‘Jinping will not forget’, Ex- Army Chief Gen Naravane chronicles brilliance of Op Snow Leopard

In a revealing memoir titled 'Four Stars of Destiny,' General Manoj Mukund Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff, provides an intricate narrative of the simmering border tensions between India and China during his tenure. The memoir delves deep into the events surrounding the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, shedding light on the critical moments that shaped one of the most challenging chapters in recent Indian military history. 

General Naravane underscores the gravity of June 16, 2020, a date etched not only in the annals of military history but also in the memory of Chinese President Xi Jinping. On this day, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) suffered heavy casualties, marking a profound departure from the two-decade-long peace along the Himalayan border. 

The significance of June 16 is twofold – it is President Xi Jinping's birthday, and it symbolizes a turning point where the PLA faced fatal casualties after a prolonged period of tranquility. "June 16 is Xi Jinping's birthday. This is not a day he will forget any time soon. For the first time in over two decades, the Chinese and the PLA had suffered fatal casualties," writes Gen Naravane in his memoir. 

Operation Snow Leopard: A strategic masterstroke 

The memoir unveils the strategic brilliance behind 'Operation Snow Leopard,' a meticulously planned endeavor by the Indian Army to secure key heights along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Gen Naravane, exhibiting patience in diplomatic channels, waited for three months before greenlighting the operation.

Under 'Operation Snow Leopard,' specialized teams of high-altitude mountain warfare specialists were prepared to undertake the challenging task of occupying strategic heights. The swift execution included the control of posts around Pangong Tso and other critical locations, providing India not only tactical but also strategic advantages.

With the successful occupation of key heights, India now possesses the strength to restore the status quo ante at the LAC if diplomatic negotiations falter. The deployment effectively covers critical areas, including Demchok, Depsang, and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), bolstered by the vigilant support of the Indian Air Force. 

"Operation Snow Leopard was not just about securing the immediate tactical advantage; it was a strategic move to strengthen India's position in negotiations and on-ground realities," notes Gen Naravane in his memoir. 

Galwan clashes: A Day of sorrow and valor 

Gen Naravane vividly recounts the day of the Galwan clashes as one of the saddest in his entire military career. The confrontations erupted after the PLA refused to vacate Patrolling Point-14 (PP-14), leading to a violent see-saw battle throughout the night. The clashes were a testament to India's unwavering resolve against Chinese incursions. 

The memoir discloses the human toll of the Galwan clashes, with Gen Naravane acknowledging the PLA's substantial price for its misadventure. While China officially admitted to only five deaths, Gen Naravane suggests that the actual toll was significantly higher. Indian soldiers held captive by the Chinese witnessed the grim recovery of bodies from the river, enduring further beatings during these distressing moments. 

"Our men who were in Chinese hands had been kept out in the open and they had seen several bodies being fished out of the river. Whenever that happened, they were subjected to a fresh round of beatings," Naravane writes. 

Gen Naravane's tenure, marked by increased Chinese hostility, showcases India's swift and decisive responses to fortify its capabilities along the LAC. 'Four Stars of Destiny' offers a comprehensive, poignant, and candid account of India's strategic maneuvers, challenges, and sacrifices during a critical period in its border relations with China.  

The memoir stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian Armed Forces, providing invaluable insights into the intricacies of modern warfare along the challenging terrain of the India-China border.