Article Posted on : - Jul 27, 2022

A PTI photo

NEW DELHI/DRAS (PTI):  President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday led the nation in paying tributes to the soldiers who fought valiantly in extreme weather conditions to defend the country's territory during the Kargil conflict.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the chiefs of the three services, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives while defending the country.

Various events were organised across the country, including at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Dras, to mark the occasion.

The Army's Northern Command in Udhampur, Tiger Division in Jammu, Sapta Shakti Command in Jaipur and other formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda also organised events including cycle rallies, motorcycle and mountain expeditions to mark the success of 'Operation Vijay'.

On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of 'Operation Vijay', declaring victory after a nearly three-month-long battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh.

The day is observed as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the war.

"Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of extraordinary bravery, valour and determination of our armed forces. I bow to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India. The country will always be indebted to them and their family members. Jai Hind," President Murmu, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, tweeted in Hindi.

Prime Minister Modi described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of pride and glory of 'Ma Bharti.

"On this occasion, I salute all the brave sons of the country who achieved the height of valour while defending the motherland. Jai Hind," he said in a tweet in Hindi.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the nation will forever remain "indebted to the martyrs of Kargil for their supreme sacrifice".

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my humble tributes to our valiant soldiers who displayed unwavering patriotism and unmatched gallantry in protecting our nation in 1999," Naidu's office quoted him as saying in a tweet.