Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday paid rich tributes to the Kargil War martyrs saluting them for their “unwavering and indomitable courage” to ensure India is safe and secure.
“The unwavering courage and patriotism of our Armed Forces have ensured that India is safe and secure,” the defence minister posted on Twitter on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the country's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War.
“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,” Singh said.
“On the 21st anniversary of Kargil Vijay, 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,” he added.
Singh, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Karambir Singh, Army Chief General MM Naravane and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria, paid tribute to the Kargil War martyrs at the National War Memorial here.
"I congratulate all Indian citizens on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sacrifices made by soldiers, which helped us win the Kargil war, will always be a source of inspiration for the armed forces," Singh told reporters.
For his part, Shah tweeted in Hindi saying, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of India’s self-respect, valour and steadfast leadership. I bow to the soldiers who with their indomitable courage drove the enemy from the inaccessible hills of Kargil and waved the tricolour there again. The country is proud of the heroes of India, who are dedicated to protecting the motherland.”
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army had announced the successful culmination of "Operation Vijay", declaring victory after the nearly three-month-long battles in the icy heights of Kargil. India lost more than 500 soldiers in the war.
The Kargil War was declared over on July 26, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back the Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks.
The day is observed as "Kargil Vijay Diwas" to commemorate India's victory in the war.