The nation on Tuesday paid tributes to the bravehearts on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of Kargil victory with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailing the armed forces personnel who fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to defend the country’s territory during the conflict in 1999.
The Rajya Sabha observed silence for a brief while to pay respects to the martyrs of the Kargil war with Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu saying their valour will continue to inspire generations. When the House met for the day, Naidu said this July 26 marked the 23rd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas – the day in 1999 when Indian soldiers threw out enemy forces occupying peaks of Kargil. This resulted "in a momentous victory for our country", he said. "The exemplary courage, selfless dedication, and unflinching determination displayed by our soldiers in adverse conditions will always be remembered.
"Their unparalleled valour and gallantry will continue to inspire generations after generations to dedicate themselves to the cause of the nation," Naidu said. Rajnath said the act of valour and indomitable spirit by the armed forces would remain etched forever as a defining moment in India's history. "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, India salutes the bravery, courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. They fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to defend our motherland. Their act of valour and indomitable spirit will remain etched forever as a defining moment in India's history," he tweeted.
To mark the day, Rajnath, minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and IAF Chief VR Chaudhari laid wreath at National War Memorial here.
In a message in the visitors’ book of National War Memorial, Rajnath recalled the valour and sacrifices of the Armed Forces personnel during the war, which protected the unity and integrity of the Nation.“The Nation will forever be grateful to the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces. With their memories in our hearts, we will keep energising ourselves and continue to move forward on the path of nation building,” he wrote.
Various events, remembering the fallen heroes of the Kargil war, were organised across the country, including at Kargil War Memorial in Dras to mark this momentous occasion.
During the Kargil conflict, the gallant soldiers of the Indian Army, with the help of Indian Air Force, overcame insurmountable odds, hostile terrain and inclement weather to win against the enemy that had occupied dominating heights.