During the tense ceasefire discussions following the 1999 Kargil War, a rare and revealing exchange took place between senior Indian and Pakistani military officials. As the talks unfolded between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, a candid comment from Pakistan’s DGMO caught many off guard — both then and now

According to reports that have resurfaced in recent years, when India’s DGMO questioned Pakistan about why their soldiers had been sent across the Line of Control during the conflict, the Pakistani DGMO responded with a surprising line: “Joote khaane bhej diya tha”, which loosely translates to “They were sent to get beaten up.” While the statement was likely made with a touch of dry military humour, it hinted at the lack of clarity and perhaps even communication within Pakistan’s own chain of command at the time.

The Kargil conflict, which began in May 1999, was a limited but intense military confrontation triggered by the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and militants into Indian territory. The war ended after India reclaimed most of the peaks and a ceasefire was announced, largely under international pressure.

This brief moment during the ceasefire talks gives a glimpse into the sometimes blunt and unscripted nature of military dialogue. It also serves as a reminder of how frontline decisions and outcomes don’t always align with the narratives that follow in political or public spaces.

The anecdote has found renewed interest in defence circles and among history enthusiasts, particularly as more veterans speak openly about their experiences during the Kargil War.