Kargil Vijay Diwas: India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War is celebrated during Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year . On this day in 1999, the Indian Army forced the Pakistan Army to retreat from the occupied post on the top of the mountains in the Kargil district of Ladakh.

Initially the Pakistan Army had denied thst its forces had infiltrated into Indian territory and had blamed Kashmiri terrorists. But documents obtained from casualties and statements by Pakistan’s then prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former Pakistan Army chief Pervez Musharraf proved the involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces led by General Ashraf Rashid.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated across India and in the national capital, where the Prime Minister of India pays tribute to soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year. Celebrations are also organized across the country to remember the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.

Newly-elected President Draupadi Murmu, while paying tribute to the martyrs, wrote, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of extraordinary valor, valor and determination of our armed forces. I salute all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Mother India. All the countrymen will always be indebted to them and his family members. Jai Hind!
”

On this occasion, PM Modi tweeted, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of pride and glory of Maa Bharati. On this occasion, my salute to all the brave sons of the country who have accomplished their valor in the defense of the motherland. Jai Hind!”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote in memory of the martyrs, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, India salutes the bravery, courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. He fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to protect our motherland.Their valor and indomitable spirit will always be etched as a defining moment in the history of India.

”

To remember the sacrifice and valour of the soldiers, the Indian Army is gearing up for the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. Several serving and retired military personnel, Kargil War veterans and families of martyrs are expected to participate in the event.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to participate in the commemoration ceremony of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Jammu. Rajnath Singh spoke to the family members of the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Jammu.

He said, “I will remember those who laid down their lives in the service of the country. Our army has always made this supreme sacrifice for the country. Many of our brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 war, I bow to them.”