Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today paid tributes to the Kargil soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. (Twitter/Rajnath Singh)
Kargil Vijay Diwas Live Updates: On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes and recalled the valour of the Indian armed forces while saying the enemy perched atop heights was defeated by brave soldiers.
Taking to Twitter earlier in the day, the prime minister said: “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations.”
During the war, the Indian Army evicted Pakistani intruders and succeeded in recapturing Tiger Hill and other posts as a part of ‘Operation Vijay’. Indian soldiers had secured this victory after a three-month conflict that led to a loss of lives from both sides — the Indian side lost nearly 490 officers, soldiers, and jawans.
In order to commemorate India’s win in the war, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated annually on July 26. However, celebrations are likely to be muted this year in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Victorious Indian Army Jawans of 18 Grenadiers after recapturing the Tiger Hill in Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir. (Express archive)
On Kargil Vijay Diwas 2020, France pays tribute to Indian armed forces. Ambassadoe of France to India Emmanuel Lenain tweets: France always stands alongside India.
Indian forces combined inspiration and strategy with valour to vanquish Pakistan during the Kargil war despite facing adverse circumstances, BJP president J P Nadda said on Sunday. He said India will forever remember the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers to secure the country's borders.
Speaking at an event on the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Nadda also stressed on the BJP's commitment to the welfare of armed forces, saying the defence sector has always received Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special focus.
Gen V P Malik (Retd) alongwith ex-servicemen during wreath laying ceremony at Maj Sandeep Sankla Memorial Sector 2, Panchkula, to pay tributes to the martyrs during Kargil Vijay Diwas on Sunday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat paid tribute at Gandhi Park in Dehradun on the 21st Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Naik Digendra Kumar served the 2nd Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles during the 1999, Kargil War before retiring in 31st July, 2005. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra on 15th August 1999, for his heroism in the battlefield.
Major Vivek Gupta of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, died in the Kargil conflict on June 12, 1999, after capturing two important posts in the Drass sector. He was flicitated with Maha Vir Chakra for his heroism at the war front.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian Army officer serving the Ladakh scouts regiment. In the 1999 Kargil War, then Major Wangchuk led an operation against Pakistani troops on Chorbat La Top, for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Major Rajesh SIngh Adhikari was an Indian Army Officer who died in the Battle of Tololing on May 30, 1999 during the Kargil War. He was awarded the gallantry honour, Maha Vir Chakra for his bravey in warfare.
Indian Army Major Padmapani Acharya of the 2nd Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, was killed by the enemy at Lone Hill on June 28, 1999, during the Kargil conflict. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his heroic act of bravery despite succumbing to injuries.
Lieutenant Keishing Clifford Nongrum of the 12th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, attained martyrdom on July 1st, 1999 while capturing Point 4812 during the Kargil War. He was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra for his chivalry in the combat operations.
Captain Anuj Nayyar was an Indian Army officer of the 17th Battalion, Jat Regiment, who laid down his life while battling at the Tiger Hill on 7th July 1999 during the Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exemplary valour during combat operations.
"I bow to the bravehearts, who, with their indomitable courage, drove the enemy from the difficult hills of Kargil and waved the tricolour there again. The country is proud of the heroes of India who are dedicated to protecting the motherland," Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind today said the country is forever grateful to soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil war to defend 'Bharat Mata'. Taking to Twitter to pay tributes to the slain soldiers on the 21st anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the war, he said 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' is a symbol of fearless determination and exceptional valour of our armed forces. "Kargil Vijay Diwas is symbol of fearless determination and exceptional valour of our armed forces. I salute the soldiers who fought the enemy and laid down their life to defend Bharat Mata. The nation is forever grateful to them and their families," said Kovind, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also paid his tributes to the soldiers at National Military Memorial Park.
On social media posts or remarks that demoralise soldiers, Modi said: "Sometimes, people forward things that are detrimental to the 'ongoing situation'. They should post things that lift the morale and spirit of Indian soldiers." "I urge all of you to visit www.gallantryaward.gov.in and read about our brave soliders," he added.
While paying his tributes to the Indian soldiers who died in action during the Kargil war, Modi said, "Friends, at that point in time, I, too, was blessed with the opportunity to go to Kargil and witness the gallantry of our jawans. That day is one of the most precious moments of my life."
The Prime Minister continued: "Twenty-one years ago on this day, our Army won the Kargil war. India was trying to have cordial relations with Pakistan but is said that it is in the nature of the wicked to have enmity with everyone for no reason. Pakistan undertook their misadventure with sinister plans to capture India's land and to divert attention from its internal conflicts."
"The the day is very special, as the war happened at a time and in a situation that nobody can forget. India wanted good relations with Pakistan, but that did not happen," Modi said.
"On behalf of our soldiers, I not only salute the soldiers of the Kargil War but also their mothers," PM Modi told the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat.