Article Posted on : - Jul 26, 2016

Army Commander, Northern Command Lt Gen D S Hooda paying tributes at the Kargil war memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Photo: PTI.

DRASS, KARGIL (PTI): The Chief of Northern Army Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda on Tuesday paid homage to the soldiers, who laid down their lives during the Kargil war in 1999, at the war memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass sector.

Lt Gen Hooda paid homage to the martyrs of 'Operation Vijay' on the 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the historic War Memorial in Drass today, the Defence spokesman said.

Celebrations to commemorate the victory of Indian troops over Pakistani intruders in the 1999 war, started with great fervour and enthusiasm under the aegis of Leh Corps on July 21.

Hooda was accompanied by General Officer Commanding of Ladakh-based Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen S K Patyal, the spokesman said, adding, he also interacted with the 'veer naaris' (wives of the slain soldiers), awardees and relatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Hooda paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices and expressed his gratitude to the slain soldiers, their next of kins and wives.

A memorial service which included prayers by religious teachers and lighting of lamps was organised at the War memorial last evening.

The week long celebrations, ending on Tuesday, included many events involving the local citizens, especially the youth and children from Drass and Kargil regions.

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on Monday paid homage to the soldiers, who laid down their lives during the Kargil war in 1999, at the war memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras sector.

"Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, paid homage to the martyrs of Operation Vijay at the historic war memorial at Dras on Monday," a defence spokesman said.

The Army Chief was accompanied by General officer Commanding in Chief of Northern Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda and General Officer Commanding of Ladakh-based Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen S K Patyal, the spokesman said.

Gen Singh also interacted with the wives and the relatives of the slain soldiers.

The army is celebrating the 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory in the war against Pakistan.