The Kargil war in the summer of 1999 was a tale of brutality and courage. In Despatches from Kargil, Srinjoy Cowdhury, who covered the war for the Statesman, recounts what it was like for journalists to battle against deadlines, shellfire - and particularly vicious bedbugs - to transmit their reports. He draws graphic pictures of the major assaults, such as in Drass and Batalik, relying heavily on the first-hand accounts of those who took part in the action. There are memorable portrayals of the soldiers and officers too - sometimes of the other side as well. This is war reportage at its best: observant, objective, and ultimately, for all the wry understatement, extremely moving.
