Nation celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas

July 26: It has been 22 long years, Kargil sector which is a part of Kargil district and also termed as joint capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh, witnessed Kargil conflict fought between India and Pakistan till 26 July 1999 which started on 3 May, 1999. Gen.Ved Prakash Malik (the then Chief of the Army staff), Lt. Gen. Chandra Shekar (the then Vice Chief of the Army Staff), ACM Anil Yashwant Tipnis (the then Chief of the Air Staff) played an important role during the war under the leadership of K.R Narayanan (the then President of India) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (the then Prime Minister of India) played a pivotal role in the Kargil War. The Army declared the mission successful on July 26, 1999; since then the day has been celebrated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The victory came at a high price. The official death toll on the Indian side was 527, while that on the Pakistani side was between 357 and 453. However, as per unofficial estimates, around 4000 Pakistani militants were killed in this War. The conflict is believed to have been orchestrated by the then Pakistan army chief General Pervez Musharraf without the knowledge of the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

It began with the infiltration of both Pakistani troops and terrorists into Indian territory. The infiltrators positioned themselves in key locations that gave them a strategic advantage during the start of the conflict. Based on information from local shepherds, the Indian Army was able to ascertain the points of incursion and launched “Operation Vijay”. July 26 has been observed annually to commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers in this war.

We remember their sacrifices.

We remember their valour.

Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day.

Also sharing an excerpt from last year’s ’Mann Ki Baat.’ pic.twitter.com/jC42es8OLz

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2021

The 22nd Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, is being celebrated across the country today. The Nation is remembering its war heroes and paying tributes to Martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas. To honour the Kargil War Heroes, who laid down their life for the country, a host of events and functions are organised all over the country to commemorate the contributions of the armed forces.

Prime Minister also shared an excerpt from last year’s Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio. He said, India can never forget the circumstances under which this Kargil war was fought. Mr Modi said, their bravery motivates people every single day. In a  tweet, Indian Army said, Kargil Vijay Diwas epitomizes the Saga of Valour of our soldiers during Kargil War. The gallant soldiers of Indian Army triumphed over Pakistani invaders with undaunted courage and determination.

Writes, Rohit Chanda, student of B.Sc 2nd Semester, GC College, Silchar