Observing the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay, India's defence minister Rajanath said Kargil Vijay Diwas is indeed the celebration of India's proud tradition of outstanding Military service, exemplary valour and sacrifice.
The day commemorates the success of "Operation Vijay" launched by the Indian Army to recapture the Indian territories from Pakistani intruders in the Kargil-Drass sector in 1999. The War took place between May 3 and July 26, 1999, in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC). Kargil was the first war between India and Pakistan after 1971.
The defence minister said, "The unwavering courage and patriotism of our Armed Forces have ensured that India is safe and secure".
While the 60-day long war resulted in the loss of 527 Indian soldiers. India eventually won the war by regaining control of all the previously held territory, re-establishing the status quo ante-bellum. The war took place despite the two nations signing the Shimla Agreement that stated that no armed conflict shall take place on the said boundary.
Commending the Indian soldiers, the minister said, "I would like to salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who fought the enemy under the most challenging conditions that the world had witnessed in the recent history," adding, "I am also grateful to those who despite becoming disabled in battle, continue to serve the country in their own ways and have set examples worthy of emulation by the Nation".
To honour the Kargil War's Heroes, who laid down their life for the country, a host of events and functions are organised all over the country to commemorate the contributions of the armed forces.
