Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and senior military officers on Sunday paid solemn tributes to the nation’s bravehearts at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, marking the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The sun shone bright over the Dras Valley as Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the memorial, offering homage to the fallen heroes. Before him, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Army Chief General Seth, and Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, along with other senior officers, also laid wreaths in remembrance.

Three helicopters in arrowhead formation, led by an advanced light helicopter and followed by two Cheetals, showered floral petals over the memorial, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

The Defence Minister, who arrived in Dras on Saturday, was the chief guest at the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’, the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial.

On Saturday evening, despite rain in Dras, the Army hosted a ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the memorial. The event honoured the indomitable courage displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay in 1999 and paid rich tributes to those who laid down their lives.

Rajnath Singh participated in the event and handed a ceremonial ‘kalash’ to family members of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Kargil conflict.

The Army is conducting a series of commemorative events to mark the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay.

The occasion recalls the glorious victory in 1999 when Indian soldiers, braving snow-clad peaks and relentless firing by Pakistani troops, reclaimed the heights of Kargil.

Operation Vijay was the name given to India’s limited war after infiltration by Pakistani forces.

Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on 26 July 1999, when Indian troops successfully recaptured the territory.

Additional details highlight that the Kargil War was fought at altitudes ranging from 16,000 to 20,000 feet under extreme weather conditions. Soldiers endured freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain while carrying out daring assaults to reclaim positions. The war lasted over two months and resulted in India regaining control of all infiltrated areas.

The annual Vijay Diwas ceremonies serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and reinforce the nation’s commitment to honouring their legacy.

Agencies