Gen. V.P. Malik, who headed the Indian Army during the Kargil war, blamed the lack of ‘visualisation of security threats’ by the then government as one of the main reasons for the 1999 conflict. Malik stated that “even after 60 years of independence, knowledge and experience of defence and military issues is lacking in most of our political leaders and civilian bureaucrats." The former Army Chief further stated that the absence of white papers, vision documents or periodic reviews on the subject of national security was a glaring lacuna. Calling for a Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), Malik favoured the integration of new technology into existing weapons systems, integrated C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and greater emphasis on electronic and cyber warfare techniques1.

Meanwhile, five soldiers including a Lt. Colonel were gunned down by militants in an ambush at Watsar in Kishtwar district on June 132. Elsewhere, troops on June 19 foiled a major infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district by killing five militants3.

• 1. “Kargil happened because of lack of visualisation: Malik,” Daily Excelsior, June 18, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08june18/news.htm#10
• 2. “Lt Col, 2 PSOs among 5 securitymen shot dead,” Daily Excelsior, June 14, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08june14/news.htm#1
• 3. “Intrusion bid foiled in Poonch, 5 killed,” Daily Excelsior, June 20, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08june20/news.htm#2