had travelled to Lahore to promote bilateral talks aimed at resolving the Kashmir problem and "by crossing the Line of Control, Pakistan had wrecked the [bilateral] talks". On the other hand, he applauded Indian restraint for not crossing the LOC and escalating the conflict into an all-out war. G8 nations supported India and condemned the Pakistani violation of the LOC at the Cologne summit. The European Union also opposed Pakistan's violation of the LOC. China, a long-time ally of Pakistan, insisted on a pullout of forces to the pre-conflict positions along the LOC and settling border issues peacefully. Other organisations like the ASEAN Regional Forum too supported India's stand on the inviolability of the LOC. Faced with growing international pressure, Sharif managed to pull back the remaining soldiers from Indian territory. The joint statement issued by Clinton and Sharif conveyed the need to respect the LOC and resume bilateral talks as the best forum to resolve all disputes. Gallantry awards India A number of Indian soldiers earned awards for gallantry. Four Param Vir Chakras and 11 Maha Vir Chakras were awarded. The following units were awarded the COAS' unit citations for their exemplary role in the war - Infantry 2 Rajputana Rifles 8 Sikh 17 Jat 18 Grenadiers 1 Bihar 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles 18 Garhwal Rifles 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry 2 Naga 1/11 Gorkha Rifles Ladakh Scouts Artillery 108 Medium Regiment 141 Field Regiment 197 Field Regiment Army Aviation Corps 663 (Reconnaissance and Observation) Squadron 666 (Reconnaissance and Observation) Squadron Army Service Corps 874 Animal Transport Battalion Pakistan Two Pakistani soldiers received the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military gallantry award: Capt. Karnal Sher Khan, 27th Battalion, Sind Regiment: Nishan-e-Haider (posthumous) Hav. Lalak Jan, Northern Light Infantry: Nishan-e-Haider (posthumous) Impact and influence of media The Kargil War was significant for the impact and influence of the mass media on public opinion in both nations. Coming at a time of exploding growth in electronic journalism in India, the Kargil news stories and war footage were often telecast live on TV, and many websites provided in-depth analysis of the war. The conflict became the first "live" war in South Asia and it was given such detailed media coverage that one effect was the drumming up of jingoistic feelings. The conflict soon turned into a news propaganda war, in which press briefings given by government officials of each nation produced conflicting