Shillong: Oni Sen’s six-part Netflix series, Operation Safed Sagar, highlights the Indian Air Force’s high-altitude tactical strikes during the 1999 Kargil conflict. No. 17 Golden Arrows Squadron flew sorties above 20,000 feet. They targeted enemy logistics hubs like Muntho Dhalo. These air missions shielded the vital ground supply line, National Highway 1D.
Pakistani forces had occupied ridgelines overlooking Dras, Batalik, and the Mushkoh Valley. They wanted to shell the highway and isolate Ladakh. The conflict proved that logistics decide campaigns. Ancient strategist Kautilya argued that commanders must secure their own supply roads before attempting any assault. Indian forces followed this logic by protecting the highway to move Bofors guns forward for the infantry. The army retook key positions at Tololing and Tiger Hill only after securing these vital lines.
India now applies these lessons to its modern northern border infrastructure. Seasonal snow once closed the 11,500-foot Zoji La pass for half the year. The government is now engineering permanent, all-weather connections to prevent such isolation. The Z-Morh Tunnel opened in early 2025 to link Srinagar to Sonamarg. Meanwhile, work continues on the 14-kilometre Zoji La Tunnel to connect Srinagar and Leh year-round. The Border Roads Organisation kept the Zoji La stretch open through February 2025, marking a historical first.
These projects join a broader drive, including the 1,840-kilometre Arunachal Frontier Highway. Integrated airbases and tunnels provide constant readiness for the armed forces. As the author notes, "The fundamental truth demonstrated during the Kargil Conflict remains vital today." These roads of steel and concrete now secure the nation’s frontier.
Comments