Drass (Ladakh): To commemorate the sacrifices and valour of the soldiers, the Indian Army is gearing up for the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Drass. Several serving and retired army personnel, Kargil War veterans and next of kin of fallen heroes are expected to take part in the event.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to participate in the commemoration ceremony in Jammu on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Singh spoke with the family members of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in Jammu.
He said, "Will remember those who laid their lives in service of the country. Our Army has always made this supreme sacrifice for the country. Several of our brave soldiers laid their lives in the 1999 war, I bow down to them."
"In 1962 China captured our area in Ladakh, with Pandit Nehru as our PM. I will not question his intentions. Intentions can be good but the same does not apply to policies. However, today's India is one of the most powerful countries in the world," added Rajnath Singh.
Also read: Kargil War: Here's how the events unfolded
The Kargil War was fought between May 8, 1999, to July 26, 1999, against Pakistan intruders, who in the winters of 1998 transgressed into the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with a nefarious aim of dominating all military and civil movement on the highway.
Braving unprecedented hardships, overcoming the hazards of near impossible terrain and severe climatic conditions, brave gallant soldiers launched valiant attacks on well-fortified defended localities with relentless valour and enthusiasm, thus attaining an astounding victory.
Despite suffering heavy casualties, the soldiers repeatedly launched daring attacks under withering artillery and small arms fire. Heroic deeds, astounding bravery and unflinching determination of our soldiers forced the enemy forces to withdraw and vacate defence emplacements during the 55-day war.
Each year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26. The preparations are underway at the sleepy town of Drass, Kargil. Vijay Diwas will be held from July 24 to 26 at the Kargil War Memorial. (ANI)
