Ex-Navy Officer Backs Ex-CDS on Kirana Hills, Says Forces Had Headed Towards Sargodha

The statement by a former Indian Navy officer has added weight to the recent remarks made by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan regarding Kirana Hills. The officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Indian forces had indeed moved towards the Sargodha sector during a past conflict, corroborating the former CDS’s claim.

General Chauhan’s remarks, made during a public event, had stirred a debate among political circles and strategic analysts. He had suggested that Indian troops had advanced up to Kirana Hills in Pakistan’s Punjab province, close to the Sargodha airbase. While some commentators disputed the claim, the former Navy officer has now extended support, saying "they had gone towards Sargodha".

In an interaction with a news organisation, the officer recounted the operational details he had been privy to during his service. He maintained that the forward movement of Indian forces in that sector was a part of the broader military strategy at the time. The officer, however, did not elaborate on the specific period or the operation, nor did he provide any declassified documents to substantiate the claim.

Histories of the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan often mention the advancement of Indian Army units towards Sargodha, which was a critical Pakistani air hub. Kirana Hills, a rocky ridge near Sargodha, has been cited in several military accounts as a point of reference. However, official Indian military histories have remained circumspect about how deep the forces penetrated.

The former CDS’s original remarks were made earlier this week at a seminar on national security. He stated that the Indian Army had "reached Kirana Hills" and could have gone further had it not been for constraints. His statement was quickly picked up by news channels and drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who accused him of making unsubstantiated claims for political purposes. Defence veterans, however, were divided, with some supporting his version and others asking for evidence.

In this context, the former Navy officer’s backing is significant, as it comes from a senior officer who served in the Navy and would likely have had access to joint operational information. His remarks also underscore the fact that during those operations, the three services were working in coordination, and the possibility of such an advance cannot be ruled out.

While the controversy continues to simmer, no official statement has been issued by the Indian Armed Forces or the Defence Ministry. The Ministry had earlier distanced itself from the ex-CDS’s remarks, saying they were personal opinions. The former Navy officer’s statement is also not an official position, and he spoke in his personal capacity.

Efforts are being made to get a response from both the former Navy officer and General Chauhan. Meanwhile, military historians see this as an opportunity to re-examine records and publish a comprehensive account of the operations. Some have called for transparency in access to declassified war documents.

In the absence of any official confirmation, the exact details of the operation may never be fully known. However, the renewed discussion highlights the significance of remembering the sacrifices and achievements of the armed forces, even as the nation prepares to mark another anniversary of its independence.

The debate also reflects the ongoing need for a nuanced understanding of military history, beyond political or partisan interpretations.