Finance
Every year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999. The day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Indian warriors during the bloody battle. Operation Vijay was the name given to the successful operation against Pakistan. It is the 24th anniversary of the Kargil War today.
On the Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers during the 1999 Kargil war. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas brings to the fore the heroic saga of those wonderful bravehearts of India, who will always remain an inspiration for the countrymen. On this special day, I bow down and salute him from the bottom of my heart. Long live India!”
On the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid wreath at Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh’s Dras to pay his tribute to soldiers who lost their life in Kargil war on Wednesday. He also visited the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ museum which was created to commemorate the Kargil soldiers.
To pay their respects, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari lay wreaths at the war memorial.
On the 24th anniversary of the conflict, four MIG 29 planes and three Cheetal helicopters from Army Aviation flew by the Kargil conflict Memorial, raining flower petals.
History of Kargil Diwas
The armed war between India and Pakistan began when Pakistani soldiers crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Jammu & Kashmir’s Kargil area (now part of the Union Territory of Ladakh). It was known as the Kargil War and lasted from May to July 1999.
Significance of the day
On this day 21 years ago, the Indian troops reclaimed all of the Indian installations that had been seized by Pakistan’s troops in Kargil. Since then, July 26 has been observed annually to memorialize soldiers’ sacrifices in this war.
Captain Vikram Batra, Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey, Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari, Major Vivek Gupta, and more gallant troops were among the 527 who lost their lives for the country.
Several events and parades are planned in their honor on this day. The major event will take place at Drass’s Kargil War Memorial.
Two-day event celebrated in Ladakh’s Dras
On Tuesday, a two-day ceremony commemorating the Kargil Vijay Diwas and the deaths of 559 soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War began in Ladakh’s Dras. The celebrations began at Dras’ Lamochen viewpoint, where battle heroes and families of fallen troops remembered the valiant martyrs.
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi was the event’s chief guest. Following that, a cultural program was held in the presence of Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande.
Pande also spoke with veterans and gallantry medal recipients at the ceremony. He helped the families of the fallen troops.
The Indian Army tweeted on Tuesday, “On the eve of #KargilVijayDiwas 2023, General Manoj Pande #COAS interacted with #Veterans, #VeerNaris, Gallantry Award Winners & Awam of #Dras & #Kargil and conveyed his gratitude. A mesmerising display of Military Bands & cultural performance showcasing rich & diverse culture of #Ladakh was also showcased during the event.”
On Tuesday evening, several persons paid their respects at the Kargil War Memorial, including the Army Chief and current and previous high army officers. Not only that, but 559 lamps were set at the Veer Bhoomi to honor the soldiers who died during ‘Operation Vijay,’ one for each soldier.
In another tweet, the Indian Army said, “General Manoj Pande #COAS paid homage to the #Bravehearts of the #KargilWar in a solemn ceremony ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at Kargil War Memorial, #Dras. Gallant heroes, #VeerNaris & various civil & military dignitaries lit 559 lamps, in honour of the fallen #Bravehearts…He interacted with the #NariSashaktikaran Women Motorcycle Rally Team and all other dignitaries present during this solemn occasion.”
The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Fusion Band then kicked off the Shaurya Sandhya celebrations with patriotic songs.
The ceremony was attended by the general public, military dignitaries, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, Kargil War Heroes, and relatives of the martyred troops.
The Kargil War was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied winter-vacated stations on the Indian side of the LoC, in violation of an unspoken agreement. The operation cost the Indian Army 527 young lives, and a commemorative celebration is organized each year in their honor.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India’s triumph over Pakistan. During the 55-day conflict, Indian soldiers’ heroic actions, incredible bravery, and unwavering determination drove Pakistan’s regular forces and irregulars to withdraw and leave defense emplacements.
Source:HT
