a-father-s-fight-for-capt-kalia-lives-on-after-26-years

Twenty-six years after the brutal torture and killing of Kargil War hero Captain Saurabh Kalia by Pakistani forces, his father, Dr. N.K. Kalia, remains unwavering in his mission to hold Pakistan accountable for violating the Geneva Convention.

 

On what would have been his son’s 49th birthday, the legacy of Captain Kalia was once again remembered — not just for his sacrifice, but for the courage of a father who refuses to let justice be forgotten.

 

Now 78, Dr. Kalia, a retired senior scientist from the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), continues to fight for answers. “I still have full faith in our country’s political leadership and judicial system,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful that those responsible for the inhumane treatment of his son will one day be held accountable.

 

"His unmatchable martyrdom in this unique way awoke the whole sleepy nation, lit the patriotic fire in the country and had a catalytic effect on the entire armed forces," recalls the father.

 

During the Kargil conflict, Lt Saurabh Kalia of the 4 Jat Regiment embarked on a reconnaissance mission in the Kaksar sector with five fellow soldiers in the third week of May 1999. Tragically, the team went missing, and the first news of their disappearance surfaced via a broadcast on Askardu Radio in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

 

On June 9, the bodies of Lt Saurabh — posthumously promoted to Captain — and his team members Sepoys Arjun Ram, Banwar Lal, Bhikaram, Moola Ram, and Naresh Singh were returned to India. The next day, on June 10, a news agency broke the harrowing story that revealed the horrific treatment they had endured.

 

The bodies bore signs of severe torture and mutilation — vital organs missing, eyeballs gouged out, and noses, ears, and genitals chopped off. The sheer brutality stunned the nation and was unlike anything previously seen in the history of armed conflict between India and Pakistan.

 

India strongly condemned the inhumane act, terming it a gross violation of international conventions, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which govern the treatment of prisoners of war.

 

Even after all these years, Captain Saurabh Kalia’s family doesn’t feel alone in their journey. “People have shown us immense love and respect,” said Dr. Kalia, expressing gratitude for the continued support they’ve received from across India and abroad.

 

He shared that the family often receives letters and phone calls from individuals who want to know more about the brave officer and his sacrifice during the Kargil War.

 

A museum in Captain Kalia’s memory, set up at the family’s Palampur home, has become a quiet but powerful tribute. Every year, it draws around 600 to 800 visitors, including tourists and patriots who come to pay their respects and learn about the young soldier whose story continues to touch countless hearts.

 

"Unknown people say that they have heard so much about Captain Kalia. Now that we have come here, it is good," the proud father said to highlight the lasting impact of his son's sacrifice.

 

Captain Kalia’s younger brother, Vaibhav Kalia, who teaches Computer Science at the Agriculture University in Palampur, spoke of how the memory of his brother's sacrifice continues to live on in the hearts of people.

 

“People have not forgotten their martyrs,” he said, touched by the genuine interest and enthusiasm among children attending the event in Captain Kalia’s honour.

 

Vaibhav shared how his own family is proudly carrying forward the legacy. His elder son, currently pursuing a BSc in Agriculture, is actively involved in the NCC, while his younger son, Vyomesh, is deeply inspired to join the armed forces and plans to appear for the NDA exam.

 

“"I will be very happy if my two kids at least give an honest try to join the armed forces,” Vaibhav said with quiet pride.

Captain Kalia's mother, though deeply private in her grief, remains "very brave" and immensely proud of her son, according to Vaibhav.

 

Before leaving for his duty, Capt Kalia uttered his prophetic last words to his mother over phone "Maa tum dekhna ek din aisa kaam kar jaunga, ki saari duniya mein mera naam hoga (Mother, you will see one day I will do such a deed that the whole world will acknowledge that)".

 

Captain Saurabh Kalia’s promise to serve the nation, fulfilled through his ultimate sacrifice, lives on — not only through the grief and pride of his family, or the continued honour bestowed by the Indian Army, but also in the steady stream of visitors who come to the museum at his Palampur home to pay their respects.

 

While the fight for justice over his inhumane treatment in Pakistani custody remains a complex diplomatic challenge, the Kalia family finds deep comfort in the enduring love and admiration of the public. This unwavering support ensures that Captain Kalia’s story of courage and patriotism continues to inspire new generations — including his own nephews, who now dream of proudly wearing the uniform and serving the nation, just like their martyred uncle.

 

In 2012, Dr. Kalia filed a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Through the petition, he urged the government to pursue legal action against Pakistan, including taking the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), for the brutal treatment of his son and fellow soldiers in violation of the Geneva Convention.

 

The Geneva Convention outlines the rights and protections of Prisoners of War (POWs). It mandates humane treatment, adequate conditions of detention, and access to food, clothing, and medical care. The Convention also strictly prohibits torture, violence, and all forms of inhumane or degrading treatment of POWs.

 

The petition also highlighted that Captain Saurabh Kalia and his men endured over two weeks of unimaginable torture before their bodies were returned to India on June 9, 1999 — a brutality later confirmed by the postmortem report dated June 11.

 

Despite the horrific ordeal, they never broke. Their unwavering patriotism, strength, courage, and resilience in the face of such cruelty continues to be a 

source of deep pride and inspiration for the entire nation.