Every year on July 26, India remembers Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrating the end of the Kargil War in 1999. This day honors India’s victory over Pakistan and pays tribute to the soldiers who faced Pakistani infiltrators and many challenges to secure victory in Kargil.
The conflict began when infiltrators from Pakistan crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and seized strategic heights in Ladakh’s Kargil district. Initially believed to be jihadists when first reported to the Indian Army on May 3, the true extent of the invasion revealed itself in the following weeks, leaving no doubt about the involvement of the Pakistani state.
From mid-May to July, Indian forces gradually regained crucial positions from Pakistani forces despite suffering heavy casualties. The Army declared the complete withdrawal of all Pakistani regular and irregular troops from Kargil on July 26. Official records reported Indian casualties at 527 killed, 1,363 wounded, and one Prisoner of War (Flt Lt K Nachiketa, whose MiG-27 was downed during a strike operation).
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Kargil significance
In addition to well-armed enemy infiltrators receiving continuous support from Pakistani shelling, the harsh conditions of Kargil posed significant challenges. As noted by M P Acosta, a US Army officer in his dissertation “High Altitude Warfare: The Kargil Conflict and the Future” (2003), “The high altitude environment dictated the character of the conflict and influenced how the campaign unfolded.”
Valour & Sacrifice
On this day, we honor the unwavering love and sacrifice of soldiers for our nation. Through their courage and dedication, these brave individuals demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding our homeland. Their exceptional acts of valor and steadfast resilience truly define them as heroes.
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Capitan Manoj Kumar Pandey
Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (Param Vir Chakra, posthumous) was born on June 25, 1975, in a village in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. According to his father, Manoj had joined the army with the aim of being honored with the Param Vir Chakra one day. His dream was fulfilled after his demise. During the Kargil War, Captain Pandey’s team was tasked with clearing enemy soldiers.
1. Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra, posthumous) was born on September 9, 1974, in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, to Giridhari Lal Batra and Kamla Kant. His father was a principal at a government school, while his mother was a teacher. Captain Vikram Batra belonged to the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. On June 5, 1999, his battalion was deployed to Dras, Jammu and Kashmir. At that time, Vikram Batra held the rank of Lieutenant. During the war, he played a crucial role in liberating Peak 5140 from Pakistani occupation. He famously chose the slogan ‘Yeh dil maange more!’ as his success signal during the mission.
2. Major Rajesh Adhikari
Major Rajesh Adhikari of the 18 Grenadiers led a mission to seize a bunker at Tololing. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he displayed unwavering determination and continued fighting until his last breath. His extraordinary bravery earned him the Maha Vir Chakra.
3. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar
Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of the 13 JAK Rifles displayed exceptional bravery, continuing to fight despite sustaining multiple injuries at Point 4875. His courageous actions earned him the Param Vir Chakra.
4. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was born on May 10, 1980, in Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. He is the youngest person to be honored with the Param Vir Chakra. Naib Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, born to Karn Singh Yadav and Santara Devi, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra in August 1999. His battalion, the 12 Grenadiers, captured Tololing Top on June 12, 1999. During this operation, 2 officers, 2 junior commissioned officers, and 21 soldiers were martyred.
5. Lieutenant Balwan Singh
Lieutenant Balwan Singh (Maha Vir Chakra) was born in October 1973 in the Rohtak district of Haryana. On July 2, 1999, Lieutenant Balwan Singh was tasked to lead his Ghatak Platoon in a direct confrontation with the enemy on Tiger Hill from the northeast direction. This was a crucial part of India’s military strategy. Situated at an altitude of 16,500 feet, it was a challenging objective. Despite having served only three months in the army, this young soldier led his team through an extremely arduous journey lasting more than 12 hours to reach their position.
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