President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid solemn tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas observed across the country on Saturday.
In a message posted on X, President Murmu said, “On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our motherland. This day stands as a symbol of the extraordinary valour, courage, and unwavering determination of our troops.” She added that their dedication and supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire every citizen of the country. “Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” she concluded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the nation on the occasion, stating that Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the “unparalleled courage and valour” displayed by the soldiers during the conflict. “This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valor of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation’s pride,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his tribute, honoured the unmatched bravery of the Indian soldiers who fought under extremely challenging conditions. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation’s honour in the toughest of terrains,” he posted. He further stated that their sacrifice serves as a timeless testament to the unshakeable resolve of the Indian Armed Forces. “India shall remain forever indebted to their service,” Singh added.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage, expressing gratitude to the martyrs and their families. “On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians,” he said. “The Indians bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind.”
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War. It marks the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, which led to the eviction of Pakistani forces from Indian territory in the Kargil sector of Ladakh.
Initially, the Pakistani military denied any involvement in the incursion, attributing the conflict to Kashmiri militants. However, evidence including documents recovered from casualties, statements from captured personnel, and later acknowledgements from Pakistani leaders, confirmed the direct role of the Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces under the command of General Ashraf Rashid.
(With IANS inputs)