As 2023 marks the 24th anniversary of India's gallant victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan, a two-day event to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas and commemorate the martyrdom of the 559 soldiers kicked-started in Ladakh on Tuesday.
The celebrations begin at Lamochen view point where war heroes and families of fallen soldiers remembered the brave souls.
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached the venue and paid homage to Kargil war heroes.
After paying homage, Singh was speaking at the Kargil War Memorial where he said that Kargil war was imposed on India.
"We were backstabbed by Pakistan... the war was imposed on India. I salute our brave sons who put the country first and sacrificed their lives," he said.
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The minister further said, "Whenever there has been a war situation, our public has always supported the forces but that support has been indirect. I urge the public to be ready to support the soldiers directly in the battlefield if the need arises."
"We can go to any extreme to maintain the honour and dignity of the country... if that includes crossing the LoC, we are ready to do that," he said.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil war.
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"Kargil Vijay Diwas brings to the fore the bravery of India's unparalleled warriors who will always remain a source of inspiration to the people of the country, the prime minister said in a tweet in Hindi.Jai Hind," Modi tweeted.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, "Today, on the glorious occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, all the countrymen remember the victory achieved by the extraordinary valor of our armed forces. On behalf of a grateful nation, I pay tribute and bow to the memory of the fighters who paved the way for victory by sacrificing their lives to protect the country. Their heroic stories will always inspire generations to come. Jai Hind!."
Yesterday, tributes were offered at the Kargil War Memorial. The Army chief, many current and former top army officers were also present on the occasion.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande interacted with veterans, 'Veer Naris', gallantry award recipients and locals in Ladakh's Drass and conveyed his gratitude on the eve of the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of "Operation Vijay", declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle at the icy heights of Kargil, including super-high-altitude locations, such as Tololing and Tiger Hill.
“On the eve of #KargilVijayDiwas 2023, General Manoj Pande #COAS interacted with #Veterans, #VeerNaris, Gallantry Award Winners and Awam of #Dras and #Kargil and conveyed his gratitude. A mesmerising display of military bands and cultural performances showcasing the rich and diverse culture of #Ladakh was also showcased during the event. #IndianArmy," the Army tweeted on Tuesday.
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The Army has also been putting up posts on its social media handles to mark the 24th anniversary of the occasion.
"A solemn remembrance..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 and various civil and military dignitaries lit 559 lamps, in honour of the fallen #Bravehearts," the Army said in another tweet.
"General Manoj Pande #COAS also felicitated the #Veterans, Gallant Heroes of the Kargil War and the family members of the fallen Heroes. He interacted with the #NariSashaktikaran Women Motorcycle Rally Team and all other dignitaries present during this solemn occasion. #IndianArmy #KargilVijayDiwas," the Army said in a following tweet.
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The Kargil War saw soldiers of the Indian armed forces fight in the most challenging terrain under harsh weather conditions leading to the defeat of the enemy in Drass, Kargil and Batalik sectors.
