Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honoring the Bravery of Martyrs in Ladakh
Commemorating the Sacrifice of Kargil Heroes
Srinagar, July 26: As the nation observes the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, numerous events are taking place in Drass, Ladakh this Saturday.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil conflict, stating, “On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, I express my deepest respect for our martyrs and commend their bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Our heroes triumphed in one of the most challenging terrains globally, defeating the enemy. The valor and ultimate sacrifice of our soldiers will continue to inspire future generations.”
The Northern Command of the Army, based in Udhampur, honored its brave soldiers by sharing on social media, “As India marks the 26th #KargilVijayDiwas, the #NorthernCommand commemorated the steadfast bravery of our soldiers through various heartfelt events.”
They further noted that activities ranged from cycling expeditions and marathons to cricket tournaments and adventurous treks, all aimed at celebrating the indomitable spirit of the armed forces.
“Special ceremonies were conducted to honor the Next of Kin of Kargil heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, recognizing their bravery and resilience. These events highlight the courage and patriotism that characterize our nation's heroes,” they added.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, along with MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, are set to participate in the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Drass today.
On this day, the army will also launch three projects in the Kargil district, including a portal for citizens to pay ‘e-shradhanjali’ to the martyrs.
Both union ministers arrived in Kargil on Friday and took part in cultural events and other activities.
This date marks the anniversary of the successful conclusion of ‘Operation Vijay’ in 1999, which declared victory after a nearly three-month-long conflict.
The Union Sports Minister led a ‘padyatra’ today, which included over 1,000 youth volunteers, veterans, armed forces personnel, families of fallen soldiers, and members of civil society.
The 1.5 km long 'padyatra' began at 7 a.m. from Himabass Public High School grounds in Drass and ended at the Government Higher Secondary School grounds in Bhimbet.
Today's celebrations in Drass are attended by war veterans, families of war heroes, and numerous dignitaries.
The Indus Viewpoint is one of the projects inaugurated today, allowing visitors to approach the Line of Control in the Batalik sector. This initiative aims to provide insight into the conditions faced by soldiers, highlighting the challenges and dangers they encounter daily to ensure national safety.
Situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet, Batalik was a critical location during the Kargil war due to its strategic position between Kargil, Leh, and Baltistan.
This small village in the Indus River valley has now evolved into a significant tourist destination.