have occupied the heights from Daraas to Turtuk and in fact,  it was sort of impossible for any army to recapture. They thought that India will never be able to recapture this. But they underestimated the resolve, the bravery, the patriotism, the professionalism of the Indian Army,” he said.

‘One of The Finest Examples of Bravery’

Despite the overwhelming challenges of high altitude, lack of oxygen, and relentless enemy fire, the Indian troops continued their advance. "My own unit captured Twin Bumps and was honored with the battalion honor Drass and theatre honor Drass," Major General Soi stated proudly. We celebrated this achievement on July 7."

“This was one of the finest examples of bravery in the world. No one thought we could do it, but we did. Our soldiers did it," he said. 

He paid tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring India's freedom and honor. "My salute to the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice so that we can breathe freely, and India can hold its head high," he said. “The memories are still fresh. I keep meeting the families of the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives.”

The Story of Suman Suresh Kargil Chhetri

One such story that stands out for Major General Soi is that of Suman Suresh Kargil Chhetri, whose father, Suresh Chhetri, died in the operations in Drass. "Suman was named in honor of his father's sacrifice and is now a doctor, an MBBS graduate from Maulana Azad College," he shared. “I feel so proud and get goosebumps just thinking about it," he added.

Martyrs' Family Felt Proud

None of the families who lost their loved ones regretted it; they had a sense of pride. They  always expressed their desire to join the army and continue the mission, he said.

“None of the families who lost their kids and kins, they felt sad. They had a sense of pride.They always said, whether the father who lost his son or wife lost her husband or somebody lost their father. In fact, they always said that I will also join the army,” Soi said.

Reflecting on the collective spirit of patriotism, Major General Soi emphasized, “This kind of ‘jazba’ (passion) and patriotism made the impossible possible for the Indian Army. I am proud to be a veteran of the Indian Army and my unit, 2 Naga.”