Srinagar, July 26: As India observes the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a series of ceremonies are taking place in Drass, Ladakh, to honor the sacrifices of martyrs. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute, stating, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs and salute their bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Our heroes fought in the world’s most inhospitable terrain and triumphed over the enemy. The gallantry and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers will inspire future generations.”
The Northern Command, based in Udhampur, commemorated the bravery of soldiers through various events, posting on X, “As India commemorates the 26th #KargilVijayDiwas, the #NorthernCommand paid tribute to the unwavering courage of our soldiers through a series of poignant events.” The command highlighted activities ranging from cycling expeditions and marathons to cricket tournaments and adventurous treks, all celebrating the indomitable spirit of the armed forces.
Special ceremonies honored the Next of Kin of Kargil heroes who lost their lives in combat, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice. “These events serve as a testament to the courage, resilience, and patriotism that define our nation’s heroes,” the Northern Command stated.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi attended the celebrations in Drass. The army announced the launch of three projects, including a portal for citizens to pay ‘e-shradhanjali’ to the martyrs.
Both ministers had arrived in Kargil on Friday to participate in cultural events. This day in 1999 marked the successful completion of ‘Operation Vijay’, concluding a nearly three-month-long battle.
The Union Sports Minister led a ‘padyatra’ with over 1,000 participants, including youth volunteers, veterans, armed forces personnel, families of fallen soldiers, and civil society members, starting from Himabass Public High School and concluding at Government Higher Secondary School in Bhimbet. The approximately 1.5 km long march began at 7 a.m.
Numerous war veterans, families of heroes, and dignitaries attended the celebrations. Among the projects inaugurated is the Indus Viewpoint, allowing visitors to approach the Line of Control in Batalik. This initiative provides insights into the conditions soldiers face daily to ensure national safety.
Located 10,000 feet above sea level, Batalik was pivotal during the Kargil War due to its strategic position between Kargil, Leh, and Baltistan. The village, now a significant tourist attraction, continues to remind visitors of its historical importance.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/ladakh-drass-hosts-the-26th-kargil-vijay-diwas-remembrance-festivities-1586201
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Publish Date: 2025-07-26 11:48:00
