As India on Tuesday commemorated 23 years of its victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers in his government paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi. "Operation Vijay" was the name given to India's war against Pakistan after it had occupied the high outposts in Kargil.
After fighting for more than 60 days, it was on July 26, 1999, that India regained command over the occupied outposts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a video, featuring snippets of the Kargil War, to celebrate the courage of our soldiers. “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory for India. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valour in the defence of the motherland.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has marked the day with a note dedicated to the “armed forces”. He wrote, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, India salutes the bravery, courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. They fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to defend our motherland. Their act of valour & indomitable spirit will remain etched forever as a defining moment in India's history.”
Indian Army, in his Kargil Vijay Diwas post, said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a reminiscence of undaunted bravery and courage of the Bravehearts who inscribed a golden chapter in history, with their blood and sacrifice. They gave a befitting reply to the enemy's misadventure and a resounding victory to India.”
Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a “symbol of the indomitable courage and valour of the Indian Armed Forces.”
He went on to add, “ With their bravery, I salute the soldiers who raised the tricolour again after driving out the enemies from Kargil.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also extended his heartfelt tribute to “every fighter who laid down his life for the country.”
The Government Of India, under “Operation Vijay”, had mobilised two lakh troops. During the course of the war, 527 soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces sacrificed their lives.
In memory of the Bravehearts, the Indian Army built the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, which is five kilometres from Tiger Hill.
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