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Kargil Vijay Diwas: India pays homage to heroes of 1999 War, wreaths laid on martyrs
Defence minister Rajnath Singh paid his tribute to the martyrs of the war and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
India is observing the 23rd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Tuesday (July 26) that commemorates the country's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. The battle between the nuclear-armed nations was fought in Kargil district of Ladakh and elsewhere along the Line of Control in 1999. It was also the first televised war viewed extensively across the country.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh paid his tribute to the martyrs of the war and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi. The three service chiefs – Army chief General Manoj Pande, Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari – also paid their respects by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in line of duty. He said Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory for the country as he saluted the soldiers for fighting bravely for their motherland.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory of Maa Bharati. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valor in the defense of the motherland. Jai Hind!,” he said in a tweet.
Droupadi Murmu, who took oath as the President of India on Monday, said the day symbolises the extraordinary valour of the armed forces, and people will always be indebted to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country.
"Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of extraordinary valour, might and determination of our armed forces. I bow to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India. All the countrymen will always be indebted to him and his family members. Jai Hind!" Murmu tweeted.
Union home minister Amit Shah also paid his respects and wrote, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the indomitable courage and valour of the Indian Armed Forces. Today is a day to be proud as well as to honor and remember the valor of our soldiers.”
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha paid his homage to the heroes of Kargil war on the eve of Vijay Diwas. “I salute the valour and courage of our immortal heroes who fought till their last breath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of our great Nation, and recaptured territory of our motherland in Kargil from the enemy," he said.
The Indian Army has been preparing to commemorate the day at the Kargil War Memorial. It will be attended by dignitaries from the army and civil administration as well as gallantry awardees and their families.
A wreath-laying ceremony is also being held at Balidan Stambh in Jammu to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the war.
What happened in 1999
In 1991, India had launched Operation Vijay to clear the posts in the high-altitude Kargil sector, which was occupied by Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants on the Indian side of the Line of Control.
The war fought between India and Pakistan raged between May and July in Kargil and took about three months for the Indian forces to recapture the post.
