Kargil War and the ripples of a war surgeon

The Kargil War Surgeon's Testimony, written by Arup Ratan Basu, is a vivid picturesque record of his journey as a young surgeon to the valley of Kargil during the conflict of 1999.

- MOHUL BHATTACHARYA

Books on the Kargil War have been plentiful and abundant in the last decade. This book stands as an exception in the sea of war testimonies. Published by Bloomsbury this year, the book has a personal touch, the feelings of frustration and empathy, a sense of wonderment, and a descriptive backdrop of Kashmir.

Basu writes, "Some villagers stared at the passing military vehicles with suspicion clear on their faces. Their eyes seemed to reflect their inner despair and hopelessness."

This is the description of the people of the villages of Kashmir and the initial shock of the cultural and historical background for the new surgeon in an alien land.

In the author's note, Basu adds, "I had bought an ordinary hardbound notebook at the town bazaar to note my experiences during my stay in Kargil. In spite of the demands of my work, I managed to note the most important events of the time." Hence this book serves as a personal journal, more epistolary than non-fiction prose.