Mashkoh Kargil As I saw It

“MASHKOH: Kargil as I saw it” is a gripping first-hand authentic account of war stories of the ‘Mashkoh Warriors’ by the author, who commanded the unit in war and was awarded Vir Chakra for his gallant actions in the Mashkoh Valley in 1999. 

The book captures the tales of courage, humour, emotions, tragic losses and hard-won victories in the extremely challenging high-altitude terrain of Kargil, where many believed that the mission was impossible. This book isn’t meant to be an individual glorified war story, nor is it intended to belittle any leader for the lapses committed during the war. The book captures those lessons of war for future generations so that as new wars begin and end, such crucial lessons will not have to be relearned- rewritten in more blood. These lessons are equally applicable to all organisations like the military, sports, business, corporate or any other industry.

Many questions continue to nag. Why was ingress not detected in real time? Why do the soldiers fight, and why do they not run away? How did we turn the tide in our favour?

To find the answers to these and many such queries, read the book “MASHKOH: Kargil as I Saw It”. Written in a simple style, the readers will find it very engaging and moving.

About the Author

Brig Umesh Singh Bawa, VrC, SM, was commissioned in the 17th battalion of the Jat regiment in Jun 1978. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College. He commanded 17 Jat during the Kargil War and was awarded Vir Chakra during the operations. His unit was tasked to capture Pimple Complex, part of point 4875 in Mashkoh Valley. He has served in various staff and command appointments in the Army. He has been an instructor in Infantry School, Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School and Indian Military Academy. He retired from service on 31 Dec 2013. He has a PhD in Public Administration. He is now settled in Gurgaon along with his wife, Indu.