President Murmu and PM Modi Lead Tributes on 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas

New Delhi:

On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the nation in paying heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. The day commemorates India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the high-altitude conflict, which came to an end on 26 July 1999 with the successful culmination of ‘Operation Vijay’.

Marking the solemn occasion, President Murmu stated, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of our soldiers’ unparalleled courage, valour and sacrifice. We remember and honour the heroes who defended our motherland with unwavering dedication. The nation is forever indebted to them.”

Prime Minister Modi also paid homage through a message on social media platform X, writing, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the bravery of our armed forces who fearlessly protected our nation during the Kargil War. Their sacrifice continues to inspire every Indian. Jai Hind!”

The main commemorative events were held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath in tribute to the fallen soldiers. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, along with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, were present to honour the memory of the martyrs. Veterans of the Kargil War, families of the deceased soldiers, and members of the armed forces also gathered to pay their respects.

In his address at Dras, Defence Minister Singh said, “Kargil was not just a battle won on the icy heights, but a demonstration of India’s political and military resolve. The bravery shown by our soldiers then continues to be the cornerstone of India’s defence spirit.”

In May 1999 Operation Vijay was launched following the detection of Pakistani encroachment around the line of control in Kargil. During the period of almost three months the Indian Army waged a hard uphill action in a treacherous terrain to retake important positions. The Indian forces had regained all the significant posts by 26 July effectively bringing the conflict to its end. There were 527 martyrs of Indian soldiers in the operation and over 1,300 injured.

There were a lot of activities organised to commemorate the day which include memorial runs, exhibitions and patriotic performances held all over the country. Schools and defences, conducted talks, tributes to ensure that the stories of handlings of valour showed by the heroes in Kargil remained alive.

The Indian armed forces as well presented rare archival material, photographs and interviews related to the period when the war was taking place which helps to underline the importance of the victory and the feeling of national solidarity people experienced during those times.

Kargil Vijay Day stands among the most touching moment of sacrifice made so that the sovereignty of the country could be secured and the day still evokes admiration of generations within India.