26 Jul Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of unparalleled courage, valor of brave sons of Mother India: PM Modi
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation’s pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation.”
President Droupadi Murmu also paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
“On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens,” she posted on X.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the sacrifices made during the Kargil War a “timeless reminder” of the Indian Armed Forces’ unwavering resolve.
“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation’s honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service,” Singh wrote.Union Home Minister Amit Shah referred to the day as an “unforgettable saga of victory.”“Kargil Vijay Diwas is an unforgettable day of pride and the saga of victory for our nation’s brave soldiers. In 1999, our soldiers, through Operation Vijay, brought the enemy to their knees, setting an indelible example of indomitable courage and valour. On this occasion, I pay tribute to all those brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of the motherland. The nation will forever remain indebted to your sacrifice and dedication,” he posted on X.
Families of Fallen Soldiers Gather in Drass
On the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families of army personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice gathered at Lamochen Viewpoint in Drass to honour the heroes of the Kargil War. The solemn event, marked by emotional tributes and personal stories, served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
Rajesh, the brother of a soldier who died during the battle for Tiger Hill, shared a poignant story: “My brother lost his life while serving the nation in the line of action at Tiger Hill. When we got news about the war, we wrote a letter to him, but he told us he wasn’t involved in the action. After reading his diary, we learned he was in the war and lied to keep us from worrying. He wrote that he felt he wouldn’t come down the hill and handed his diary to a friend before going up.”
Surekha Shinde, whose brother served in the army for five years before the war, said: “I feel proud coming to this place, and I thank the army for this invitation.”
Remembering Operation Vijay
India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on July 26, marking the day in 1999 when Indian forces successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming strategic posts from Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector.
The Kargil War is remembered not just for its military achievements but also for India’s diplomatic and strategic restraint. Despite grave provocation, the conflict was kept limited to the Kargil-Siachen sector, and India refrained from crossing international borders.
The war lasted more than 60 days and officially ended on July 26, 1999, with India regaining control over key outposts that had been treacherously occupied during the winter.
Operation Safed Sagar: IAF’s Role
The Indian Air Force played a decisive role through Operation Safed Sagar, which began on May 26, 1999. It marked the first large-scale use of air power in Kashmir since 1971. According to the IAF, the operation proved that air power could significantly influence the outcome of battle without violating international boundaries.