The Indian military has held ceremonies every July 26 since the bloody conflict 20 years ago (HABIB NAQASH)

New Delhi (AFP) – India’s army chief warned Pakistan on Friday that it would get a “bloodied nose” if there was a repeat of a bloody battle which took place 20 years ago.

Amidst renewed tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, General Bipin Rawat cautioned Pakistan as India staged nationwide ceremonies for the anniversary of the end of the three-month Kargil conflict.

About 1,000 Indian and Pakistani soldiers died in the battle which has gone down in history as the world’s highest.

In May 1999, Pakistani troops and rebels crossed the disputed Kashmir border and seized Indian military posts in the Kargil mountains vacated during winter months because of the intense cold at 18,000 feet (5,486 metres). 

Indian troops eventually pushed the Pakistan military back. The Indian military has held ceremonies every July 26 since.

“This (Kargil) was a misadventure. Misadventures should not be repeated. You will get a bloodied nose next time,” Rawat said referring to Pakistan at a media briefing in Indian Kashmir.

India’s right-wing government, which takes a hardline stance on Pakistan, held a series of flag-waving events to mark the 20th anniversary, including trekking trips to the mountain top frontier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a photo from 1999 when he said he went to Kargil to “show solidarity with our brave soldiers”.

He paid tributes to the “mighty warriors who sacrificed everything to defend the motherland”.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli was among sports and Bollywood personalities to praise the military. “We will never forget all the sacrifices you made for us. Respect, Love, Salute,” said Kohli on Twitter.

India and Pakistan divided Muslim-majority Kashmir after their independence in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. They have fought three wars since, including two over Kashmir.

Ties hit a new low in February when they launched tit-for-tat cross-border air strikes following a suicide bombing in Indian Kashmir which was claimed by Pakistan-based militants.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.