July 26, 2021 marks the 22nd year since India’s victory
over Pakistan in Kargil. Every year, the day is observed to remember and honour
the sacrifices made by martyrs to protect the nation.
The war started in May 1999 when the Pakistani Army
intruded into Indian territories in the Dras sector of Kargil district in Jammu
and Kashmir. The Indian Army launched an epic offensive titled ‘Operation Vijay’
and reclaimed all outposts captured by Pakistani forces.
Over 500 Indian soldiers were martyred in the war.
Monday saw the entire country come together to pay homage to the martyrs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to
all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery
motivates us every single day.
Congress leader Rahul
Gandhi also paid homage to the Kargil martyrs.
BJP leader Jyotiraditya
Scindia paid tribute to the soldiers and said that it was there sacrifice that
led India to gain military supremacy in the region.
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan tweeted:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also tweeted her message of remembrance. “India will forever remain indebted to these bravehearts,” Banerjee said.
Meanwhile, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind could not visit Drass on Monday to pay homage to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas as bad weather prevailed.
This is the second time in three years that the President could not fly to Dras for the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.
