The Kargil war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil.
The Indian Army, on July 26, paid tribute to the martyred soldiers to mark the 21st anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war and saluted their “courage, valour and sacrifice.”
The Kargil war was declared over on July 26 in 1999 after Indian soldiers had pushed back Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks in Kargil.
The country lost more than 500 soldiers in the war. The day is observed as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory.
26 July immortalised as #KargilVijayDiwas is a saga of Glorious Victory of the Nation during Kargil Conflict in May-July 1999. #IndianArmy #Salutes the undaunted courage, indomitable valour & sacrifice of our heroes.#CourageInKargil pic.twitter.com/OzfyF2IxtM
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 26, 2020
Earlier, the Indian Army recalled the daring attack at Zulu top in Muskoh Valley which ultimately lead to the success of 'Operation Vijay' on July 25, 1999.
"The Indian Army launched a daring attack at Zulu Top in Muskoh Valley. Undaunted courage and unflinching determination of our troops led to the successful capture of the objective," the army posted on Twitter.
25 July 1999
‘Operation Vijay’#IndianArmy launched a daring attack at Zulu Top in #Muskohvalley. Undaunted #courage and unflinching #determination of our troops led to successful capture of the objective.#21YearsOfKargil pic.twitter.com/74o8KRgBQm
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 25, 2020
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes on the occasion at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Along with the defence minister, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh also paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the valour of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War, saying enemy perched atop heights was defeated by brave soldiers during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address on the day.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced that a grand war memorial named 'Pancham Dham' will be built here to honour martyrs from the state.
"The grand war memorial named 'Pancham Dham' will be built in the memory of our martyrs," Rawat told reporters.
"A piece of land has already been identified in the city for the purpose. We have not been able to lay its foundation stone due to coronavirus pandemic but it'll be done soon,” added the chief minister.
(With inputs from PTI)