One of the major gains for India, from the ongoing Kargil conflict, is that by sending its Army regulars and Afghan mercenaries across the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan has found itself isolated in the world. Not a single country has come to its support and many countries have told it in no uncertain terms to respect the LoC. Even the member countries of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), has opposed this intrusion. (Pakistan has made it a regular feature to raise the Kashmir issue in OIC's annual conferences.)

Never before had India achieved such a diplomatic victory in matters relating to Kashmir. While Russia all along supported India's position in Kashmir, other two super powers, namely the United States of America and China all along took pro-Pakistani stand. Beyond doubt, this change in world opinion regarding Pakistan will definitely boost the morale of our armed forces who are engaged in a fierce battle against the Pakistanis and their hired Afghan friends.

Another major gain from the ongoing conflict, which should not be glossed over, is the firm support extended to the Indian armed forces by the North-Eastern people. Many North-Easterners have made supreme sacrifice in the battle, and the people of the region extended all possible help to the armed forces.

The people of Arunachal Pradesh, apart from donating Rs. 25 lakh to the Central Army Welfare Fund, took out a procession to protest against the nasty designs of Pakistan. In Assam inspired by the valour of the Indian forces, one ULFA cadre came out of the underground organisation and vowed serve the country's cause in any manner possible. Uddhab Das, Kenguruse, Kliford Nongrum and and their colleagues, all have become heroes in the region in their martyrdom. Every martyr of Kargil received emotional and tearful farewell. So many organisations from the North-East came forward to donate blood that the Army authority had to inform them that they did not need so much blood.

All the sacrifices and support from the North-Eastern region deserve a special mention. Because over the last few years, there has been a determined misinformation campaign against the armed forces was launched in the region that the Indian Army has forcefully occupied this part of the world. That it is responsible for all atrocities and rapes committed here. Many a time efforts have been made to draw the attention of the international community towards the alleged atrocities.

But in the wake of the Kargil conflict, it is for the world to see where lies the hearts of the North-Easterners. It is for the world community to realise that the region is a part and parcel of India and no force on the earth can take it away from her. The world should also realise that India's strength in this region does not come from the barrel of gun, but from the people's willingness to be known as proud Indian. They are as proud Indians as the people of any other parts of the country.

This should also be an eye-opener to the leaders who advocates secessionism in the region. It is time now for them to understand that fear of gun is temporary, but love for the country is permanent. It is the most opportune moment for them to respect the people's wishes and join the mainstream.